CAT HAIR LOSSHave you noticed that your cat is losing fur? In many cases, cat hair loss is a result of the cat scratching or pulling at his coat in a certain area. Maybe you’ve noticed your cat scratching a certain area often or grooming more than usual. Sometimes people notice clumps of hair in spots where their cats normally spend their time. If your cat is losing fur, hairballs may also become more frequent.
One reason cats pull their hair out is because they have been bitten by fleas and are allergic to the bites. The allergic reaction can occur even if the cat has only been bitten by one flea. For some cats, allergies to flea bites can be very intense, causing them to scratch at the bite so much that they lose a patch of hair. If you have an indoor cat, it is not likely that he has fleas, unless you have another pet that goes outside that and then comes in contact with your cat. But if fleas are the problem
causing cat hair loss,
there are a number of flea remedies that can take care of it. Your veterinarian can also give you medication to treat inflammation caused by fleabites so that the cat will stop scratching.
A more serious problem that can cause cat hair loss is mites. Mites are parasites that can cause mange, a condition that is characterized by severe itching and hair loss. To diagnoses mites, a vet must take a scraping of the cat’s skin and test it for the presence of parasites.
Cat hair loss can also be caused by ringworm, a fungal infection that can cause hair to fall out in patches. The skin underneath is often gray, dry and flaky. There are medications for this condition that can be applied to the affected area or given to the cat by mouth. It is very important to protect yourself if you believe your cat has ringworm or if ringworm has been diagnosed, since it can be passed on to humans. Some cats have food allergies that may cause hair loss. If your cat is allergic to her food, you may first notice red spots that turn into crusty scabs when the cat scratches them. Food allergies usually cause the cat to itch around the head and face. Other allergies, such as sensitivity to dust or pollen, can cause cats to scratch and lose hair as well. Food allergies can be difficult to diagnose, but if you suspect that your cat has one, you can try a special hypoallergenic diet on a trial basis to see if the itching and hair loss problem goes away. In the meantime, anti-inflammatory medications can help control the pain. Another diet-related problem that can cause cat hair loss is a prolonged low fat diet. Low fat diets can cause the skin to become dry, flaky and itchy. This type of diet can also cause thinning of the cat’s coat. If your cat is overweight and needs to be on a low fat diet for a long period of time, you can give her essential fatty acid supplements to prevent her skin and coat from become too dry. If your cat is losing hair around his or her joints, the problem may be arthritis pain that causes the cat to lick the affected area a lot. Licking in a particular area can also indicate pain from an abscess under the skin. Believe it or not, cats can also pull out their hair for psychological reasons. If a cat is fearful, stressed, nervous or anxious, he or she will groom more often as a way to relax. This can cause the cat to lose hair. Many things can cause a cat this kind of distress, including the introduction of a new pet to the household, houseguests, moving, a significant change in routine and even extreme changes in weather. If you notice cat hair loss, pay attention to the details and report the situation to your veterinarian. With a little bit of detective work and perhaps some simple testing, the vet can usually get to the cause of the problem and prescribe effective treatment. Back to All About Cats Home Page
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