Cats commonly present to vets for hair loss, which is also known as alopecia. There are many reasons for hair loss. There are primary and secondary causes of alopecia. Here our vet shares their advice.
If your cat is losing hair keep an eye out for the following signs, which can help in the diagnosis of the problem:
There are several reasons for cats to experience hair loss. Some are common, such as flea allergies, mites and ringworm infections. They are usually straightforward to diagnose and treat. However, sometimes hair loss is due to overgrooming. This could be due to an underlying disease, such as a hormonal (endocrine) imbalance, or urinary tract disease. It can also occur in cats that are stressed but sometimes the cause is never identified.
A clinical exam by your vet is needed. They will look for signs of parasites and skin infections, and examine the hair at the hair loss site. Sometimes, particularly if mites are suspected, a skin scrape of this area is taken for microscopic examination. If there are suspicious lesions in the area, a skin swab can be taken to check for bacteria. A skin biopsy may be recommended to check for specific diseases and sent to a lab for analysis. A blood sample is commonly included, which can help to identify endocrine diseases.
If parasites are the cause then a parasite treatment for your cat and your home can be prescribed. Parasite treatment should always be kept up to date. It can take three months to get on top of a flea issue and therefore it is important to monitor the effect of your regular preventative treatments. Further information on managing fleas and Flea Allergy Dermatitis in our article.
Injections, tablets or topical treatments, such as creams, may be prescribed if the skin is damaged or has a secondary infection. They will provide symptomatic relief depending on the case, which aims to break the itch-scratch cycle and help the skin to heal. Steroids are prescribed to reduce itching, whilst antimicrobial medication is prescribed to treat an infection. Otherwise, establishing and treating the underlying cause will be the main aim.
Book a video appointment to have a chat with one of our vets.
What can we do for your furry friend?
With FirstVet, the vet clinic and pet shop are only one tap away. Get fast advice, trusted care and the right pet supplies – every day, all year round.
FIRSTVET UK LTD
25 Horsell Road
London
N5 1XL