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There's also a higher risk of the infection taking hold if your cat's immune system has been compromised, such as from illness or medical treatment. It's natural to always want your cat's coat to look healthy and glossy, which is why it can be problematic to see them suffering with hair loss. While some shedding of hair is completely natural, too much hair loss can be a signal that your cat has a more serious issue. Frequent check-ups to detect diseases in the cat’s skin will help the early identification of any problems that may trigger alopecia. This is a very contagious disease, caused by fungi that live in the cells of the outer layer of the skin. In this case, what you should do is to identify the causes of feline stress or anxiety to be able to modify the situation.
Is There a Way to Stop My Cat from Losing So Much Hair?
A deshedding tool can also help remove excess fur from your cat’s coat. Make sure you use the correct brush for your cat’s coat type, as this will ensure that all the dead hair is removed. If anxiety is an issue for your cat, there are ways to reduce their anxiety levels, such as by providing them with a safe environment and engaging them in playtime activities. Carefully inspect your cat for fleas, mites, rashes, redness, bumps, or scabs that could indicate a skin infection. This disease is caused by a reaction to flea saliva and is common in cats aged 3 to 6 years.
Fungal or Parasitic Causes
When left untreated, hair loss in cats can spread and underlying skin problems may worsen. Yes, there are several causes of hair loss in cats, including overgrooming, stress, and medical issues. We cover the more common conditions below, but this is hardly a complete list.
Why is my cat getting bald spots?
Visit your vet, who'll be able to identify the cause of your cat's hair loss and the best possible solution. Vitamin A and vitamin E are also vital in keeping your cat's coat healthy and preventing hair loss; these regulate cell growth and act as natural antioxidants. A deficiency of these can result in problems with how your cat produces the main component of hair, keratin.
Emotional and Behavioral issues
If your cat is losing hair, it’s essential to identify the cause so they can receive the right care. Fortunately, many of these issues can be managed with proper veterinary care and lifestyle modifications. Even if they have no other underlying conditions, cats who are bored or anxious can turn to over-grooming.
Regular tick and flea control medication is another important step to keep your cat healthy and rule those pests out as a possible reason for hair loss. Most importantly, be sure to bring your cat to the vet for annual checkups. Since feline alopecia is a symptom of other health issues, cats experiencing hair loss should see a veterinarian who can perform tests to determine the cause. Your cat may have physical conditions that lead to hair loss, or behavioral problems that can be managed with lifestyle changes. Your vet might also take hair samples or scrape a little sample of your cat’s skin to test for ringworm and other parasites.
Talk with your veterinarian if your pet could be affected by any of these. If there is still no obvious reason for your cat’s feline alopecia at the end of your vet’s investigation, you may be referred to a veterinary dermatologist or allergist. The sooner you insure your pet, the more protection you’ll have from unexpected vet costs. If you’re not sure if the hair loss is seasonal shedding, try giving your cat a bath.
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It can be even more perplexing to find that this patch is seemingly only on their tail, especially if you haven’t noticed any changes in their behavior. Cats are secretive creatures and often hide any causes of illness or injury from their owners. You should also talk to your vet about giving your cat supplements to help with hair loss.
Is It Normal for My Cat to Have Hair Falling Out in Clumps?
There are tests available to help you identify what exactly could be causing the allergic reaction in your cat, but these are usually costly. Check with your veterinarian and insurance provider to see if they cover allergy tests. Cats can get stressed for various reasons – a change in routine, a move to a new home, the arrival of a new pet or baby, etc. When stressed, cats may start over-grooming themselves as a way to cope.
Your vet can perform a physical exam and run tests to determine the underlying cause of your cat’s hair loss. Certain medications, like anti-parasitic or anti-inflammatory drugs, may cause hair loss in cats. If you recently started your cat on a new medication and notice that it’s losing fur, talk to your vet about switching to another drug or changing the dosage. To help your cat get rid of ringworm, look for topical ointments or shampoos that contain antifungal ingredients.
Ringworm is actually a fungal infection that produces circular patches of hair loss as the fungus infects the hair shafts. It is generally treated with various dips or oral medications, but some vets also recommend shaving the infected cat completely to help control the fungus. Once the ringworm fungus is gone, the hair should regrow, but know it may take several weeks or even months. As the most common endocrine disorder that older felines experience, hyperthyroidism is a leading cause of feline hair loss. Cats with this disease usually lose hair in patches, and they may shed excessively. Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, greasy or unkempt hair, excessive thirst and urination, increased vocalization or activity, and insatiable appetite.
Known as psychogenic alopecia, this is a behavioral issue in which the cat obsessively licks and scratches due to compulsion and anxiety. Most cats that suffer from anxiety tend to overgroom their belly, sides, and back of their legs, but the tail could also be a target. Changing diets and applying ointments can help relieve these symptoms. Your veterinarian can provide further guidance based on your specific cat’s situation. A cat can develop allergies to its food at any age, and the reaction can include a rash from developing on it’s skin.
Cats need a balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to stay healthy. A lack of one of these nutrients can lead to health problems, including hair loss. If parasites are the issue, your cat may need to be treated with anti-parasitic medication. And if your cat has a skin condition, it may need medication or a special shampoo. As a result, their hair may fall out in clumps, which often scares cat owners. So let’s see the reason why your cat’s hair may be falling out in excessive amounts.
However, excessive grooming can lead to hair loss and other side effects. The best way to avoid hair loss caused by a poor diet is to feed your cat a healthy food from the onset. Some veterinarians warn that fish-based foods may lead to hyperthyroidism; however, this is generally only the case with very low end foods. This is another cause of hair loss in cats related to psychological problems, such as anxiety. When the stressful situation for the animal prolongs over time, or is very intense, then it can cause the normal hair cycle to be interrupted. Alopecia is the term used to describe widespread hair loss in humans and animals.
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