Cat Hair Loss - A Look at Common Causes

Everyone who's owned a cat knows that they constantly shed fur. However, health issues can sometimes lead to abnormal amounts of hair loss. This is known as alopecia, and it can be indicative of something seriously wrong with your cat. If you notice abnormal amounts of hair loss, you should be concerned as an owner. You'll find that hair loss in felines falls into one of two main categories, pruritic and non-pruritic. Cats with pruritic hair loss will have itchy skin that causes them to bite, lick, and scratch more than usual. The affected area is usually painful but not itchy with non-pruritic hair loss.

Allergic reactions are usually responsible for pruritic hair loss. Felines have them in much the same way people do. Insect or flea bites can cause dematitis. This condition will prompt your cat to scratch and bite himself a lot. See your vet if this occurs, because he may want you to give your cat medication on a systematic basis that will keep fleas and bugs from biting him and starting colonies in his fur. Allergic reactions can also be caused by pollen, dust, or a new type of food.

Felines can also develop ringworm which is caused by a fungus. This contagious fungus can easily cause hair loss if you don't spot it early. Circular lesions are a common sign that your cat has ringworm. Your vet will need to give your cat anti-fungal cream to help get rid of ringworm. If you don't treat it at all, it will take about 3 months to heal and then another 3 months for the hair to grow back.

Other causes for feline hair loss include stress, dry skin, an abscess, a traumatic surgery or injury, Cushing's disease, and hyperthyroidism. Cats with certain hormones may also develop feline symmetrical alopecia. Hormone injections can usually be used to treat this condition. It's important not to try to treat the condition on your own if you don't truly know what's causing the hair loss. It's vital that you take your cat to the vet so he can treat it appropriately. Doc No.kslhwde-sdtlgh

Kristie Brown writes on a variety of topics from health to technology. Check out her websites on how to get rid of heartburn and causes of heartburn