Why do cats lose their hair? A veterinarian explains the causes and countermeasures in detail.

Autumn and winter mark shedding season, a challenging time for cat owners. The increased frequency of brushing often leads to the discovery of skin problems, prompting visits to the vet. Among these issues, hair loss is a common problem seen in examination rooms.

This article will explain the causes and treatments for hair loss in cats.

What Causes Hair Loss in Cats?

Hair loss refers to the partial or complete thinning or shedding of hair in areas where it would normally grow. It can occur due to skin issues such as inflammation, or it can happen even when there are no underlying skin problems.

Potential causes of hair loss include infections, external parasites, allergies, autoimmune diseases, tumors, psychological factors, and hormonal imbalances.

Infections

Bacterial or fungal infections (e.g., ringworm) can cause skin inflammation and subsequent hair loss. This may be accompanied by itching and the formation of eczema. Fungal-related hair loss often presents as circular patches, with the surrounding skin appearing red and inflamed, leading to the term "ringworm." Fungal infections, in particular, can spread to other cats and even humans.

External Parasites

Infestations by fleas or mites can lead to dermatitis and hair loss.

Sarcoptic mites, for instance, infest the face and ear margins, causing scabs and hair loss, often accompanied by intense itching.

When fleas infest, an allergic reaction can occur in response to their saliva during biting. This leads to severe itching, inflammation, dermatitis, and hair loss.

Allergies

As mentioned earlier with flea allergies, allergies cause itching and dermatitis in response to specific proteins.

In the case of food allergies, a cat may scratch its eyes and ears, and experience hair loss after consuming certain foods.

Cats can also develop atopic dermatitis. This condition is triggered by dust, pollen, and mites coming into contact with the skin. It manifests as itching, redness, and hair loss on the face, paws, inner thighs, armpits, and lower abdomen.

Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases are conditions where the body produces antibodies against its own tissues.

Pemphigus is an autoimmune skin disease in cats that can cause erosions and blisters on the skin, leading to hair loss.

Tumors

If a tumor causes pain, the cat may excessively lick that area, leading to hair loss.

Additionally, white cats exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods can develop solar dermatitis on thinly haired areas like the ears, which can result in hair loss. Cats aged six years or older with photosensitivity have an increased risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma can occur not only on the ears but also around the mouth.

Psychological Factors

When cats feel anxious or stressed, they groom themselves to calm down. In cases of psychogenic alopecia, they repeatedly lick the same spot, causing hair loss. This is characterized not only by licking but also by biting off hair, resulting in broken hair.

Hormonal Factors

Hormonal hair loss is less common in cats, but excessive or insufficient hormone secretion can lead to symmetrical hair loss. If a cat has been spayed or neutered, a lack of sex hormones can sometimes cause hair loss. Additionally, although rare, hormonal disorders like Cushing's syndrome or hypothyroidism can also result in hair loss.

Other Factors

Cats wearing collars may experience hair loss in the area covered by the collar. This is believed to be due to friction causing hair breakage or dermatitis caused by the collar material.

How to Address Hair Loss in Cats

Addressing hair loss involves tailoring the approach to its cause. If hair loss is due to an illness, treatment is always necessary, so it is essential to get a diagnosis from a veterinarian.

Flea and Mite Extermination

If hair loss is caused by fleas or mites, it will improve with the use of extermination medication. Some extermination medications can also eliminate sarcoptic mites. Over-the-counter products are not effective for this, so it is necessary to get a diagnosis from a veterinarian and use prescribed medication.

Pharmacotherapy

If hair loss is due to an infection, antibiotics or antifungals will be used. For allergies or autoimmune diseases, oral steroids or topical medications are prescribed. In cases of hormonal disorders, hormones may be supplemented or suppressed.

These treatments are prescribed after a thorough diagnosis by a veterinarian. It is crucial not to stop medication on your own without a veterinarian's instruction, even if the hair loss improves.

Stress Reduction

In cases of psychogenic alopecia, the cat is experiencing some form of stress in its current living situation. In multi-cat households, conflict with other cats can be a source of stress. Measures are needed to ensure the cat can maintain distance from other cats.

Furthermore, litter box issues can also contribute to psychogenic alopecia. Consider changing the type of litter box, increasing the number of litter boxes, changing the litter, or relocating the litter box to create a secure and comfortable environment for elimination.

If a cat is left alone for long periods, it may continue licking out of boredom, so it's important to keep them engaged.

For psychogenic alopecia, anti-anxiety medications or anxiety-reducing supplements may be used. As a home care measure, try setting out a few toys for when you're away. Choose items that are not easily ingested, and try changing their location each time. Hanging them up instead of placing them directly on the floor can provide longer-lasting entertainment.

Additionally, increasing interaction is considered important. You might wonder if cats can learn tricks, but the answer is yes. Using treats to teach tricks like "paw" can make training enjoyable for both the cat and owner.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

In white cats, excessive exposure to direct sunlight can cause solar dermatitis, which often develops into tumors. Therefore, it is important to limit direct sun exposure.

If a tumor develops, treatment such as surgical removal will be necessary.

Reconsider the Collar

If hair loss is due to the collar, reconsider it. Change to a different size, material, or a lighter collar. If a collar is not essential, removing it entirely might be a good option.

Summary

Hair loss can stem from various causes, ranging from non-medical issues like collars to psychological factors and underlying diseases. If scabs, itching, or redness are present, an infectious disease or other medical condition is likely. Persistent licking of the same spot points towards a psychological cause. Symmetrical hair loss suggests a hormonal issue. In any case, a thorough diagnosis from a veterinarian is essential.

Do not dismiss hair loss; consult your veterinarian.