Hair loss, or alopecia, in cats is not an uncommon symptom. It can have a number of causes and is usually one symptom of an underlying condition. How you treat the alopecia depends upon what is causing your cat to lose her hair. While there are dozens of conditions that can cause alopecia in cats, there are some common reasons your cat may lose her hair.
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Allergies
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Allergies are one common cause of cat hair loss. This can be an allergic reaction to an antibiotic that was applied to the cat's skin. It can be caused by reactions to substances such as rubber, wool, plastic, chemicals or dyes in cleaners, or by exposure to a plant, such as poison ivy.
If the cat's hair loss is due to allergies, generally the skin is red and has bumps or blisters on the area where the hair has fallen out. Some cats may itch and scratch the area where the allergy is at work.
Treatment usually consists of limiting the cat's exposure to the offending substance. Your veterinarian may also prescribe steroids or antihistamines to speed the cat's recovery.
Mange
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If your cat has been infected with the mites that can cause mange, referred to as scabies when it occurs in humans, he may experience itching, scaly skin and some hair loss if the infection is severe. Your veterinarian will do a skin scraping for microscopic examination.
There are several different methods for treating mange in cats.
Your veterinarian may prescribe weekly baths with an anti-parasitic lime sulfur dip. Generally this takes three baths to be effective and reduce the chance for re-infection.
Another possible treatment may be a prescription of ivermectin, which would be given three times over a six-week period.
Your vet may also prescribe the topical flea/heartworm treatment Revolution to help treat mange.
Flea Allergy
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Some dogs and cats have an extreme allergy to the saliva of a fleabite. A flea allergy can cause itching, red skin, hair loss and crusty/scaly skin. Keeping flea control products such as Advantage, Frontline or Revolution on the cat at all times is the first line of defense. The veterinarian may also prescribe steroids and antihistamines for the pet.
Ringworm
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Ringworm, caused by a fungus and not an actual worm, is another common cause of hair loss in cats. The area with the hair loss will generally form a circular lesion, though not always. The area will be scaly and crusty and there may be some itching.
Your veterinarian may prescribe an oral medication such as Griseofulvin, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole or Lufenuron as treatment for ringworm. Some of these medications require additional monitoring because of the potential side effects they may cause, such as bone marrow suppression.
An alternative treatment is an anti-fungal cream, shampoo or lime sulfur dip prescribed by your veterinarian. This will involve clipping the hair around the area where the ringworm lesion is visible.
Cushing's Disease
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Cushing's disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is a condition that commonly causes cats to have hair loss, thinning skin, easy bruising, lethargy, increased thirst and urination. Cats also may develop a potbelly. The disease occurs when cats' bodies' create too much corticosteroid. Diagnosis is made through a series of tests, including testing adrenal gland function, a urinalysis and a blood chemistry profile.
Cushing's Disease is generally treated with surgery for the removal of the adrenal gland tumor. It must often be done at a clinic that specializes in this treatment, and extensive care after surgery is usually necessary.
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