Feline Hair Loss Causes

There are several causes of hair loss, also called alopecia, in cats. Excessive grooming may lead to the hair breaking off, or the cat may be just chewing the hair out. Alopecia is generally identified by bald spots in the cat's fur. You may also find clumps of hair in his bed or in the places where he spends most of his time. You may also notice that the cat has a sharp increase in fur balls.

  1. Allergies

    • The most common type of allergy in felines is a food allergy. An allergic reaction may manifest as small red dots on the skin that will continue to spread. In the case of a food allergy, it is most common to see the signs of the allergy in the form of a rash about the head, face and moth of the cat. If the cat scratches the area, the rash may become red and inflamed. It tends to scab and become infected, as well.

    Mites

    • Several species of mites may infect your cat and cause a skin condition called mange. A cat afflicted with mange may excessively lick or chew on himself in an attempt to alleviate his itchy symptoms. If you suspect mites, take a trip to the vet to have a skin scrape done. This test will detect the type of mite infesting your cat.

    Stress

    • Another cause of feline hair loss is a condition known as psychogenic alopecia, where the reason is psychological instead of physical. These psychological factors may include nervousness, fear, stress and anxiety. Cats are very sensitive animals and prefer a steady and consistent routine. This routine may include feeding at a regular time. Potential stressors include changes in diet, household dynamic or a new pet in the home.

    Glandular Disorders

    • Although unlikely, a glandular disorder can cause hair loss in cats. An example of a glandular disorder is Cushing's disease. This will usually cause a symmetrical pattern of hair loss on both sides of the cat. Cushing's is caused by the overproduction of steroids.

    Pain

    • If the cat is experiencing pain, this will cause her to lick the area of discomfort. If you notice hair loss over the joints, this usually indicates arthritis. Licking in other areas may indicate that there is an abscess, but once it opens and drains, the behavior will stop.