Why is my cat losing hair on his belly and legs?
A cat will sometimes lose hair in the genital region, the underside of the tail, on the inside of the hind legs and on the underbelly. Pattern baldness in cats is caused by a variety of underlying conditions, including hormone imbalance, skin infections, allergies and parasites.
What causes a cat to lose patches of 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.
What is Cushing’s disease in cats?
Hyperadrenocorticism is also known as Cushing’s disease or Cushing’s syndrome. It is an uncommon disease in cats that develops when there is a persistent excessive production of the hormone cortisol from the adrenal glands (located close to the kidneys in the abdomen).
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.
Do cat bald spots grow back?
Cat Alopecia FAQs Bald spots on cats typically grow back after the underlying cause is addressed. For shorthaired cats, hair may grow back in a matter of weeks, but it may take several months for other cats.
Should I be concerned if my cat is losing hair?
There are many potential causes of bald patches on cats. Some can be a bigger cause for concern than others. If you notice any significant hair loss you should visit the vet immediately to find the cause and ensure your cat receives effective treatment.
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.
Where do cats get ringworm?
Cats get ringworm when they come into contact with the fungus that causes the infection. That fungus can live on many surfaces, including blankets, grooming tools, and towels. It also lives on an infected human or animal’s skin and hair.
How can an indoor cat get ringworm?
It’s even possible for indoor cats to get ringworm if they: Have contact with infected cats, dogs, people, or other animals. Visit a grooming or boarding care facility where ringworm spores are present. Touch furniture, carpet, or other surfaces containing ringworm spores.
Do cats lose hair when stressed?
Understanding your cat’s emotional state is the first step to avoid problems. * Excessive shedding: Cats in stressful situations will often have a normal physiologic response of excessive shedding. A cats muscles tense during times of stress and the follicles of some hairs, referred to as telogen hairs, are released.
Why do cats lose fur on their belly?
Allergies and Diet A veterinarian can perform a broad allergy test for a more acute diagnosis. Improper diet leads to hair loss, including on your cat’s underside. The easiest way to ensure your cat has proper nutrition is to buy a commercial cat food with the phrase “complete and balanced” on the label.
Will my cat’s belly fur grow back?
A Cat’s fur should grow back fine if he’s fully shaved or given a specialized lion trim. Fur will take four to six months to regrow fully in long-haired cats. If you shave a short-haired cat, his fur can regrow in under three months.