Why Does My Cat Pull His Hair Out?

Cats will pull their fur out for many different reasons, ranging from parasite infection to mental disorders. Determining the underlying cause for the behavior is paramount to stopping the destructive behavior.

  1. Parasites

    • Flea infestation is one of the more common reasons that cats pull out their hair. Hair loss will occur all over and can produce a ̶0;moth-eaten̶1; like appearance.

    Stress

    • Cats are extremely sensitive to stress and may resort to hair pulling as a way to cope. When this occurs, cats tend to favor the hair along the sides and belly.

    Abdominal Pain

    • Abdominal pain or bladder infections can produce a symptom where cats lick and pull hair out of their abdomens.

    Allergies

    • Allergies, regardless of origin, will frequently cause excessive biting and licking. Hair loss is extremely common in these cases. Cats will pull hair out from all over the body.

    Fungal Infections

    • Fungal skin infections, such as ringworm, will also cause a cat to pull hair. The hair pulling is generally limited to the area of infection.