Cat sheds its fur: advice on what to do.


There are several factors that cause cat hair loss. How to recognize and treat them.

The cat loses its fur

Hair loss in cats is a normal factor, but when it becomes excessive we can have a wake- up call that makes us think of something troubling. With the change in temperature, the feline goes through the moulting phase and replaces its coat, to make it lighter and fresher.

How can we realize that the loss of hair is not related to the simple moult but rather to something else?


Causes of hair loss in cats

When cats have a skin infection such as bacterial folliculitis, scabies, demodicosis, or ringworm, they have generalized itching that causes patchy hair loss. The care and cleaning of the cat’s coat are essential for its well-being. We must also remember that the cat sheds twice a year in spring and autumn and therefore loses a lot of hair.

Hair loss: bacterial causes

Among the most common causes, there are those of bacterial origin that cause the loss of the cat’s hair in some limited areas of the animal’s body, such as behind the ear, on the neck or on the temples of the animal. In some cases, such as scabies, hair loss is widespread throughout the animal’s body.

Demodectic Scabies

It is a mite (demodex mite) that lives around the cat’s hair shaft, and can cause damage by causing it to fall out and leave bald spots. Also in this, the visit of the veterinarian is foreseen.

Ringworm and fungi

Ringworm is a parasitic fungus (Microsporum canis) that grows along the hair shaft. The cat’s body recognizes the fungus and causes the hair to fall out. Even in these cases, skin scrapings by the veterinarian are recommended.

Folliculitis in cats

This pathology affects the root of the pelvis or in depth. The cat licks its fur to clean it and comes off without regrowing immediately. A visit to the vet is important and necessary to resolve the problem.

Hair loss: pathologies

Cat hair loss may not be of bacterial origin, but can be traced back to other diseases.

Telogen outflow

In general, the outflow is the cause of stressful events such as childbirth, breastfeeding, surgery, change of house, insertion of the new animal. In this case the cat’s skin is not damaged, so no specific treatment is required. The hair will grow back on its own. When other diseases are ruled out, the cat’s hair loss could be caused by stress alopecia.

Cushing’s disease

Cushing’s syndrome is a very rare disorder that occurs when the body produces too much natural cortisol. This disease leads to very hungry and thirsty cats, as well as changes such as belly growth, skin thinning and hair loss. A visit to the veterinarian is mandatory.

Feline acne

It happens that the cat sheds the hair in limited areas such as around the lips and on the chin. In this case, it is a problem due to an incorrect diet or digestive disorders. The first symptoms are black spots on the chin and lips or small pustules that lead to skin changes and hair loss. Among the first remedies, clean the areas with mild soap and warm water, drying well so as not to extend the infection. Again, the advice of a veterinarian is recommended.

Eczema in cats

In some cases there may be skin irritation with redness, scabs and blisters that can be caused by an allergic reaction, an incorrect diet or a change in food. The cat tends to scratch itself, even pulling its fur.

Diseases that cause hair loss

It is obvious that serious diseases such as kidney failure and liver disease, viral diseases, prolonged fasting cause stress in the cat that causes excessive hair loss.


Treat and prevent hair loss in cats

The treatments to be done are always decided with the referring veterinarian, for example, therapies with topical applications can be evaluated, to eliminate parasites or to soothe skin irritation.

Treatment may also be based on courses of antibiotics and antivirals, but also antihistamines in case of allergic dermatitis.

It is good to keep the cat that has lost its hair at home, in order to avoid exposure to sunlight which could cause neoplasms.

Natural remedies for cat hair loss

Although the cat is not normally a lover of water, baths or tampons with water and oatmeal can be useful to reduce the itching.

Natural remedies for dandruff

It is possible to introduce omega 3 fatty acids in the animal’s diet. Not only do they strengthen the scalp and coat, improving their appearance, they are also powerful anti-inflammatories and help relieve discomfort in the animal. Omega 3s are present in olive oil or blue fish.

Aloe Vera can also be used against dandruff, which promotes cell regeneration and relieves itching. Apply the aloe on the cat’s skin, directly taking the pulp from the stem of the plant.

Natural remedies for mange

First of all it is important to clean the cat’s skin well and disinfect all its objects. Among the natural remedies you can use essential oils to calm the irritation such as essential oils of olivealmond and lavender in the affected areas.

Almond oil can be integrated with vitamin E. Apply the micelle with a dropper every two days for at least a week. These natural substances can not only kill mites but also heal the skin.

Among other natural remedies, for example, corn oil helps to defeat mites. Massage the affected areas for 15 days with corn oil.

The cat with mange can also be treated with sulfur soap, which is a well-known antifungal and antibacterial and helps to contain the infection. It is suggested that the cat be bathed twice a day.

Among other easy, cheap and natural products, there is also white vinegar which kills mites, especially around the ears, disinfects and removes impurities. The vinegar should be diluted with water and applied with a dropper on the cat, avoiding putting vinegar on the animal’s wounds which could worsen the irritation.


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