Cat Health: Bald Cat
Feline baldness can be an alarming situation for any cat owner. There are multiple reasons why a cat may begin to experience hair loss, and the treatments tend to vary based on the ultimate cause.
What could make a cat bald?
Just like humans, battling allergies that are skin-related can take a toll on skin and hair quality. Hair loss that is caused by an allergic reaction may fall out due to rash or excessive grooming and scratching to relieve the itch. Once the allergen is identified and removed from contact with the cat, hair will typically begin to regrow. In the meantime, a veterinarian may prescribe itch relief to prevent further damage.
Similarly, an infestation of fleas, ringworm, or mange. Fleas can be prevented through the use of store bought treatments. Even an indoor cat may be susceptible to fleas hitching a ride of an unsuspecting owner. Fleas are also fairly easy to treat, and hair regrowth in areas where biting has occurred should begin when successful flea treatment starts.
Ringworm is a fungal infection- not a worm- that actually directly causes hair loss. It can be identified by circular patches on the skin where hair loss has occurred. Treated dips and oral medications are used to treat ringworm, and hair usually does regrow.
Mange is caused by mites that burrow under the skin and cause tremendous discomfort, which will lead to extreme measures by a cat to alleviate the sensations caused by the burrowing critters. There is a treatment that can be applied by a veterinarian. Hair may or may not regrow depending on the severity of the mange.
Hyperthyroidism is actually the #1 cause of feline baldness, and it is particularly common in cats. However, hyperthyroidism can be managed with appropriate medication and treatment.
If any of the systems problems above are noted or suspected, it is important to seek veterinarian advice. Coat quality can be an excellent indicator of health for cats, so baldness can spell trouble. In the best case scenario, a simple diet change or an easily implemented environmental alteration will eliminate a cat's hair loss, but overall health is still the most important factor in investigating feline baldness.