What Are the Causes of Cat Baldness?

Hair loss in your cat can be an indication that something is wrong. If your cat begins to lick and bite at his skin, or if you notice that his fur comes out in clumps while grooming, a visit to your veterinarian can help identify possible culprits for your cat's hair loss.

  1. Ringworm

    • One of the most contagious infections amongst cats, ringworm can affect the appearance of your cat's fur, notes the Pet Education website. Your cat can develop ringworm after coming into contact with another infected animal or Microsporum spores. While older healthier cats can develop a resistance to ringworm, cats younger than 1 will commonly develop symptoms. Symptoms transpire as lesions, which can have pustules within the lesion. Your cat will develop itching as the infection spreads. Your cat will then lose patches of her fur, which will form a circular pattern at infection sites. Gray patchy areas of baldness can appear in severe ringworm infections.

    Demodectic Mange

    • Demodex can cause an aggravating skin condition known as mange. Parasitic mites adhere to your cat's hair follicles and oil glands. Two forms of Demodex can affect your cat; Demodex cati or Demodex gatoi, indicates Pet Education. Demodex cati affects cats more often, resulting in severe hair loss. Hair loss can occur upon the head and neck of your cat. Hair loss also may affect your cat's entire body. Scaly lesions and sores may be noticeable.

    Fleas

    • The saliva from a flea can trigger an allergic reaction in your cat. When your cat gets bitten by a flea, it will bite and scratch. You also may notice your cat twitching in response to the intense itching caused by the flea bite. Your cat will try to groom herself and will pull out hair as a way of alleviating the itching. As a result, large amounts of hair loss will become noticeable, especially around the bite sites.

    Feline Hyperthyroidism

    • Felines that suffer from hyperthyroidism overproduce thyroid hormones. Increased levels of thyroid hormones can contribute to weight loss, loss of your cat's coat luster, irritability and patches of hair loss. Up to 30 percent of cats can experience hair loss due to feline hyperthyroidism, indicates Pet Education. Your cat also can suffer from thinning of his fur, as well as brittle fur.