A Healthy Cat Starts Losing Hair in Spots

It is common for pet cats to occasionally lose their fur in patches on their bodies. It is important to determine the cause of the hair loss so you can try to fix the problem. Many times, cats will obsessively groom themselves, which can cause them to lose fur in spots. The cat may have an allergy to flea bites that causes them to chew their fur. Cats can catch a parasite which causes them to get mange. Other reasons for cats to lose hair in spots are ringworm, excessive pain and certain glandular disorders.

  1. Flea Bites

    • Sometimes the cause of cats to lose fur in spots is an allergy to flea bites. If your cat goes outdoors for any amount of time, or you have a dog in the house, your cat may get fleas. Many cats are allergic to flea bites, and it often takes only one bite for them to have a reaction. A veterinarian can prescribe a safe and effective way to eliminate the fleas.

    Parasites

    • Certain kinds of mites can cause a cat to get mange. Mange is a skin disorder that causes intense itching. Cats will obsessively lick and chew to relieve the itching. If you suspect that your cat has mange, have a veterinarian perform a skin scraping. This test can determine the kind of parasite causing the problem and find the best solution to get rid of the parasite.

    Pain and Food Allergies

    • If a cat is suffering any kind of pain in one area, it may lick this area to relieve pain. If you notice hair loss on the cat's joints, this may be an indication that your cat is suffering from arthritis. Hair loss around the cat's face may be a sign that your cat has an allergy to a certain food it has eaten. Small red spots on the cat's skin are another sign of a food allergy. Anti-inflammatory medicines can help with this problem.

    Ways to Help

    • If you suspect that your cat just may be suffering from dry skin, you can easily solve that problem at home. Add supplements such as Omega-3 fatty acids or supplements made especially for cats to relieve their dry skin. If you believe there may be other things wrong with your cat to cause the hair loss, it is best to have a veterinarian check the cat to determine the cause and provide the best solution.