Cat Hair Loss & Decreased Thirst

Feline hair loss (also known as alopecia) and decreased thirst, are two different symptoms in cats. Owners who notice either symptom should seek veterinary care, as they can both be signs of serious health issues.

  1. Causes

    • There are several potential causes for feline alopecia including allergies, chemotherapy, parasites, hyperthyroidism and sunburn. Decreased thirst can be due to nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite--all of which can be the result of various other health issues.

    Symptoms

    • Due to the high number of potential causes, there are several other symptoms that can be associated with hair loss or decreased thirst. This includes changes in bathroom habits or feeding habits, vomiting or behavioral changes, such as lethargy.

    Diagnosis

    • Cats with either symptom may undergo a variety of tests to determine what the underlying cause is. This can include a urinalysis, blood tests to check for abnormalities, or x-rays and ultrasounds to check for internal abnormalities.

    Treatment

    • Hair loss may not always require treatment. For example, following chemotherapy, most cats will regrow their lost fur, whereas a reaction at the injection site of a vaccine may cause permanent hair loss. Cats who become dehydrated due to loss of thirst may require hospitalization.

    Prevention

    • Proper vaccinations and up to date flea and tick medications can help reduce the risk of pest-related hair loss. Fresh, clean water can encourage water intake. However, these do not prevent all causes of decreased thirst or hair loss.