Why Cats Lose Hair on Their Underside

Cat hair loss, also known as alopecia, can cause discomfort for your cat if left untreated. It̵7;s important to consult your veterinarian if you notice any hair loss out of the ordinary. Alopecia can occur for a variety of reasons.

  1. Mites or Fleas

    • Cats may excessively lick, scratch or bite their stomach or inner thighs due to mites or fleas.

    Ringworm

    • Ringworm is a bacterial infection that causes cats to lose hair. Ringworm grows in hair, skin or in its claws and can result in circular patches of hair loss. Consult your veterinarian if you suspect ringworm.

    Food Allergies

    • Your cat might be allergic to certain foods, which will cause them to lose hair on various parts of their body, including the underside.

    Hormone Imbalance

    • It is normal for cats to shed old hair and normally new hair will grow back. When hair does not grow back, this could be evidence of Endocrine Alopecia, a hormone imbalance. Bald patches can appear on one part of the body while the rest of the body appears normal. Usually the body and tail are affected and normal hair growth stays on the head, face and legs.

    Psychogenic Alopecia

    • Stress, nervousness, fear or anxiety might cause your cat to overgroom itself. This is called Psychogenic Alopecia and might result in hair loss on the underside.