Cat hair loss

by Chantal
(South Africa)

 My cat is about a year old now and has a open patch on this back (spine). We don't know what it is but it's getting worse and spreading all over his body. He eats healthy and is a playful cat. I'm just worried about what it could be.

Chantal


Dear Chantal,

Thank you for writing in with concern for your kitty. Most often, the cause of hair loss in cats is an allergy.

The most common feline allergy is a flea allergy. It only takes one flea bite for your cat to become very itchy, so even if you haven't found fleas, he could still be reacting to a flea bite. Hair loss can also be caused by food or other environmental allergies. To read more about feline allergies, and see similar questions about hair loss in cats from other readers, please click here.

Since the hair loss is spreading, it is likely that your kitty is very itchy and uncomfortable. The best thing to do would be to bring your cat to a veterinarian for an examination so he can get some relief as soon as possible.

Wishing you all the best,
Dr. Neely