IS YOUR CAT SHEDDING TOO MUCH?

Your cat might be losing too much hair because: it was born with a skin condition, it's a side effect of a treatment, or it's sick. You will need to talk to your vet to find out exactly what's going on. In most cases, the cause is not serious. The main causes include:

Allergies: these are the primary causes of hair loss. Just like humans, your cat can be allergic to food, insect bites, medications, dust, or pollen. Allergies are simple to treat by avoiding the causative factors, and in rarer cases, the cat might need lifelong treatment.

Parasites: fleas, mites, lice, and ticks can make your cat scratch itself, causing wounds that affect its fur. In this case, treatment is usually easy and quick. Consult your vet to guide you on which medication to use.

Stress and anxiety: can be another cause of hair loss. Veterinarians call this condition psychogenic alopecia, and it is most often seen in females. Ask your vet if she needs an antidepressant or environmental changes.

There can also be rare causes: purebreds such as Himalayans and Bengals are more susceptible to having genes that cause hair loss. Others, like the Sphynx, are bred to be hairless.

It is unlikely that hair loss is a symptom of an immune system problem, diabetes mellitus, hyperactive thyroid, or cancer. Visit the veterinarian for a consultation and a recommendation for a personalized diet.

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