To the Issue of Cat Hair Lost
2008-08-14

To the Issue of Cat Hair Lost

There is nothing more unsightly than a balding cat. Whether short haired or long haired, we expect to run our hands over their perfectly groomed fur without the interruption of bare skin. Unfortunately, cats have hair loss problems just like humans. Unlike humans, we can't sit them on a couch and discuss the underlying causes for the hair loss. Our only options are testing and speculation.

Reasons for dog hair lost Hair-loss may develop differently in each cat depending on the cause. The most common forms of cat hair loss are:

1) Surgical causes • RINGORM This fungus causes typical hairless round patches. Ringworm is classified as a zoonotic condition. While some cats seem to not be bothered by this condition, some cats may be itchy. The fungus is transmitted by contact with other affected cats, their bedding, their grooming equipment, carpets and/or any other areas where the spores of this fungus may have thrived. •  ATOPY This is an allergy to something present in the environment. Just as food allergies the cats will lick and scratch and often have many hairless spots. Culprits may be just about anything your cat gets into contact with. Common causes are dust, pollen, chemicals used in the yard, household products and so forth. Again, finding the exact cause may prove challenging. In seasonal cases, the allergy may be easily associated with pollen. • SCABIES Tiny mites are the cause of this skin condition. Cats will be particularly scratching the area around their head and neck and they will also exhibit hair-loss. Sometimes they spread as well to the abdominal area and feet. Humans may be affected as well but the symptom would be only limited to itching. • FLEAS (and their saliva) Fleas may cause itching and therefore some hair-loss in the repeatedly scratched areas. Cats with fleas will also have tiny red bumps throughout the body.

2) Medical causes • FOOD ALLERGY More and more cats are presenting at vet offices due to allergies. Cats will be itching and scratching all day long even until they are raw and hairless in some areas. Owners may notice scabs and blood crusted areas throughout their coat. What’s more, diagnosing which food your cat is allergic to may be a challenge for your vet • ENDROCRINE ALOPECIA In this cases the hair-loss is linked to hormonal changes. There are particular hormones that are responsible for proper hair growth and it appears that in cats with endocrine logical disorders hair is shed but the hormonal response of re-growing new hair is absent. Bald patches may be the sign of an hormonal imbalance. • HYPERTHYROIDISM When too much of the thyroid hormone is produced by the thyroid gland hyperthyroidism develops with its many accompanying symptoms such as weight loss, restlessness, irritability, increased appetite, increased drinking and of course hair loss. The hair loss in a cat affected by hyperthyroidism will appear because hair producing cells will slow down causing hair loss and slow re-growth rate if any. • CHEMOTHERAPY While this is not really a condition but a treatment, chemotherapy is known to cause hair loss in cats just as in humans. Whiskers may be lost as well. Fortunately, the hair loss subsides as the chemotherapy is discontinued.

3) Psychic cause •PSYCHOGENIC ALOPECIA stress may cause cats to literally pull out their fur in chunks. For some reason, Siamese and other cats breeds of oriental descent seem to suffer from this condition the most. Common causes of stress in cats derive from recent moves, the arrival of new family members, new pet adoptions, loud noises, separation anxiety and so forth. In addition, over grooming and old age can also cause cat hair lost. Things you should do

• If there is a flea problem you will know this immediately. One way to take care of the fleas is to bathe the cat almost on a daily basis. Try to focus on flea killers such as powders or monthly applicants given by your veterinarian. • If your cat lost hair for other reasons which you can’t judge, take your cat to your vet. Before you going there, think about the following things: - Any changes in behavior - Any changes in diet - Any noticeable red spots or sores - Excessive scratching - Any changes in the home (addition or loss of family members or other pets) - Finding clumps of hair around the house - Excessive licking or grooming - Intentionally pulling out hair Any information you can provide the vet may help in making a diagnosis. • As cat hair lost issue is your least favorite, you should pay more attention to your cat’s state in everyday life. Whenever a cat excessively chews, licks, or grooms an area, and loses patches of fur, it is a warning sign that you need to get them to their veterinarian as soon as possible. On the other hand, you should always keep the environment clean.