What Makes a Cat Pull Their Fur Out?

Cat owners sometimes observe their pets licking or pulling on their fur until they remove it from their body. Often the removal is large enough to leave a tuft of hair on the floor and a bald spot on the cat. When the cat concentrates on one spot on the body, it is usually a symptom of a larger problem.

  1. Behavioral Issues

    • Cats are very susceptible to behavioral issues due stress and anxiety. Things such as moving or bringing a new pet or baby into the home can cause stress in a cat. Cats are very individual creatures, so while moving may not effect one, rearranging the furniture can throw another into panic. Often, cats relieve the stress by excessive grooming. If the vet can find no other cause for your pet's problem, consider any changes you've made recently to the cat's environment or routine that might be causing the problem (see Reference 1).

    Fleas and Skin Disease

    • A cat with fleas has itchy skin, and the cat make lick or pull at the fur on the itchy areas until the fur comes out. Using a good topical product usually prevents your cat from getting fleas. There are also skin diseases such as mange that can cause a cat to pull at their fur. If your cat does not have fleas, it is a good idea to let your vet look at the area from which the cat is removing fur. There are treatments available for skin disease that will likely eliminate the problem (see Reference 1).

    Allergies

    • Cats can have allergies, too. If your cat does not have fleas or a skin disease, the skin might itch because of allergies. If you suspect your cat has allergies, check with your vet for the prescribed amount of antihistamine to administer (see Reference 1).

    Matted Hair

    • Loose hair tends to flow backward through the cat's body toward the tail. Often the spot on the top of the cat's back, directly in front of the tail is where they concentrate their efforts. Brush your cat paying specific attention to that spot, then watch the cat and see if they continue to concentrate on that area once you're removed the loose hair.

    Infections and Other Illness

    • Cats with cystitis or other abdominal pains might lick their abdomen (see Reference 1). Ringworm causes circular patches of hair loss, mostly around the legs and head (see Reference 2). A cat with a urinary tract infection or bladder problem may excessively lick their private area.