Feline Alopecia: Why Your Cat Is Losing Fur and How to Treat It

As a paw parent, it’s your goal to keep every cat in your household happy and healthy. So, it can be worrisome when a kitty suddenly starts experiencing hair loss. Maybe you’ve gone to pet your cat and noticed they’re losing fur. Or they seem to be shedding more than usual or developing bald spots due to overgrooming. Feline alopecia can have a variety of causes and it’s important for your fur friend’s health that you identify and treat the issue as soon as possible. Are you concerned about your cat losing fur? Cat in a Flat is here to talk you through the signs, causes, and treatments for hair loss in felines. 

What are the signs of cat hair loss? 

What are the signs of cat hair loss? Feline alopecia is relatively easy to identify because many of the signs are external. If you notice bald patches, excessive shedding, or skin irritation such as redness or scabs, these are all signs that your kitty may be experiencing hair loss. Cats groom a lot—somewhere between two to five hours every day! However, overgrooming could indicate your cat is experiencing some sort of discomfort. In turn, this leads to your feline losing hair or their fur feeling rough and dry. 

There may be other more subtle symptoms of hair loss that can be harder to spot too. If Mr Whiskers shows a loss of appetite, increased thirst, lethargy, or is throwing up more hairballs than usual, these could all point to hair loss as the cause. Keep in mind that some symptoms, such as increased thirst, can be indicators of other health issues like feline diabetes. Make sure to get an official diagnosis from your vet before trying to treat your kitty’s fur loss. 

Why is my cat losing fur?

Why is my cat losing fur? There can be a variety of reasons why your kitty is losing fur. Stress, allergies, or even certain medical issues can cause feline hair loss. However, it’s important to know the difference between what is normal shedding and what is excessive. For example, how much your cat sheds can vary throughout the year. Your kitty may be losing more fur during summer months due to hotter weather, but less in fall and winter once it cools down. Long-haired breeds also shed more—hence proper and frequent grooming is important! But if you think your kitty is shedding more than usual, or you are concerned about bald spots, this could indicate another issue. 

Common reasons your cat is losing fur

1. Parasites

Fleas are one of the most common reasons why cats experience itchiness or hair loss. Mites are another common parasite which can lead to your furry friend losing fur, especially around the ears. 

2. Allergies

Both food and environmental allergies can cause skin irritation and hair loss. Even if you feed Mr Whiskers a balanced diet, certain ingredients may still cause food allergies. Environmental allergies such as pollen or dust can also irritate your cat and lead to them losing fur. 

3. Overgrooming (Psychogenic Alopecia)

Overgrooming is when your kitty compulsively licks, chews, or pulls at their fur. Many times, felines will focus on specific parts of the body such as the belly or base of the tail. This eventually leads to hair loss and irritated skin. Stress is one of the most common cause of overgrooming and it’s often exacerbated by a change in your kitty’s usual routine. You going away on a trip, moving home with your cat, or bringing a new kitty into Mr Whiskers’ life can all lead to an uptick in anxious overgrooming.

4. Fungal infections

A variety of fungal infections can lead to your cat losing fur. Ringworm is probably the most common fungal infection that causes circular or irregular bald patches. Bacterial infections and dermatitis can cause scabs and hair loss as well. 

5. Hormonal Imbalance

Just like humans, cats are more prone to health issues as they age. Hormonal imbalances like hyperthyroidism can affect the health of your kitty’s fur and cause hair loss. Imbalances like these usually affect middle-aged or elderly felines, so it’s good to be aware of what to watch for as your fur friend gets older. 

6. Nutritional Deficiency

Feeding your kitty a balanced diet of high-quality wet and dry food is essential for their well-being—inside and out. But as every paw parent knows, felines tend to have a mind of their own and it’s not always easy to convince Mr Whiskers to eat healthy. Losing hair, flaky skin, or a dull coat can all point to a nutritional deficiency in your fur friend’s diet. Other symptoms may include digestive issues like diarrhoea, vomiting, weight loss, and lethargy. 

What should I do if my cat is losing fur?

What should I do if my cat is losing fur? If you notice your kitty is experiencing hair loss, it’s important to try to address the issue as quickly as possible. There are a few steps you can take on your own to help your fur friend. These include maintaining a healthy diet, creating a stress-free environment, and staying up to date on flea and parasite treatments. If these aren’t helping, then you will need to consult your veterinarian. Mr Whiskers’ vet can provide a diagnosis and work with you to create a treatment plan for your kitty’s hair loss.

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Note: Sticking to the same daily routine is a great way to help your cat stay stress-free—and this includes when you’re out of town! Skip boarding your kitty at a cattery as an unfamiliar environment can be particularly anxiety inducing. Instead, hire a trustworthy cat sitter to provide care in the comfort of your feline’s home. Your pet sitter can adjust their visits to Mr Whiskers’ unique needs and schedule. And they’ll offer some much-needed companionship for your kitty so they’re less anxious while you’re away! 

Looking for more tips on how to give your kitty the best care possible? In the Cat Care section of our blog you can find great articles on everything from tips for first time cat owners, how to safely trim your fur friend’s claws,  and the science of stroking your cat!