Feline Stress and Hair Loss

Every day, cats suffer from hair loss and anxiety-related issues. It's common for cats to suffer from hair loss and stress on occasion. However, it's important to know the causes and symptoms.

  1. Feline Stress

    • Cats who are experiencing emotional tension or strain may be stressed. A cat suffering from stress may spray, meow excessively, suffer a loss of appetite, tremble, hide from people or rip out their fur.

    Causes of Feline Stress

    • Causes of feline stress include any changes in the cat's environment such as moving, new people or animals in the house, new cats in the neighborhood or medical conditions.

    Feline Hair Loss

    • Feline hair loss, also known as alopecia, is the lack of hair where hair would normally be. A cat that licks and scratches at the skin might not only lose hair but it might make itself uncomfortable. If your cat seems to be losing an excessive amount of hair, contact your veterinarian immediately, as this could be a sign of a serious medical condition.

    Causes of Feline Hair Loss

    • Common causes of feline hair loss include bacterial infections, mange, reactions to medications or food allergies.

    Connection

    • A common cause of feline hair loss is stress. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, "Anxiety may cause cats to excessively lick and chew, causing hair loss."