Like us humans, who suffer alterations in our skin and scalp, our domestic animals, such as cats, can suffer from hair loss or alopecia. This disease may be accompanied by itching or lesions that appear as scabs or peeling of the skin.
For this reason, if you are wondering why my cat is balding, Next we will talk about the possible causes and their treatment.
What are the causes?
Among the main causes of this disease are the following:
Stress
The first cause of alopecia in cats is stress, and although these animals are characterized by being quite calm and routine, they can suffer it when there are sudden changes in their life, such as frequent transfers, presence of other animals to them. which are not used to, or dog barking. They are very sensitive, so that in stressful situations, especially if they are maintained over time, they even tend to pull their hair themselves.
What to do in these cases? First of all, you have to find out what causes stress in these cats, since depending on it you will have to take some measures or others:
- removals: moving with cats is not complicated, but it is important that all the tackle, clothes, etc. are carried and placed. before taking the animals to the new home. If this cannot be done in this way, then we will leave the furry ones in a room with their beds, toys, litter boxes, feeders and drinkers until the move is over.
- Other animals: When we decide to adopt another animal and we already live with a cat it is very, very important to make sure that the feline really needs another companion. In other words, "I am not going to adopt another animal because I want to, but because my cat needs a playmate." I do not know if I explain myself. You don't have to be selfish in this regard. You don't have to adopt it just because you want to have another cat or a dog; You also have to think about whether your cat will love it. Bad decisions often end, unfortunately, in abandonment.
Anyway, you should know that during the first days it is completely normal that they do not get along. Cats are very territorial and have a hard time accepting others. But with a lot of patience and affection they often come to be accepted and can live well together. - Constant dog barking, loud noises: both barking, fireworks, firecrackers, ... in short, loud noises, greatly stress cats. If the dog belongs to someone, you have to talk to their family (human, it is understood 😉) so that they do everything possible to better take care of the animal, since a dog that barks is usually either because it is bored, or because it does not receive all the care you need; In the event that it is a stray, I recommend you contact an animal protection association; And if it is yours, you may need to go out more to unload energy and be calm.
As for firecrackers, fireworks, etc. it is important to close doors and windows. It is also a good idea to put on relaxing music and, above all, to remain calm. So the cats will see that nothing really happens, and little by little they will calm down.
Parasites
Another cause of hair loss or alopecia in cats is parasitic infections, such as scabies or mycosis of the skin. If our kitten is infected with fleas, ticks or mites, when an allergic reaction occurs due to saliva and the bite of the parasite, it can generate such itching that the cat scratches and bites incessantly, so the affected area begins to lose hair
To do? In these cases, you have to take them to the vet to get an antiparasitic treatment:
- Pipettes: they are like small flat plastic bottles inside which is the antiparasitic liquid. When it is opened, it must be applied to the back of the neck (where it joins the back, in the center so that they cannot be reached) trying to prevent the animal from moving. With this, it is achieved that, within a few hours, the parasites against which it is effective begin to die. In addition, it keeps them protected for 1, 3 or 6 months depending on the pipette.
- Pills and syrups: when the infection or plague is widespread, or when it comes to internal parasites, they are usually given pills or syrups, some for a few days.
- Antiparasitic spray: it is a liquid that is applied by spraying on the body of the animal, taking great care with the eyes, ears, nose and genital area. It is an almost immediate action product, but it is not recommended for cats since they are animals that groom themselves several times a day and could have an allergic reaction to the product.
In cases of skin problems, it will also be possible to give us a moisturizer.
Genetic alteration
It is important that we bear in mind that some breeds such as the Cornish and the Devon rex, suffer from a genetic alteration of the hair, so they will suffer from alopecia and hair loss more often than other cat breeds.
It is important that once we begin to perceive that our cat suffers from this disease, we must take it as soon as possible to the veterinarian so that they perform different tests and examinations.
My cat loses hair in areas, why?
Hair loss in areas is usually due to some allergy, like the saliva of fleas. If we see that it licks and scratches a lot in a certain area (base of the tail, belly, neck and flanks) the ideal is to treat it if we have not already done it with an antiparasitic so that it can improve.
My cat's hair falls out in clumps
It can be due to the molt (if it is spring-summer), or that it has a lot of stress or parasites. If it is the first, simply brushing it daily will control the problem, but if it is stress it is necessary to make changes at home: cats are very sensitive and, therefore, you have to ensure that the family environment is calm and that they are respected and cared for properly.
On the other hand, if the cause is parasites, we insist, they must be treated.
My cat has bald spots above the eyes
It doesn't have to be anything serious 🙂. Black cats of the common breed, for example, usually have entrances in their eyes from the moment they are born. But if they are bald areas that appear later, then it is advisable to take them to the vet to see if they have an infection.
My cat has a bald spot behind the ear
If you have fleas or another parasite, it is normal to scratch frequently, something that causes that area to lose hair over time. But it is not the only cause: if an injury has been or has been done, it could be that you have lost hair in that area. So very calm, and a visit to the vet to tell us what happened to him.
I hope it has been useful to you 🙂.
How do I so that my little face does not shed the fur anymore
Hi Zuleima.
First you have to know why your hair is falling out. It can be from parasites, stress or illness.
I recommend you read this article.
A greeting.