Hair loss in cats is not an uncommon problem. Many different conditions can cause hair loss. Treatment often depends upon on what is causing the hair loss, known as alopecia. However, improving your cat's diet might help the condition no matter what it's cause. Other treatments are specific to the cause.
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Diet
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In many ways, your cat is what she eats. A better quality diet can help her to stop losing hair, regain what is lost and maintain a good coat. Cats are obligate carnivores, and whatever you're feeding her, if it is a commercial product, it should list some type of meat as its first ingredient. Feed a high-quality brand of food, or consider making your own meals for your cat. Your veterinarian can instruct you in what type of homemade diet would be best for your pet.
Parasites
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One of the most common reasons cats lose hair is because of infestations of fleas or mites. Products such as Frontline, Advantage and Revolution are available from your veterinarian and will prevent your cat from enduring the constant itching and scratching, and sometimes hair loss, that comes from parasites.
In addition to the usual problems associated with fleas, some cats have an allergy to the saliva of a fleabite. Even a single flea can cause discomfort for these cats, and this can lead to hair loss. Strict flea control is especially important for these cats, and your veterinarian might prescribe steroids and antihistamines for itching.
Mange is another common cause of hair loss in cats. Mange is caused by mites, which are the second-most likely parasite to infect your cats. Mange will generally cause hair loss around the eyes, ears and face. Hair is clipped around the area affected by the mites, and cats are dipped in a 3 percent lime sulphur application. This is repeated once a week for six to eight weeks. It is not safe to use the same products on cats that are used on dogs.
Diseases
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There are more serious diseases that can cause your cat to loose her hair. Cushing's Disease will be accompanied by symptoms that include increased appetite, increased thirst and lethargy, in addition to hair loss. Cushing's disease is most often treated with surgery.
Thyroid conditions can also cause feline hair loss. If your cat's hair loss is because of one of these conditions, your veterinarian will prescribe medications for the condition. In the case of hyperthyroidism, radioactive iodine therapy or surgery to remove part of the thyroid is often the treatment.
Addison's Disease, which is uncommon in cats, often includes hair loss as its first symptom. With this illness, treatment is not generally successful, and medical intervention is simply to make the cat as comfortable as possible.
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