That your cat loses its hair is not dramatic in itself, when this seasonal molt respects a precise schedule. This becomes worrying when it becomes excessively thin, in which case you may fear a disease, such as ringworm for example. We will examine the conditions where this loss can be considered normal or when it can be considered pathological.
Why is my cat losing hair?
In the first case mentioned, it is a completely natural phenomenon, like trees that flower in spring and lose their leaves in autumn. In April-May, Monsieur Matou, or Mademoiselle Chatounette, gets rid of his winter fleece to get a makeover before the hot weather of the summer season. As for the fall, it’s because the time is coming to replace this soft down with a fleece that will protect him (or her) from the winter cold. This is called molting, common to many mammals, whether domestic or wild.
The usual precautions consist in observing whether this hair loss can be considered as measured. Its soft coat invites you to stroke your cat often, to promote an essential moment of complicity between him and his master. It’s a soothing gesture for both, which has the advantage of alerting you so soon that your little companion is losing his hair abnormally. In this case, one can suspect feline alopecia, which we will tell you about below.
The solution is to regularly rid him of his dead hair, using a brush that you choose that is not aggressive for his delicate skin. Do not forget to bring another so-called coat, because cohabiting with a feline implies exposing yourself to picking up on yourself. What’s more, any places it likes to hang out are usually covered in hair, which soon settles on your clothes uninvited.
Inconsiderate hair loss
Hair loss can be partial or total in your cat, in which case we begin to suspect alopecia. When certain areas are affected, you may notice redness or scabs, his skin may have bumps or be raw from scratching. The underlying conditions and itching are the main causes.
Conditions invisible to the naked eye are usually due to endocrine disorders, such as hyperthyroidism or Cushing’s disease. They lurk but are nonetheless invasive and, although not itchy, lead inevitably to a significant fall of hair. Consult your veterinarian if the condition is coupled with depression or loss of appetite. They are quite rare but often result from an invasive pathology.
Itching can have various origins, often due to a parasitic infection or allergies. Known as pruritus, these stinging invasions are often due to the presence of fleas or their droppings. These can be detected by observing small black grains deposited in the coat. If your feline’s coat becomes brittle, and its skin is covered with pimples, a corticosteroid treatment will be prescribed by your veterinarian.
Establishing a diagnosis Your cat’s veterinarian will be able to determine the cause of significant hair loss. He is the only one who, after the consultation and according to his diagnosis, will be the best able to recommend a treatment to you. You can take the lead, by taking care of your pet’s diet and protecting it from flea infestations, among other things.
The precautions to be taken consist of ensuring above all the good general health of your cat, without forgetting to control its hair loss. In case of weight loss, an optimal diet is recommended. You will find a wide range of products adapted to this problem. All are intended to improve the condition of his coat, with a high protein intake, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin A. Prefers dry food, and kibble is more balanced.
Allergic problems are among the conditions most often encountered by the cat, which begins to have red patches, itching, and depilation. Flea saliva, pollen, and mites cause similar skin reactions. When the causes are of food type, the problem can be easily solved by an adapted food. Detection of allergens can be done by the veterinarian, so do not hesitate to consult him.
Protect your cat from parasites, which are a significant source of the infestation and the frequent cause of hair loss. Your cat’s itching could lead to an infection. Even if your pet spends its time cleaning its paws, and its claws are retractable, many bacteria live there at ease. Regularly cutting its claws is an excellent compromise.
Different causes of the most common abnormal hair loss in cats
Many of the parasites in question, such as the flea, can cause so-called secondary Cat Shedding Hair. They are responsible for more or less severe itching, and your pet comes to scratch locally, sometimes until it bleeds. The result of the seizures is the loss of coat, produced by localized tearing on the croup or on his thighs.
Cat ringworm, on the other hand, attacks your cat’s hair directly and develops there. It is a so-called primitive contagious disease, a fungus that feeds at the source, by drawing from the keratin of the hair. The result is often disastrous, some areas of skin are free of hair and give way to unsightly dandruff.
Cat mange is due to a parasite, it attacks the body but also the ears, then causing a foul black deposit. These mites cause secondary alopecia areata but cause intense itching. Your cat is pulling out its hair, causing wounds that can easily become infected.
