Several health conditions can cause hair loss in cats. Hair loss in cats is often concentrated in one area and differs from natural shedding.
An allergy to flea bites is a common cause of hair loss in cats. Some cats and dogs are allergic to flea saliva which triggers hair loss. Scratching flea bites can also make the hair loss worse.
Allergies from substances such as chemicals or fabrics in the home can cause cat hair loss. The allergic reaction can be from the substance coming in contact with the cats skin or inhaling an allergen like dust.
Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles that can cause hair loss in cats. After other conditions are ruled out and folliculitis is diagnosed, the condition is typically treated with antibiotics. Hair loss in cats can be caused by other infections as well.
A fungal infection that can cause hair loss is ringworm. Oral medications and dips may be used to treat ringworm.
Hair loss can be a sign of hyperthyroidism. The hyperthyroidism can cause hair to be easily pulled out which can cause hair loss during grooming.
Excessive grooming can cause cat hair loss. Some cats react to stress and changes in their environments by excessive grooming.
Hair loss in cats can be caused by sunburn. White cats are susceptible to sunburn on their ears. The ears can be protected with suntan lotion.
Pregnancy and nursing can cause a female cat to have hair loss. Hair loss from pregnancy is sometimes called blowing her coat.
Some cat hair loss is a genetic characteristic of certain cat breeds. Hairless cat breeds may have kittens that have some hair. These kittens may lose some or most of their hair as they mature.
Cats tend to have a thinner hair thickness on their foreheads due to the scent glands that are present there. A cat owner may mistake this thinner fur as a sign of cat hair loss.