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Hair loss in cats is a cause for concern for many cat owners—after all, a shiny, soft coat is considered a sign of health and vitality. Find out here what might be causing the hair loss and how you can prevent it.
Hair Loss in Cats—Causes
Cats are practically masters of cleanliness and groom their coats extensively. In addition to the usual seasonal shedding, excessive grooming and heavy hair loss can also be signs of an underlying health condition.
- Cats typically shed their coats between winter and summer. For indoor cats , this can happen year-round.
- You should monitor how much hair is falling out. If it’s falling out in clumps, there’s a risk that cats will swallow large amounts, which can accumulate in their stomachs.
- Check the skin beneath the fur for scratches and bite marks, as your cat often endures its suffering in silence. You may not yet be able to detect any signs of discomfort.
- Many causes stem from parasite infestations. Mites, ticks, and fleas can have a major impact on hair loss. Flea bites, in particular, can trigger allergic reactions in cats.
- Excessive grooming, combined with bites, strains the skin and causes inflammatory reactions, leading to hair loss.
- Also consider the ingredients in your cat’s food. Cats are not immune to food intolerances either. In this case, your veterinarian will prescribe an elimination diet to determine what your pet is reacting to.
- Cleaning products are often overlooked when it comes to allergies. However, they can also cause contact allergies to which your pet may react. To investigate this, temporarily stop using the cleaning products in question.
- However, you may not be able to identify all causes immediately. Hormonal or autoimmune disorders may also be possible causes, which must be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Preventing Hair Loss
First and foremost, if you have concerns or notice excessive hair loss, you should always consult a veterinarian to determine the causes. Below, we provide some tips to help you prevent hair loss in your cat.
- To prevent your cat from swallowing too much fur, you should brush its coat regularly.
- Cats should also be fed a balanced and varied diet. The right food is half the battle. A high omega fatty acid content supports healthy skin and coat.
- Tick and flea protection, available at pet stores and online, can be used both preventatively and when an infestation is visible. This is especially useful during the summer months, when your pet spends more time outdoors.
