Why Is My Pet Cat's Hair Falling Out?

Your pet's cat's hair acts as a layer of protection for his skin and an indicator of his health. If his hair is falling out, it could be a sign of a health problem.

  1. Growth Cycle

    • Your pet cat's hair grows in a constant cycle. First a hair follicle grows a hair, then it rests before shedding the hair and beginning the cycle all over again.

    Normal Shedding

    • Indoor cats shed hair year-round. If your cat sheds enough that you can brush her and fill her brush with hair every day, that is probably normal hair loss and nothing to worry about.

    Nutritional Deficiency

    • If your cat's hair is falling out all over his body and the coat that remains looks dull, he could suffer from a nutritional deficiency. This can be brought on by intestinal parasites or an insufficient diet.

    Ringworm

    • If your cat's hair is falling out in circular patches, she could have ringworm, especially if the skin in the bald patches is red or gray. Ringworm is a highly contagious fungal infection.

    Treatment

    • You can help reduce the amount of hair your cat loses through normal shedding by brushing him regularly. Your veterinarian can also recommend a nutritious diet for you cat. If your cat has intestinal parasites or ringworm, medication is available to clear the infection.