Holistic Treatment for Cat Hair Loss

If your feline companion is losing his hair outside of normal shedding, then you need to do something about it before the problem gets out of control. Usually, hair loss in cats can be corrected through diet, nutrition and other natural treatments. In fact, your pet will thank you--and respond quickly--to a program of holistic treatment for cat hair loss.

  1. Nutritional Considerations

    • Feed your cat wholesome, natural food that is free of chemical additives and preservatives. This doesn't have to be a high-priced commercial brand. In fact, you can easily prepare homemade cat food that consists of no less than 75 percent protein from meat and organ meats, with the remaining 25 percent consisting of vegetables, herbs, grasses or cultured dairy. If you do purchase commercial cat food, make sure it doesn't contain meat by-products or wheat gluten.

      Give your kitty an adequate supply of essential fatty acids (EFAs). Excellent sources of EFAs include fatty fish, cod liver oil, evening primrose oil and borage seed oil.

      Improve the shine and texture of your cat's coat by mixing pure aloe vera juice or gel into his food. According to CJ Puotinen, author of "The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care," the proper dosage is 1 tsp. per 7 lbs. of body weight.

      Consider supplementing your cat's diet with inositol (inositol hexaphosphate), otherwise known as vitamin B-6. This nutrient, which is found in the membranes of virtually all cells in the body, plays a role in the metabolism of fats. According to Shawn Messonnier, D.V.M., inositol also stimulates the regrowth of hair in pets. Natural sources of this nutrient include Brewer's yeast and whole grains.

    Holistic Body Care

    • Apply liquid colloidal minerals (undiluted) directly to hot spots and other problems areas. Brush your cat once a week, or more often for long-haired breeds. Grooming stimulates the production of natural skin oils and enhances distribution throughout the coat.

      Treat your feline to acupressure, a popular natural treatment for cat hair loss among holistic veterinarians. Hair loss in cats due to allergies or other inflammatory conditions responds well to stimulation of the large intestine 11 (LI11) point, also known as "pond-in-the-curve," which is located at the curve of the "elbow" in the front legs of pets. Excessively dry skin can be addressed by applying light pressure to spleen point 6 (SP6) found inside the hind legs, immediately above the heel.