My cat is losing its hair

Ringworm is one of the most common causes of cat hair loss. This fungal infection is highly contagious and frequently occurs among kittens or cats living in groups. The main agent is a fungal spore, microsporum canis, which can be contracted from a contaminated animal or environment, and which can remain infectious for several months.

The spore enters your cat’s skin through bites, scratches or lesions, and the infection develops in the outermost layer of skin and the hair follicles. If your cat has any skin damage in an area that’s hard to reach for grooming, such as the face, they’re at greater risk, as grooming normally helps remove infectious material before it develops. Cats with weakened immune systems, whether from illness or medical treatment, are also more vulnerable.

Symptoms can vary, but you’re likely to notice your cat losing its hair in irregular or circular patches, along with reddish, flaky skin. Their hair may also break easily or appear abnormal.

Ringworm can be treated and eliminated, although it usually involves several stages of addressing the infection, destroying spores, and sanitising your cat’s environment. Because it’s highly contagious to humans as well, if you spot signs of your cat losing its hair linked to ringworm, it’s important to consult a vet as soon as possible to prevent further spread.

Hair loss due to a cat’s excessive grooming

Grooming is a crucial way cats keep themselves clean and their skin healthy. However, excessive grooming can lead to cat hair loss and other side effects.

When a cat grooms, it uses its rough tongue to rid its coat and skin of parasites, dead hair, debris and other irritants. But its tongue can also break the hairs, resulting in patches of cat losing its hair. If your cat over-grooms the same spot, you may notice the patch becoming balder or the hair looking thinner and of poorer quality. Because your cat is also ingesting extra dead hair, they may start to suffer with hairballs as their digestive system can’t process and get rid of it effectively.

Excessive grooming can also be a symptom of behavioural issues – if your cat is stressed, it may use grooming as a substitution behaviour to calm itself. It can also be caused by boredom; if your cat’s environment doesn’t provide enough stimulation, it may groom more than necessary. If you notice signs of over-grooming, it’s important to consult a vet who can identify the underlying causes and provide the right support.

Hair loss due to your cat’s diet

If your cat’s food isn’t providing them with everything their skin and coat need to stay healthy, your cat may begin to suffer from hair loss or poor-quality fur.

A cat’s skin and hair need a significant amount of protein to function and grow effectively; around 30% of their daily protein intake is used on renewing and building their skin. A lack of high-quality protein in their diet, or protein which is too difficult to digest, can result in thinner, brittle hair and even hair loss.

Vitamin A and vitamin E are also vital in keeping your cat’s coat healthy and preventing hair loss; these regulate cell growth and act as natural antioxidants. A deficiency of these can result in problems with how your cat produces the main component of hair, keratin.

In general, hair loss can be easily rectified in cats through a combination of medical treatment, environmental adjustments and dietary choices. Visit your vet, who’ll be able to identify the cause of your cat’s hair loss and the best possible solution.