Diseases of Felines That Cause Their Hair to Fall Out

Feline Alopecia

• Cat alopecia is a hereditary disease also called psychogenic alopecia, psychogenic dermatitis or feline trichotillomania. It can cause cats to groom themselves excessively, thereby leaving bald patches on the skin. Itchiness does not cause alopecia. Veterinary research surmises that cat alopecia might stem from an autoimmune disease, comparing the syndrome to obsessive-compulsive disorder in people. This overgrooming might occur in response to boredom, nervousness or stress. Check with your veterinarian regarding management. He might recommend spending extra time playing with your cat to lessen its stress level and boredom, or possibly prescribe drug treatments. Although there is no cure for the disease, your cat's hair can grow back with treatment.

Cushing's Disease

• Cushing's disease, a rare disorder usually seen in older cats and caused by a tumor of either the adrenal or pituitary glands, can cause the production of excess corticosteroids in the body. Although cortisol naturally occurs in the body to help it respond to stresses such as pain or infection, continuous production can cause a number of problems. Thinning hair or baldness is one of the most obvious symptoms. Other symptoms include weight gain or loss, a pot-bellied appearance, greater water drinking, increased appetite and urination and excessive panting. Speak with your veterinarian immediately because treatment of feline Cushing's disease usually requires surgery. The post-surgery survival rate for older cats is about 50 percent.

Feline Diabetes Mellitus

• Similar to human diabetes, feline diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin--the hormone that regulates how the body uses sugar. Usually occurring in middle age or older cats, this disease will cause hair loss, as well as other symptoms including weight loss, abnormal thirst and excessive urination. There are two types of feline diabetes. With the first type, uncomplicated diabetes, your cat will show some of the symptoms, but not act extremely ill. With the second type, ketoacidosis, your cat will show signs of serious illness, such as vomiting, and must get treatment with quick acting insulin and intravenous fluids. Once able to eat again, the cat will require the same treatment given for uncomplicated diabetes--insulin shots. If detected and treated, along with consistent evaluations by a veterinarian, cats with feline diabetes have a good prognosis. If you follow the veterinarian's instructions exactly, some cats might resume producing insulin. As with human diabetes, changes in diet and exercise can make a huge difference in your cat's health.