Why Is My Cat Pulling Hair Out? Top 3 Popular Causes

Did you ever see your feline friend shed its fur? It’s a sad sight that can make us concerned and helpless. If you wonder, “Why is my cat pulling hair out?” then let me tell you, this is not uncommon. Excessive grooming, or cat pulling hair out, as it is called, has many underlying causes that differ from one cat to another.

In this post, we will discuss some of the most common reasons cats pull their hair out and what you can do about it. As we try to answer the question, “Why is my cat pulling hair out?” We will look into medical conditions that could be causing this problem, as well as stress and anxiety-related factors. You will also know how to find out what is causing the issue through diagnosis and, finally, treatment options, so don’t worry—they will have shiny coats again soon!

Common Causes Of Cat Pulling Hair Out

It’s always hard for us as cat owners to see our feline friends in agony and tearing their fur out. Why is my cat pulling hair out? You may ask. Well, there might be a few reasons your pet is doing this. Here are some of the most common ones.

Parasites

Parasites are one of the main reasons behind cat pulling hair out. Fleas are usually the most common of these. Itching caused by these small creatures can be so severe that a cat will overgroom itself, pulling out fur to relieve it. In certain cases, just one flea bite is enough to cause an allergic reaction throughout a cat’s entire skin.

Nevertheless, fleas aren’t the only parasites you should be concerned about; mites, lice, and different types of mange can also lead to irritated skin and loss of hair. Some specific examples of parasitic infections are:

• Canine scabies (Sarcoptic mange)
• Feline scabies
• Ear mites
• Walking dandruff (cheyletiellosis)
• Trombiculosis (Chiggers)
• Demodicosis (caused by mites but not considered mange)

Allergies

Cats pulling hair out may be caused by allergies. Yeah, you heard that right! Cats can also develop allergies to things in their surroundings. Consequently, they may suffer from skin irritation, which makes them itch, leading to grooming, where they pull out their fur.

Some common allergens that affect cats include:

1. Food: Certain ingredients in your cat’s diet might be causing an allergic reaction.
2. Environmental factors: Dust, pollen, and mold are common airborne allergens that can affect cats.
3. Medication: Some cats may have allergic reactions to certain medications.
4. Insects: Flea allergy dermatitis is one of cats’ most common allergic skin conditions.
5. Contact allergens: Laundry detergents, fabric softeners, or carpet cleaners can irritate your cat’s skin.

You and your veterinarian must be able to determine the particular substance causing your cat’s allergic reaction and devise a strategy for managing this condition.

Skin Infections

Cat pulling hair out can be caused by skin infections, which can be bacterial, fungal, or both.

Bacterial infections, or pyoderma, occur on the skin’s surface or within its layers. Staphylococcus pseudointermedius and Pasteurella multocida are commonly found bacteria that cause these infections. A cat with a bacterial skin infection usually shows red skin lesions, bumps or pustules, and partial hair loss.

Fungal infections such as dermatophytosis (ringworm) are contracted through contact with infected animals or fungal spores in their environment, which are then transferred onto the pet’s coat while self-grooming, thus affecting not only their respiratory system but also infecting different parts of their bodies, including the skin itself.

Medical Conditions That May Lead to Cat Pulling Hair Out

You may be amazed to find that a cat pulling hair out may cause a few health problems. We’ll discuss these diseases and how they affect the behavior of your feline friends.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a fairly normal condition among elderly cats that can cause cat pulling hair out. This happens when your cat’s thyroid glands in the neck produce excessive thyroid hormone, elevating its metabolic rate. If you see your cat pulling out fur, it may be a sign of this disease.

Signs of hyperthyroidism:

• Weight loss despite increased appetite
• Increased thirst and urination
• Restlessness or aggression
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Unkempt fur

You may observe your cat overpreparing, resulting in a sleek and dirty hide. This conduct is regularly caused by stress and uneasiness caused by the raised metabolic rate. If you think it is hyperthyroidism, it is important to see a veterinarian who will give an accurate medical diagnosis and prescribe therapy for this condition.

Cystitis

Cystitis, which affects the lower urinary tract and can be very painful for cats, is another health problem that may cause your cat to pull out its hair.

Signs of cystitis in cats include:

1. Frequent visits to the litter box
2. Crying when trying to urinate
3. Blood in the urine
4. Urinating outside the litter box

Cats are interesting creatures. When they’re afflicted with cystitis, they tend to pull their fur out on the belly, which is uncomfortable for them. Some experts believe that this action is driven by frustration and an effort to relieve themselves of discomfort.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a very painful disease that can impact cats, especially in old age. It involves swelling of joints that may result in pain and cause your cat to change its habits, such as cat pulling hair out.

Signs of arthritis in cats include:

1. Difficulty jumping onto furniture
2. Stiffness, especially after resting
3. Limping
4. Struggling with stairs
5. Sensitivity in certain joints

One may observe their cat pulling hair out or overgrooming, particularly along the back or in regions affected by arthritis. Such an act is usually a response to the hurt and discomfort.

