Cat Skin Problems and Hair Loss

Your cat can lose hair in patches or from all over its body. This may be due to illness and there may or may not be visible changes to the underlying skin. Please consult your veterinarian if you are concerned.

  1. Miliary Eczema

    • Miliary eczema is caused by a hypersensitivity to parasites, usually fleas, making your cat lick and scratch continuously. Your cat's coat will be thinner, the skin reddened, and you may feel or see small crusts around the head and along the back. Your veterinarian will prescribe regular effective parasite treatments.

    Feline Symmetric Alopecia

    • Symmetrical hair loss on the abdomen, hind legs and elbows is seen most commonly in neutered males, and may be due to several causes. Allergies, food intolerance, stress, hormone imbalance, parasites and an overactive thyroid all have been implicated, but 53% of the cats examined in one study in 1990 were shown to have no known cause. Your veterinarian may need to carry out diagnostic tests before prescribing treatment.

    Neurotic Barbering

    • Excessive licking localized to one or more areas is due to stress or anxiety and is seen most commonly in Siamese, Burmese or Abyssinian cats. It may be provoked by a house move, new baby or other major change, and can be treated with anti-anxiety drugs, such as Valium or clomipramine.

    Moulting

    • Cats naturally moult in spring and autumn. If the temperature remains cold until late spring and then suddenly rises your cat may show a sudden temporary coat thinning.