Alopecia in a Cat

Feline alopecia is broadly defined as hair loss in cats. The alopecia may affect the cat's entire body or it might be localized in a certain area, and there are a number of different causes. Learning more about feline alopecia and what it might mean to your pet can help you decide what your next course of action should be.

  1. Causes

    • Many different things can cause alopecia. Allergies and parasites are two primary causes of alopecia, but other causes include hormonal problems, reactions to injections and pregnancy. Stress can also cause alopecia in cats.

    Types

    • According to the District of Columbia Academy of Veterinary Medicine, alopecia can be broadly divided into two categories. The first is trauma induced, which refers to damage to the hair follicle itself. This can cover issues that range from over-grooming to mites that cause the cat to damage itself while scratching. The second type of feline alopecia involves abnormality in the hair cycle. This can include causes like changes in the cat's metabolism and endocrine symptoms.

    Identification

    • Different tests can aid veterinarians in discovering the cause behind feline alopecia. A visual examination can help identify fleas or other irritating insects as can the use of an adhesive tape strip to get samples from skin and hair. Skin scrapes and microscopic examination of plucked hairs can also reveal information about the hair growth cycle, while the vet can scrape moist lesions for an impression smear.

    Prevention

    • Feeding the cat a healthy, protein-heavy diet can prevent alopecia, as can regular brushing, which will stimulate the oils that keep the cat's hair looking soft and shiny. Similarly, brushing and gentle attention can reduce the cat's stress. You may also choose to add a fish oil supplement to your cat's diet to promote healthy skin and fur.

    Warning

    • Feline alopecia is invariably a sign that something is wrong with the cat. It is not simply due to the cat getting older, and it can be a sign that the cat is in pain or has a serious medical problem. If your cat starts losing hair, take it to the veterinarian to find the cause.