A cat's fur coat is not the same as a human hair.It is very rare for a cat to lose their hair for no reason.Unlike people, they don't go bald with age.If you discover bald patches on your cat, you will have to figure out why.
Step 1: Understand why it's important to understand the underlying condition.
The key to dealing with hair loss is treating the underlying illness.Hair loss is not the only symptom of the condition.People with infections of their skin are more likely to be itchy than a cat with a disease.
Step 2: There are signs of a disease.
A good deal of damage can be done to your cat's skin and hair shaft when he has this condition.When the cat grooms himself, the damaged hair is accidentally licked away.In order to decrease the number ofbacteria on the skin surface, it is necessary to give the cat a bath with a medicine.A course of antibiotics may be given to the cat.A broad spectrum antibiotic is usually prescribed.
Step 3: Stress can cause telogen defluxion.
A symmetrical hair loss happens all at once when this condition is present.Telogen defluxion can be triggered by a pregnant woman, a severe illness, or surgery.The hair loss happens about a month after the stress.The hairs grow back on their own after a stress event because the skin is not damaged and there is no need for treatment.
Step 4: Ringworm can be treated.
A cat has a worm that grows down its hair shaft.The hair will fall out if the hair shaft is damaged.Cut your cat's hair short to reduce the risk of shed hairs and take an oral medication such as a griseofulvin, ketoconazole, or itraconazole.The act of giseofulvin is to stop the division of cells.The medication can be given with a knob of butter.An average-sized cat gets a dose twice a day.
Step 5: It is important to recognize and treat Cushing's disease.
Hyperadrenocorticism is very rare in cats.It happens when a cat's body produces too much cortisol.A potbelly, thin skin, and hair loss are some of the physical changes that occur when the cat is hungry and thirsty.The treatment involves giving a daily capsule containing trilostane.
Step 6: If you have demodectic mange, be sure to treat it.
The demodex mange mite likes to live near the hair shafts of cats.Damage to the hair can be caused by this mite.Bald spots can occur when a cat's hair is easy to lose.Some treatments for demodectic mange are toxic to cats.Lime sulfur dips and 1% selenium sulphide shampoos are safe for cats.The directions are listed on the container.
Step 7: Cats lose their hair because of allergies.
Cats can have allergies to different foods and the environment around them.These allergies cause itching on the skin and sometimes vomiting.The cat licking herself too much can damage the hair shafts and make it look like she is losing hair.
Step 8: If your cat has hair loss, watch it.
If your cat has an allergy to a certain type of grass or pollen, you may be able to find out.In the spring or summer, your cat may lose fur if there is a certain amount of pollen in the air.If your cat seems to have seasonal allergies, you should talk to your vet about trial steroids.Some veterinarians will give cats some allergy-fighting steroids that may help to reduce the itch and allow the cat's coat to return to normal.
Step 9: A trial diet for your cat.
Steroids can't be used to control food allergies, and the cat will continue to react poorly unless the allergy is eliminated from his diet.Put your cat on a commercial diet.Don't feed your cat anything else.It can take up to eight weeks to flush your cat's system.If the problem was a food allergy, then the cat should be more comfortable and stop grooming after eight weeks, which should result in the regrowth of the bald patches.
Step 10: Hair loss is a result of arthritis.
A cat with arthritis may lick the joint that is causing him pain.It is possible to control the pain by giving your cat painkillers.If you think your cat is suffering from arthritis, talk to your vet.
Step 11: You should consider giving your cat meloxicam.
Meloxicam is part of a family of drugs called NSAIDs.Meloxicam works by suppressing prostaglandin release, which limits the inflammation that leads to fever and pain.Your cat may benefit from this medication.Talk to your vet before giving your cat medication.
Step 12: Do not give your cat meloxicam if he's dehydrated.
Meloxicam should only be given to animals that are well fed.If an animal is dehydrated, the medication may cause a decrease in blood supply to the kidneys, which can lead to failure.Meloxicam must be given after food.If your cat is taking steroids, do not give him meloxicam.
Step 13: Hair loss can be caused by fleas.
Fleas are a common source of irritation that can lead to hair loss.These pests can be hard to spot.Flea dirt is the dried blood left behind when a flea bites your cat.Look for brown or specks when brushing your cat's hair.Put some of the flecks on the paper towel.As the blood is reconstituted, the flea dirt should turn red or orange.
Step 14: Fleas are a problem for your cat.
Flea medication can cause them to become paralyzed and die.Fipronil and selamectin are found in common flea medications.The recommended dose of flea medication is applied to the skin on the back of the cat's neck.
Step 15: You can treat the animals in your house.
If you have more than one pet in your house, you should treat them for fleas as long as they have fur.If you only treat one animal, they will pick up fleas from the other animal in your house.If you want to remove fleas from your furniture and carpets, you should use an insecticidal agent in your house.
Step 16: If all other hair loss causes have been ruled out, consider psychological issues.
Psychogenic behavior is a reaction to stress.All other possible causes of hair loss need to be ruled out in order to reach a conclusion that the over-grooming is psychological.
Step 17: Cats can become very addicted to licking their fur.
The act of licking causes the release of endorphins into the cat's bloodstream.The cat can become addicted to this natural high.A stray cat moving into a new home is a Trigger to the original episode of licking.The cat becomes addicted to licking himself.
Step 18: Help your cat break the habit by reducing his stress.
Try to show your cat that there is no competition for resources such as food, water, or sleeping spots.Provide your cat with lots of toys.If your cat is feeling stressed, you should give him lots of places to hide.
Step 19: Consider using a chemical.
Feliway is a chemical messenger that can be pumped into the air to calm your cat.The scent of the synthetic pheromone makes the cat feel safe, because his body interprets it as a feeling of safety.If you want to make your house smell safe to your cat, you can spray on the synthetic pheromones in spray bottles.