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Overview
Causes
Symptoms
Treatment
Alopecia in Cats
The definition of alopecia is hair loss, and it is very common
in cats. It can happen in any breed and at any age.
There are many causes of alopecia and they include: allergies (food,
seasonal), fleas, behavioral, ringworm, hyperthyroidism, diabetes,
neoplasia, and genetics.  
Allergies in cats can be mild to severe, and alopecia is usually around
the head and neck. There can be very reddened, infected skin
associated with allergies, and these pets are usually very itchy. The
same is true for fleas. Hair loss will be symmetrical and on the abdomen
or thighs, and the skin is usually normal in cats with stress issues that
cause them to pull out their hair. Ringworm causes round, scaling
lesions-these pets generally are not itching.
A skin scraping, fungal culture, and blood work should be performed to
determine the cause of hair loss. A diet change will be indicated for food
allergies. Intradermal skin testing along with antihistamines or steroids will
help a seasonal allergy. All allergic pets should be on topical flea control.
Antifungals (oral or topicals) will be prescribed if the culture is positive.
There are many medications available if the pet is suffering from stress.