It’s normal for cats to shed, but bald patches, thinning fur or areas of broken hair aren’t. Hair loss (alopecia) in cats is a symptom with many possible causes, from fleas and allergies to stress and hormonal problems. Here’s what can cause it and why it’s important to see your vet.
Shedding or Hair Loss?
Normal shedding means losing loose hair evenly across the coat, especially in spring and fall, without leaving bald patches. Read more about cat shedding. Hair loss means patches of thin or missing fur, which may be round, symmetrical on both sides of the body or in areas the cat licks a lot, such as the belly, inner thighs or legs.
Common Causes of Hair Loss
- Fleas and flea allergy, one of the most common causes. Even one flea can make an allergic cat lick and scratch off its fur. Read more about fleas on cats.
- Other parasites, such as mites.
- Allergies to food or to things in the environment, such as pollen or dust mites. Read more about allergies in cats.
- Ringworm, a contagious fungal infection. Read more about ringworm in cats.
- Stress and anxiety, which can lead to excessive grooming (“psychogenic alopecia”). Read more: stress in cats.
- Pain: cats sometimes lick over a painful area, such as the belly with cystitis or a sore joint.
- Skin infections.
- Hormonal conditions, such as hyperthyroidism or, more rarely, Cushing’s disease.
- Reactions to medications or flea products.
- Normal hair thinning in some cats, for example the area in front of the ears.
When to See the Vet
See your vet if your cat has bald patches, thinning fur, or is licking, chewing or scratching more than usual. Make an appointment promptly if you also notice:
- red, scabby, crusty or broken skin;
- round patches of hair loss, especially if anyone in the household has an itchy rash (ringworm can spread to people);
- changes in appetite, thirst, weight or behavior;
- signs of pain or discomfort.
Finding the cause can take some detective work. Your vet may check for fleas and mites, take skin scrapings, a fungal culture or blood tests, look at hairs under a microscope, or recommend a strict diet trial or a trial of flea treatment.
How to Help
- use year-round, vet-recommended flea prevention for all your pets;
- brush your cat regularly and keep an eye on its skin;
- reduce stress with a regular routine, plenty of play, hiding places and perches;
- feed a complete, balanced diet, and follow your vet’s advice on any special diet;
- follow the treatment plan your vet recommends, and go back for follow-up checks.
Don’t try to treat hair loss with home remedies, human creams or shampoos, essential oils or supplements without your vet’s advice. Many are toxic to cats, and treating the wrong cause can make things worse.
