Can Fleas Cause Hair Loss in Cats?
WouterIf your cat has fleas, you may have noticed excessive itching and hair loss. Fortunately, fleas are easily eliminated by using a monthly spot-on treatment or a cycle of flea shampoos. You can also use an anti-flea medication or cream to prevent future flea infestations.
Symptoms of flea infestation include bald patches in a cat’s fur, often on the lower back or tail. These patches are caused by an allergic reaction by the cat to the saliva produced by fleas. Once the fleas are removed, the hair will grow back.
Ringworm is also a common cause of hair loss in cats. Although ringworm is not a parasite, it is a fungal infection that causes circular lesions on the skin. Ringworm is very contagious and affects all mammals, including cats. If your cat has ringworm, you should examine her closely for symptoms, which can include hair loss in the affected area. Your veterinarian can confirm if your cat is suffering from ringworm by examining her hair and performing a fungal culture. A Wood’s lamp test can visualize the fungal spores. Even a negative analysis does not rule out ringworm, however.
The medical term for hair loss in cats is alopecia. There are many causes of alopecia and it can be extremely frustrating for pet parents. Some types of hair loss involve hair falling out spontaneously while others may be caused by scratching, overgrooming, or other factors. Some are temporary, but others are permanent and life-threatening.
