Hair loss in cats is normal, but when it becomes excessive it could hide a health problem. Usually, itchiness occurs first and then more intense hair loss than normal.
The hair loss can be the result of skin infections such as ringworm or parasitic infections and is often the cat himself to obtain it through excessive grooming of irritated area due to allergies or infestations of fleas.
If your cat has a hairless spot on her head or is losing hair around her ears, it may be time to figure out what’s going on. There are many reasons for cat hair loss, also known as alopecia. It could be hereditary or acquired.
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Reasons for Hair Loss in Cats
Here are some of the more common health problems that can be hidden behind cat hair loss:
Hair loss caused by folliculitis
If a cat has this disorder, the coat is accidentally licked off to clean itself of bacteria, which grow along the hair shaft to the root. A visit to the vet is important and necessary to resolve the problem.
Hair loss caused by demodectic scabies
It is a mite (Demodex mite) that lives around the cat’s hair shaft and can cause damage by causing it to fall out and leave bald spots. Also in this case a specific veterinary control is advisable.
Loss of hair caused by thalene runoff
The outflow is usually caused by a stressful event for the cat, such as illness, surgery, breastfeeding, or pregnancy, and usually occurs within a month of the traumatic event. In this case, the cat’s skin is not damaged, so no specific treatment is required. The hair will grow back on its own.
Hair loss caused by ringworm
A ringworm is a parasitic fungus that grows along the hair shaft. It is the cat’s own organism that recognizes that the hair shaft is damaged and therefore causes it to fall. Also in this case a visit to the vet is advisable.
Hair loss caused by Cushing’s syndrome
Cushing’s syndrome is a very rare disorder that occurs when the body produces too much natural cortisol. This disease leads to very hungry and thirsty cats, as well as changes such as belly growth, skin thinning, and hair loss. A visit to the vet is recommended.
Hair loss is caused by stress
When other diseases are ruled out, the cat’s hair loss could be caused by stress alopecia. But can a cat be stressed? In general, stress can be caused by a move, change of routine in the house, the entry of new people or animals, and in general any event that disrupts the normal life of the cat.
Obviously many diseases, such as kidney failure, liver disease, viral diseases, prolonged fasting can cause such stress to the body as to cause greater hair loss.
Checking the cat’s health
The vet will need to identify the causes of cat alopecia. Since this condition is mainly due to fleas, he will recommend proper treatment for you. If, on the other hand, the problem seems to be of behavioral origin, it is necessary to examine the cat’s lifestyle to find the causes of stress. In the event that a specific cause is not identifiable, it is advisable to contact a dermatologist veterinarian.
Cat care
The treatment prescribed varies according to the underlying cause. If it comes to fleas or other parasites, your best bet is to use a pesticide.
Treating a cat’s skin disease caused by allergies is not easy and requires the intervention of a dermatologist veterinarian. If you suspect that stress is the cause of excessive grooming, contacting a behaviorist can help identify motivations related to stress and evaluate ways to reduce it. If the reasons lie instead in aching joints, the vet may prescribe specific medicines for the joints or pain relievers.