Cat Health: Hair Loss
Your cat's fur can be its crowning glory, or an indication or a health problem. Just like in people, our eyes, skin, nails and hair are good indicators of our overall health. With cat health, hair loss can be due to a variety of things, some of which are minor, but at times it can be a symptom of a serious health issue and should not be ignored.
One of the reasons a cat may be showing signs of hair loss is because he has allergies. Allergies may cause the cat to obsessively lick himself in certain areas, usually on the stomach or on the inside of his hind legs. He may also be scratching and biting himself in these areas. This is usually due to an allergy to mites or other parasites, which are irritating his skin. Sometimes the cat will lick, scratch and chew the area so much that it becomes ulcerated. Your vet can advise you as to how to get rid of the parasites from both your cat and its surroundings.
Allergies may cause bald patches or hair loss in your cat. Food allergies may cause your cat to scratch and itch himself, resulting in hair loss. Another type of allergy, which affects the skin and can lead to fur loss is a condition known as Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex. With this allergy, scabs are also often present.
Cat hair loss can be caused by a hormonal imbalance. This can result in the cat losing fur in various spots on his body, while the fur on the rest of his body is unaffected. Your vet may recommend hormone therapy to resolve this and restore his system back to normal.
Ringworm can also cause hair loss in cats. Despite its name, ringworm is actually a fungus, not a worm. It is very contagious. Not all cats with ringworm will have outer signs, but hair loss due to ringworm usually occurs in a circular pattern on its body, head, and ears. Ringworm is typically treated with a topical medication.
Another cause of hair loss in your cats, just as in humans, can be due to stress or anxiety. Cats are very sensitive to any changes in their environment, and can become stressed when their normal routine is interrupted or something changes in their surroundings. A new baby in the home, rearranging the furniture, or a change in your schedule can cause stress.
They may groom themselves excessively when stressed as a way to comfort themselves and thus relieve their anxiety. If this is temporary it is usually not problematic, but if it becomes chronic it can lead to hair loss and other problems. If you can determine the source of your cat's anxiety you may be able to alleviate the problem by eliminating the source. However, if your cat is prone to stress regularly, your veterinarian may prescribe medication to help the symptoms.
It is always best to consult with your vet when you notice any cat health hair loss issues. Your vet can diagnose the problem and determine the best way to treat it.