Hair loss in cats, also known as alopecia, can be a common concern for cat owners. It can be caused by various underlying factors, ranging from allergies to hormonal imbalances. Understanding the causes of hair loss in cats is crucial for providing appropriate treatment and preventing further complications.
Alopecia can have several potential causes, including allergies, skin infections, parasites, hormonal imbalances, and stress. Allergies to food or environmental triggers can cause cats to develop itchy skin and excessive scratching, leading to hair loss. Skin infections, such as ringworm or bacterial infections, can also cause hair loss due to inflammation and damage to the hair follicles. Parasites like fleas and mites can irritate the skin and cause cats to scratch excessively, resulting in hair loss.