Noticing that your cat is losing fur can be concerning for any pet owner. Fortunately, fur loss is very common and may be nothing to worry about.
To help reassure you, FirstVet vet Dr Jessica May discusses what you need to know about alopecia in cats.
Alopecia is common among cats and a common cause for a vet check-up. Generally, these cat alopecia causes are simple for vets to diagnose and treat to make sure your feline remains furry!
There are several reasons why your cat may be experiencing some hair loss, including fleas, mites, ringworm infections, and changes in their environment.
Is your cat scratching, licking their skin or has redness and irritation? If so, their fur loss may be due to fleas.
Fleas are extremely common and even the cleanest homes and cats can be hit with this problem. Flea allergy dermatitis is also not uncommon.
Thankfully, flea treatment for cats can be done from the comfort of your own home. It’s important to treat fleas quickly to prevent further problems such as tapeworms and diseases.
If you think your cat has fleas, FirstVet recommends:
Bald patches on cats can be stressful for pet owners, especially as they vary in size and appearance. If your cat is only losing fur in grooming spots and their skin looks healthy, the bald patches may be due to overgrooming.
If you’ve noticed that your cat is losing fur on their back legs or has a bald patch on their tail, it may be due to a stressor. Changes in routines and environments can trigger a cat into overgrooming. These can include:
Overgrooming happens when cats spend a large amount of time grooming themselves, typically in the same spot. Cats often over-groom themselves when stressed as it offers a comforting sensation.
While some of these triggers are unpreventable, it’s important to keep an eye out for your feline and make sure they’re comfortable. But, if your cat does start overgrooming, there are plenty of things you can do to help them.
The best way to stop your cat from overgrooming is to find out what is causing them stress. Finding and eliminating the cause can help to improve your cat’s behaviour, meaning the overgrooming may gradually stop on its own.
There are plenty of cat alopecia treatments to help bring your cat back to normal and make sure they’re happy and healthy. If you think your pet is sick, please contact your vet immediately.
Always consult a vet for any health-related questions about your pet. Our paw-some cat insurance gives you 24/7 unlimited access to FirstVet, a video calling service with fully-trained vets.
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