Why is my cat thin and losing hair?
Feline fur loss may have fungal and parasitic causes, such as ringworm, mites or flea allergies. Food allergies are another possibility, as are metabolic conditions such as hyperthyroidism, the term for over-production of thyroid hormones.
Why is my cat suddenly going bald?
Fleas and other external parasites By far the most common cause of a bald patch on your cat’s fur is fleas or other external parasites. This is especially common on your cat’s lower back and tail. Hair loss usually occurs when your cat has an allergic reaction to the fleas saliva causing them to overgroom.
Why is my cat losing weight but still eating?
Like weight gain, weight loss is a serious issue in cats. When your cat is losing weight but still eating, there might be an underlying medical problem, particularly hyperthyroidism or diabetes. If your cat is losing weight rapidly or is underweight, consult your veterinarian.
What are the symptoms of worms in cats?
- Vomiting (sometimes with worms in the vomit)
- Diarrhea (with or without blood)
- Tarry feces.
- Weight loss.
- Distended abdomen.
- Skin lesions.
- Generally poor body condition and a dull coat.
Can fleas make a cat skinny?
Fleas can transmit tapeworms to your cat which can cause gut upsets and weight loss. Very heavy flea burdens result in an anaemia which can be fatal in very young or debilitated cats.
How can u tell if a cat has ringworm?
The clearest and most common clinical signs of feline ringworm include the following: circular areas of hair loss, broken and stubbly hair, scaling or crusty skin, alterations in hair or skin color, inflamed areas of skin, excessive grooming and scratching, infected claws or nail beds, and dandruff.
Can stress cause bald spots on cats?
Stress and anxiety: When cats are stressed and obsessively lick and scratch, they can lose hair. Vets call this “psychogenic alopecia.” Cats that have it tend to pick at their belly, sides, and legs. It’s most common in female purebreds with nervous personalities.
Should I be concerned if my cat has a bald spot?
A bald spot is an area of missing fur. Bald spots can sometimes be a singular patch of hair loss or they can be multiple patches over a larger area. Often the distribution of the bald spots can be important in helping your Vet to make a diagnosis. If you notice that your cat has bald spots, contact your Vet for advice.
Why does my cat feel bony?
As they age, cats are not able to digest their food as well resulting in increased nutrition requirements. If their nutrition does not meet their requirements, they will lose muscle mass resulting in the ability to easily feel the bones of their spine and hips when petting them.
Is my cat too skinny if I can feel her spine?
Perform the same test on your cat’s spine. Again, you should be able to feel the bones, but not excessively. If the vertebrae feel very knobbly or like there’s nothing on top of them, your cat is underweight. If they’re difficult to feel, you have an overweight cat.
How can I fatten up my skinny cat?
One way to encourage weight gain in an underweight cat is to increase the size of your cat’s diet. You can achieve this by adding extra food to their regular meals or feeding them a high-protein cat kibble. You should also make sure they have plenty of opportunities to exercise to balance out this new diet.
What are signs of tapeworms in cats?
- Shaggy coat.
- Unpredictable appetite.
- Irritability.
- Failure to thrive.
- Mild diarrhea.
- Emaciation.
- Seizures.
- Intestinal blockages and complications.
Can an infection cause a cat to lose weight?
Feline Viral Disease FIP, FeLV and FIV are viral diseases in cats. These viruses have different causes and possible therapies, but weight loss is a common symptom of all three.
What does a flea allergy look like on a cat?
Symptoms of Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Cats If your cat has flea allergy dermatitis, their skin will appear red (erythema), be mildly to severely itchy (pruritus), and may have crusts or small bumps (papules). Most pet parents notice their cat scratching frequently and excessively grooming.
How can I treat my cat’s hair loss?
Regular Bathing. Using a cat shampoo with natural ingredients, regular bathing is a great at-home treatment for cat hair loss and can get rid of your cat’s excess hair. This reduces shedding and will also keep them from over-grooming certain areas.
Is it normal for my cat to have bald spots?
Bald patches in cats are quite common, and in most cases, it usually gets better without treatment. You should analyse the areas where the animal has bald spots, its skin condition, and you should especially observe their behaviour to detect any health problems.