Questions About Feline Hair Loss

My cat is almost a year old, and has recently started to lose hair. She's getting a bald patch on her back right in front of her tail on both sides of her spine. There is also quite a bit of flaking. Oddly, the rest of her coat is shiny and smooth, and she has an otherwise healthy appearance.

She doesn't seem bothered by her loss of hair, but I have noticed she hardly ever grooms herself. She is an indoor cat. What could be the problem?

~~Chris McCurry

Expert Reply

Hi Chris,

I'm not a vet so I can't diagnose the cause of your cat's hair loss, but I can give you some advice.

There are so many possible causes for feline hair loss that the only way to be sure what is going on is to have some blood work done by your vet. My suspicion is that your cat may have a thyroid problem. The lack of self-grooming, no interest in the problem spot and the severe flaking are all common symptoms. Have you noticed any changes in her eating and drinking habits?

If it were as simple as hair loss caused by a parasite, you would likely see her scratching and biting at the affected area, but from what you've told me this doesn't seem to be the case.

Please let us know what diagnosis you vet finally comes up with.

Thanks for your question~~ Kelly

Diabetes and Feline Hair Loss

I have a fourteen-year-old male cat who has diabetes for which I give him insulin shots twice a day. His numbers are good and he seems quite healthy except that when he grooms himself, he pulls out huge chunks of his fur. It's looking a little patchy now.

He does not have fleas and blood work does not indicate any problems except the diabetes. He was a stray when I adopted him (actually he adopted me!) but has not been outside in over seven years now.

I don't know what is causing him to pull his hair out and don't know how to stop him. Any ideas?

Thanks~~ Patricia S.

Expert Reply

Hi Patricia,

The cause of feline hair loss is difficult to diagnose. Here are my thoughts.

First, hair loss can be a side effect of diabetes. It's actually fairly common, but it usually levels off once the disease is under control.

Second, even though your cat doesn't appear to have fleas, parasites or fungi can still be possibilities. Your vet could take a skin scraping for this diagnosis.

Cushings Disease is another contender. It has so many varied symptoms that the diagnosis is easily missed until it all adds up. In a nutshell, it's caused by a problem with the thyroid gland.

Needless to say, you'll have to pursue a diagnosis with your vet in order to establish the exact cause and try to curb the hair loss.

My best wishes for your cat.

~~Kelly

Hairballs and Weight Loss

I have an adopted two-year-old Himalayan female cat. Over the last few weeks she has lost weight and hair. I groom her every day but she is constantly licking and having lots of hairballs. She eats and drinks as always. Please help us.

~~Judy47

Expert Reply

Hi Judy,

Hairballs can be a nuisance when they are small, but they have the potential to become quite large. The fur wad inside of the gut also collects food particles, and the entire mix becomes compacted. This takes up extra room in the stomach, so some cats eat less because they already feel full, resulting in weight loss.

Significant hair loss can be a symptom of thyroid disease.

All things considered, you really ought to have your vet examine your cat. You're already on the right track by keeping her brushed, but I honestly suspect there's an underlying cause to her current condition.

Until you can set up an appointment, it wouldn't hurt to add 1/2 teaspoon of fresh fish oil to her diet twice a week. This will help loosen future hairballs and is also beneficial for the skin.

Best wishes for your cat's health~~ Kelly

Seasonal Feline Hair Loss

My six-year-old cat that has been losing hair each summer for the past two years. His coat gets a greasy look to it as well. The hair loss occurs over his entire body, and isn't limited to any one area.

He still loves to be petted, but he has dandruff. His coat is so greasy and he's losing so much hair, it makes me not want to pet him.

He has maintained normal weight through all this, and we haven't noticed him eating or drinking more or less than usual. Any ideas about what this is? I've thought maybe it could be allergies because this only happens to him in the summer, but I was wondering if anyone else had any other ideas of what it could be.

~~Horsengoatgirl

Expert Reply

I think you are heading in the right direction. Do you allow your cat to go outside? He could suffer from grass allergies, and this would certainly cause inflammation. Pollens can also be tracked in on your shoes and transferred to the carpet, so he could be exposed that way too. Do you notice him scratching more in the summer as well? I think you would notice if he had fleas, but give him a good check anyway.

I can't give you a diagnosis for your cat, but I highly encourage you to take him to the vet. This sounds like something that could be managed with the right medication, and then your cat's coat would have a chance to grow back in normally.

Thanks for your question~~ Kelly

Side Effects of Metoclopramide

Hi!

I have a ten-year-old male cat. He was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism about six months ago. He currently takes Metaclopramide. About a week ago he started developing a bald spot on the top of his head. Now he has one by his ear and another under his ear, on the side of his neck. Could this be a late side effect of the medication? Is there anything I can do for him, or does he need to see his vet? We had blood work done two months ago and he was within a therapeutic range. Thanks!

~~Bearcat

Expert Reply

Hi, Bearcat,

It can be upsetting when we see balding in our beloved felines. Metaclopramide (Reglan) is given to cats for a variety of problems, such as vomiting or gastrointestinal disorders in both dogs and cats. The medication works on the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CRTZ) in the cat's brain which controls the urge to vomit. Most common side effects reported are behavior changes and frenzied activity or anxiousness.

However, if your cat is having some adrenal issues, it could show up as hair loss. There may be further tests or medications your veterinarian can prescribe for your cat that will help with this issue. Be sure to watch your cat closely before taking him to the vet. Is he grooming himself to excess in the areas where he is losing hair? Rubbing his paws in these areas as he washes himself may actually rub away some of the fur.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you're able to resolve the issue soon.

~~ Lori