Hair Loss in Cats: Causes From Overgrooming to Ringworm

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

A bald patch on a cat is more than a cosmetic problem. It is a symptom, and finding the cause matters. The causes range from a flea allergy that a vet can fix in minutes to deeper medical or behavioral problems that need patience.

Normal shedding versus hair loss

All cats shed, with heavier shedding in spring and autumn, and some after stress or illness. Normal shedding thins the coat evenly. True hair loss, or alopecia, leaves patches of thin or missing hair, with visible skin. Also look for broken hairs, short stubble and a coat that is thinner on the belly, legs or flanks, which suggests that the cat is licking or chewing.

Causes

Parasites

• Fleas, the leading cause of itch and hair loss, particularly at the base of the tail and lower back. Flea allergy dermatitis can occur from a single bite. See fleas on cats.
• Mites, such as ear mites, mange and cheyletiella. See ear mites in cats.
• Lice, less commonly.

Allergies

• Food allergy.
• Environmental allergy, to pollen or dust mites.
• Contact allergy.

See cat skin allergies and cat food allergies and sensitive stomachs.

Infections

• Ringworm, a fungal infection, causing round, scaly patches. It is contagious to people and other pets. See ringworm in cats.
• Bacterial skin infection, usually secondary to scratching.
• Yeast infection.

Behavioral causes

• Psychogenic alopecia. Overgrooming due to stress, boredom or anxiety. See why do cats overgroom and signs of stress in cats.

Pain

• Cats may overgroom over a sore area, such as an arthritic joint or the bladder region. See arthritis in cats and signs of pain in cats.

Hormonal and other disease

• Hyperthyroidism, with a rough coat and some hair loss. See hyperthyroidism in cats.
• Diabetes, Cushing's disease, and other uncommon hormone problems.
• Cancer of the skin or lymph nodes. See cancer in cats.
• Immune-mediated skin disease.
• Stress after surgery or illness, causing a coat blowout.
• Pregnancy and nursing.

Clues from the pattern

• Symmetrical hair loss on the belly, inner legs or flanks often suggests licking, from allergies, pain or stress.
• Patchy, scaly, round areas suggest ringworm.
• Hair loss at the base of the tail and lower back suggests fleas.
• Hair loss around the head and ears suggests mites or ringworm.
• A thin, dull, greasy coat may point to systemic disease.

What your vet will do

• Examine the skin and coat, and ask about itch, diet and environment.
• Check for fleas, using a comb.
• Take skin scrapings, tape impressions or hair samples under a microscope.
• Test for ringworm with a lamp, microscopy or culture.
• Run bloodwork and a thyroid test.
• Suggest a food trial, lasting about eight weeks.
• Recommend allergy testing.
• Take a biopsy, in stubborn cases.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. It may include year-round flea control, antifungals, medicated shampoos, allergy management, a hypoallergenic diet, pain relief, stress reduction and enrichment, or treatment of hormone disease. Do not use human creams, essential oils or leftover medicines. See essential oils and cats.

Helping your cat at home

• Keep up with parasite prevention.
• Give a stable routine, and play. See indoor cat enrichment ideas.
• Brush gently. See how to brush a cat.
• Use a soft cone if the cat is damaging its skin, as advised by your vet.
• Wash bedding.

Stress and overgrooming in practice

Cats that overgroom from stress often target the belly, inner thighs and forelegs, where the fur looks thin or short, and the skin is usually normal. You may rarely see the cat lick, since it often happens when alone. Look for hair in the litter, or hairballs. Stress triggers include moves, new pets, boredom and tension with housemates. After a vet excludes medical causes, work on enrichment, play and routine, and consider pheromones. Some cats benefit from anti-anxiety medicine from a vet. See how to calm an anxious cat.

Ringworm and household safety

Because ringworm can spread to people and other pets, wash hands after handling an affected cat, and clean bedding and surfaces thoroughly. Children and people with weak immune systems need extra care. Treatment takes weeks, and the environment needs cleaning. Follow your vet's plan.

Seasonal shedding versus disease

If your cat sheds more in spring and autumn, with an even coat and normal skin, it is likely normal. Brushing more often helps. If the coat is thin, patchy or the skin is red or scaly, it is not just shedding. See how to brush a cat.

Recheck and recovery

Hair regrowth takes weeks to months, depending on the cause and season. Take photos every two weeks. If the bald area is not improving after a few weeks of treatment, return to the vet.

When to see a vet

See a vet if your cat has bald patches, scabs or constant itching. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every cat is different. If your cat is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.