Is it normal shedding or true hair loss?
All cats shed. Normal shedding is fairly even: you find fur on furniture and brushes, but the coat still looks full and the skin underneath looks healthy. Hair loss (alopecia) is different. It usually shows up as bald patches, thin areas, or a coat that looks uneven, and it is often linked to something that makes a cat scratch, lick, or chew at their fur.
If the coat looks full and you are just seeing more loose fur, see our guide to cat shedding season. If you can see skin, or the thinning is in a specific area, keep reading.
What cat hair loss can look like
- Bald patches or thinning fur rather than even shedding
- Red, scaly, crusty, or irritated skin under the missing hair
- Constant licking, biting, or scratching at one area
- Short, stubbly fur where the cat has been grooming heavily
- More hairballs or vomiting than usual
Because cats groom a lot, you may not see the licking itself. Short broken hairs or a smooth, shaved-looking area are often the clue.
Common causes of hair loss in cats
Vets generally group causes into a few categories. Several can happen together, which is one reason a vet exam is usually needed.
Parasites
Fleas are a very common culprit. Some cats are allergic to flea saliva (flea allergy dermatitis), so even a few bites can cause intense itching, often around the lower back and base of the tail. Ear mites and other skin mites can also cause itching and hair loss. See how to check if your cat has fleas.
Allergies
Food sensitivities and environmental allergies (for example to pollen, dust, or mould) can cause itchy skin, especially around the face, neck, and belly. Cats often respond by overgrooming.
Ringworm and other infections
Ringworm is a fungal skin infection, not a worm. It can cause circular, scaly bald patches, although it does not always look that way. It can spread to other animals and to people, so it is worth taking seriously. Bacterial skin infections can also develop, often secondary to scratching.
Stress and overgrooming
Some cats overgroom because of stress or boredom, such as a new pet, a move, or other household change. This is sometimes called psychogenic alopecia. Vets usually rule out medical causes first before settling on this explanation, since itch and pain can look very similar.
Pain and underlying illness
A cat may lick one spot repeatedly because it hurts, for instance with joint or urinary discomfort. Hormonal or other medical conditions can also affect the coat. This is a reason not to assume that hair loss is only cosmetic.
Hair loss in specific places
Where the hair is missing can offer clues, although it is not a diagnosis.
- Thin fur between the eyes and ears is often normal in adult cats. See cat losing hair above the eyes.
- Clumps of fur coming out, or hair loss on the belly and legs, is covered in cat hair falling out in clumps or on the belly and legs.
- Tangled, felted fur is a different problem. See how to fix matted fur on a cat.
What the vet will likely do
Your vet will usually start with a history and physical exam: when it began, where it is, whether your cat is itchy, and what flea prevention is in use. Depending on what they find, they may suggest some of the following:
- Examining hair and skin samples under a microscope
- A fungal test for ringworm
- A flea comb check or a trial of flea treatment
- Skin scrapings or cytology for mites or infection
- Blood or urine tests if illness is suspected
- A dietary trial if a food allergy is possible
Treatment depends on the cause
There is no single treatment for hair loss, because the cause matters. Examples include flea control for flea allergy, antifungal treatment for ringworm, medication for infections or allergies, treating the underlying illness or pain, and reducing stress with changes at home. Your vet may also discuss behavior-focused approaches for stress-related overgrooming. Medication should be chosen by your vet, since doses and safety differ for cats.
Can worms make a cat lose hair?
Intestinal worms are not usually listed as a leading cause of hair loss, but a cat with a heavy parasite burden may have a poor-quality coat. Ringworm, despite its name, is a fungus, not a worm. If you are unsure, ask your vet to check for both.
At what age do cats start losing fur?
There is no single age. Kittens and adult cats can both be affected by parasites, allergies, or infections. One exception is the thinner fur in front of the ears, which often becomes noticeable as a cat matures and is usually normal. Older cats are more likely to have underlying medical conditions, so new hair loss in a senior cat is worth checking.
What to give a cat that is losing hair
There is no one supplement or food that fixes hair loss, because the cause varies. Skin and coat supplements or diet changes should be discussed with your vet before you try them, especially if your cat has other health conditions. Avoid giving human medications or using creams and remedies not meant for cats, since some can be toxic.
What you can do at home while you arrange a vet visit
- Look closely at the skin and note any redness, scabs, or flakes.
- Check for fleas with a comb.
- Keep a short log of where the hair loss is, how fast it is changing, and any behavior changes.
- Take photos so you can show your vet how it is progressing.
- Wash your hands after handling your cat if you suspect ringworm, and keep an eye on other pets.
When to see a vet
Book a vet appointment if you see bald patches, bare skin, redness, scabs, sores, or obvious itching. Contact your vet sooner if your cat seems unwell, is eating or drinking differently, is losing weight, or if the hair loss is spreading quickly. If your cat is overgrooming and you cannot find a cause, it is still worth a check, since pain and illness can be behind it.
Keeping the coat healthy
- Use year-round flea prevention recommended by your vet.
- Brush regularly, which also lets you spot skin changes early. See cat matted fur for coat-care basics.
- Keep stress low with predictable routines, places to hide, and enrichment.
- Most healthy cats rarely need baths, but see how often to bathe a cat for exceptions.