Cat Fur Diseases
Losing fur is a normal process for a cat. It naturally sheds as a way of eliminating excess hair much like a human loses hair. During the cat's grooming process, loose hair that has accumulated in its coat is removed. Some cats can become so compulsive about grooming that they can pull out large patches of fur. However, the loss of fur can also be a sign of a serious problem, such as a cat fur disease.
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Bug Bites and Parasites
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One common cause of fur loss is as a result of allergies caused by bites from fleas, as even one bite can cause a major reaction. The bite of mites can cause to a skin condition known as mange, resulting in intense itching that causes the cat to chew its fur for relief. Ringworm is particularly prevalent in kittens and causes them to lose hair in small patches in certain areas.
Glandular Diseases
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If your cat's hair loss occurs in symmetrical patterns on both sides of its body, it could be the sign of a glandular disease. A common one is Cushing's disease, which is caused by the adrenal glands producing too many steroids. Other glandular diseases include thyroid conditions like hyperthyroidism which results in an increase in metabolism, or hypothyroidism, the lack of thyroid hormones.
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Food Allergies
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Cat fur issues can also result from the food they consume. Food allergies can result in itchy skin, causing your cat to scratch heavily, as cats can be allergic to the ingredients in some cat foods. Constant scratching can lead to an eventual loss of fur. A simple change in diet may alleviate the problem.
Psychologial Issues
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Just like humans, cats experience emotions such as fear, anxiety and stress. These can be triggered by changes in a cat's environment, such as moving to a new home, introducing a new cat to the household, and can lead the cat to react by pulling out its fur. Even a change in temperature or humidity can lead to an allergic reaction to the cat's skin, resulting in fur loss.
Treatment
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If your cat experiences prolonged fur loss, treatment by a veterinarian could be necessary. Some common treatments include antihistamines or steroids for fleabites, oral and topical remedies for mite bites, and anti-inflammatory medications for other conditions. Changing your cat's diet can eliminate food allergies. For psychological issues, anti-anxiety medications are available.
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