Cat Diseases: Hair Loss in Cats

Cat Diseases: Hair Loss in Cats

Keep your cat healthy and happy by updating your knowledge about cat diseases and hair loss in cats. Here is detailed information about different cat diseases.

Cat is a favorite pet of most people and it is like a family member for them. It is very important to take care of its health in order to keep it healthy and happy so that you can enjoy its pleasurable company. Your cute, lovely pet may suffer from various diseases. The most common illnesses of kittens or cats are upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, chronic kidney failure, feline distemper and diabetes. Some other problems related to cat health are hairballs, worms (such as tapeworms, roundworms and hookworms), vomiting, flea, conjunctivitis, cat flu, ear mites, feline stress, feline infectious peritonitis, feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukemia virus, Lyme disease, abscess and toothache. You may notice some general indications that your cat is not feeling well such as changes in its behavior, changes in its appetite or elimination as well as changes in your cat’s appearance.

Hair loss in cats

Hair loss in cats, which is known as alopecia, is one of the common health problems and it is caused by various ailments and problems. Some shedding of hair is necessary and normal; however other types of hair loss in cats need to seek medical attention. Your cat may lose its fur due to several possible causes such as glandular diseases, mites, fleas, ticks and allergies.

• A very common reason for hair loss in cats is fleabite allergy. Since cats are allergic to fleabites, a single fleabite can produce prolonged and intense reaction.
• Another parasite,mites, can also make cats to pull out their fur. Numerous species of mites can give rise to a condition known as mange, which can cause cats to chew themselves to get rid of itching.
• Ringworm is also responsible for hair loss in cats particularly around ears, face and feet. Hair loss is seen in small patches and the skin becomes gray, dry and flaky. Very young kittens and long-haired cats are more prone to it.
• Some glandular diseases such as Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism can give rise to hair loss in cats, generally in a symmetrical pattern along both sides. This condition may arise from overproduction of steroids by adrenal glands.
• Localized pain due to abscess can make the cats to lick frequently, which can lead to hair loss.
• Food allergies are significantly responsible for the hair loss. Cats having an allergy to food ingredients may excessively itch and scratch their body, which can lead to eventual hair loss. Allergies to inhaled substances like pollen or dust mites can give rise to similar symptoms.
• Psychogenic alopecia is another major reason for hair loss. Your cat may pull its fur due to some psychological factors such as anxiety, nervousness, stress or fear. This condition is very common, as cats are quite sensitive to their environment. If there is any change in their environment because of change in humidity level, food or exposure to other animal, then cats may develop allergic reactions in the skin.

Diagnosis and treatment for hair loss

As hair loss can affect the appearance as well as overall health of your cat, you need to seek veterinarian treatment for your cat. The veterinarian prescribes a variety of tests to detect exact cause of hair loss such as scotch tape impressions, fungal culture, skin scraping and skin biopsy. General health tests including complete blood count and hormone and organ function tests are also performed to determine chronic diseases. If physical cause is not found, then veterinarian tries to find out behavioral factors.

Treatment option is decided depending upon specific cause of hair loss. If hair loss is due to fleabite, then it can be treated with effective and safe flea preventives and inflammation due to bite can be treated using antihistamines or steroids. Infections by mites and ringworm can be treated with oral and topical medications. For diagnostic and treatment purpose, you can feed a hypoallergenic diet or trial treatment with anti-inflammatory medications. Your cat’s diet should include added supplements of essential fatty acids such as Omega-3 fatty acids. Anti-anxiety medications are effective for hair loss problem in cat due to behavioral problem.

Prompt treatment for hair loss problem in cat is essential so that it remains comfortable and playful. After all, your cat is a good companion for you, isn’t it?