What Are the Causes of Fur Loss in Cats?

Parasites, hormonal imbalance and stress are just a few reasons why your feline friend is losing its fur. Cat hair loss can start out as a small area of thinning fur and progress to a large portion of the cat's body with little to no hair. Because hair loss can be a symptom of more serious problems, have your vet perform an exam to find the cause and to treat your cat.

  1. Stress

    • A change in your cat's environment can cause your cat stress, and this stress can lead to hair loss. If your cat started losing its fur when you moved, obtained a new roommate or introduced a new pet into the household, it is likely stress-induced hair loss. Keep your cat calm by giving it a safe place to hide and avoid changing how you behave toward the cat to reduce its stress levels.

    Overgrooming

    • Cats lick their fur to clean themselves and because it feels good to them. Overgrooming can be a response to stress or can indicate the cat has pain in the area where it is licking. If you notice your cat continually licking one certain area, check the area for any injury. Because the pain could be caused by something internal, don't hesitate to get your cat to the vet.

    Allergies

    • Just like people, cats can develop contact dermatitis when they are around an irritant. The problem could be chemicals such as cleaners or air fresheners you use in the home, the cat could be allergic to its food or it could be an allergic reaction to fleas. Contact dermatitis hair loss is often accompanied by small sores or scaly skin.

    Parasites

    • Fleas are one parasite that can cause fur loss, but this is typically an allergic reaction to their saliva. Parasites that directly cause hair loss include certain types of mites, ringworm and lice. This type of baldness is usually accompanied by other skin problems such as crusty skin and itching. In the case of ringworm, you may notice a ring-shaped lesion on your cat's head, around the ears or at the base of the tail along with the hair loss.

    Hormonal Imbalance

    • If your cat's thyroid is producing too many hormones, your cat can lose its fur. Baldness from hyperthyroidism has other symptoms such as oily skin, the fur can be pulled out easily and your cat may appear very thin. Your vet can recommend a course of action to treat the condition. Other hormonal imbalances can contribute to fur loss in cats. Your vet can look at your cat's other symptoms and perform a blood test to determine which hormones are out of balance.