Cat Hair Loss Patches Explained

Cat hair loss could be a result of both mild and severe illnesses. Your cat's vet will conduct a thorough physical examination and ask you for signs or symptoms to obtain an appropriate diagnosis. Very often allergies cause hair loss because they make your cat itch or bite their skin.

Cats suffering from any of these following potential causes, diseases or infections will exhibit other symptoms along with hair loss. Cat owners need to carefully observe the cat's behavior and notice signs of lethargy, increased thirst, nodules on the neck, or excessive itching.

Lack of Nutrition

Cat food should contain a high level of protein. A combination of both dry and wet cat food works best if your cat doesn't drink enough water daily. Dietary supplements could also be given to make up for essential fatty acids and minerals. Cats that lack proper diets have low immune systems and easily contract diseases that cause hair loss.

Parasite Infection

Ringworms and mites cause excessive itching in cats. Ringworm infection is a fungal infection that causes loss of hair in patches on the ears, head and body. Often the ringworm clears up without medical intervention. Treatment options include lotions and tablets.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs due to a hormonal imbalance in the cat. Due to the imbalance, the skin becomes dry and crusty and hair falls out in patches or clumps.

Hyperthyroidism

This is the most common cause of feline hair loss. Cats suffering from hyperthyroidism will have visible weight loss and skin lesions. Hyperthyroidism can be cured with radioactive iodine therapy.

Atopy

Cats are allergic to pollens and allergens like dust, smoke and tree pollen. This causes redness and itching around the ears and feet. The cat will excessively lick and bite the skin which eventually leads to hair loss.

Alopecia

Cat hair goes through periods of growth and shedding. The endocrine system controls the functioning of hormones. If an imbalance exists, the growth of hair is scanty. Hormone therapy is used to treat this condition. Visible signs of endocrine alopecia include bald patches in certain areas of the body.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Fleas suck on a cat's blood to thrive. Cats develop an allergy to the flea saliva and their skin will show signs of redness, crusts and scales, and hair loss. The vet will recommend cat flea medication and overall cleanliness to keep fleas away.

Neurogenic Dermatitis

Hair loss due to neurgenic dermatitis occurs when your cat excessively licks her hair. Neurogenic dermatitis or psychogenic alopecia triggers hair loss in patches. Cats are known to bite, chew or pull out chunks of hair. Reasons for neurogenic dermatitis in cats include:

  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Boredom
  • Fear and nervousness

Cushing's Disease

Cats may also experience hair loss as a result of Cushing's disease or hyperadrenocorticism. It's caused by an increase in corticosteroids in the body. Although hair loss may occur anywhere in the body, it's more common on the mid to the lower abdominal area.

Watch for symptoms in your pet. The vet will conduct a blood test to check for improper functioning of the organs. The treatment may include tablets and dietary changes. Once the disease is completely cured the hair loss will stop.

 

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