It is painful for pet owners to see their cats in agony. If your cat has arthritis, you must speak with a veterinarian about it because they will know what can be done. They could offer some pain relief measures and treatment methods that could help improve their quality of life.

Stress and Anxiety: Psychogenic Alopecia

If you have a cat at home, you might raise an eyebrow at the fact that your furry friend can actually be stressed out or anxious. Cats are prone to psychogenic alopecia, which is when they pull their own fur out as a self-soothing technique. Dr. Alejandro Caos, a Miami veterinarian, says this condition can affect cats of all breeds, ages, and genders, but some may be more susceptible than others.

Environmental Stressors & Cat Pulling Hair Out

Where your cat lives is important for its mental health. Any little difference can upset a cat because they are so sensitive. The following are some things that often make cats stressed:

• New pets or people in the house
• Moving to a new home
• Changes in furniture arrangement
• Loud noises or construction work

If your cat experiences these pressures, it may pull out its fur to calm itself down. The act prompts the release of endorphins – which then improve the animal’s mood for a short time. Nevertheless, you must deal with what lies underneath to avoid lasting problems.

Changes in Routine & Cat Pulling Hair Out

Cats, being creatures of habit, become very stressed when their daily routine is interfered with. A good example is when you change your work schedule so that you start working in the office after months of working from home; it might be hard for them to adjust. This abrupt alteration in atmosphere and availability could cause anxiety and over-grooming.

To assist a cat in dealing with changes in routine:

1. Create new habits before leaving home
2. Play interactively during peak energy hours
3. Offer food puzzles or other toys to keep them engaged while you are not around.

Cat Pulling Hair Out & Multi-Cat Households

Being part of a household with many cats can be stressful for some cats. While a few felines enjoy living with other cats, not all are naturally social. Cats’ interactions in multi-cat households can affect their health, thereby causing psychogenic alopecia and other stress-related behaviors.

Nevertheless, it should be remembered that the connection between the number of cats in a home and their welfare is not necessarily simple or direct. Some research has produced conflicting results; for instance, one investigation found no relationship between the number of cats kept and welfare indicators.

When you own more than one cat, observing how they interact with each other and their distinctive personalities is important. Having this in mind, make sure every cat has:

• Their own safe spaces to retreat
• Separate feeding areas
• Multiple litter boxes
• Plenty of environmental enrichment

When you see your cat grooming itself too much or pulling out hair from its belly, inner thighs, or front legs — it’s time to take them to the vet. It could be stress-related or a medical issue that requires immediate attention.

Psychogenic alopecia is a condition where cats lick their fur so compulsively that they create bald spots on their bodies. Left untreated can lead to severe skin infections and other health problems.

The good news is you have a significant role in managing your cat’s stress levels as an owner. Keep the environment stable and enriching; be sensitive to changes in behavior and prevent this condition from happening!

Diagnosing the Root Cause Of Cat Pulling Hair Out

If you have a cat, you know how frustrating it can be when they start pulling out their hair. But don’t worry – there are ways to help! The first thing you need to do is find out why your cat is doing this in the first place. Here’s what you need to know about this strange behavior.

Veterinary Examination

Go to the veterinarian to understand why your cat is pulling hair out. When visiting a vet, one must come prepared to answer questions about the cat’s background and history of pulling hair. The doctor will ask you when this behavior began and if anything has changed around it or its environment recently.

Your vet inspects your pet by looking closely at where strands were taken off while examining its body. He checks for signs such as flea or mite infestation and examines other skin problems like flea bites, rashes, or even broken hairs. This detailed check-up is done to avoid missing any obvious causes, which may guide them through further actions.

Skin Tests

If the physical examination doesn’t show, why does your vet recommend some skin tests? These examinations assist in eliminating other issues that could be causing your cat itchiness and hair loss due to scratching (cat pulling hair out).

The following are several tests that a veterinarian may carry out:

1. Coat brushings to check for fleas, lice, or cheyletiella
2. Skin scrapings to look for mites under the microscope
3. Acetate tape strips to check for eggs, yeasts, fungal infections, or bacteria
4. Examination under an ultraviolet “Woods” lamp to check for ringworm
5. Hair pluckings (trichoscopy) to identify damaged hairs and rule out other causes of hair loss

Blood Work

Occasionally, a cat pulling hair out isn’t skin deep. This is why your veterinarian could suggest blood tests. They can help eliminate certain illnesses that cause itchiness or anxiety in cats, which results in their habit of pulling out fur. Examples of such conditions may involve:

1. Liver and kidney disease
2. Hyperthyroidism
3. Diabetes mellitus
4. Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
5. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

It’s worth mentioning that stress or anxiety, for example, can cause hair-pulling, but such behavioral issues are typically diagnosed when medical causes have been ruled out. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Valerie Fadok says:

“The majority of cats that are pulling their hair out have a medical reason as opposed to a behavioral problem.”

Treatment Options for Cat Pulling Hair Out

When you are a person who owns cats, it is quite disheartening to see your beloved pet scratching its hair off. Fortunately, several remedies can be used to alleviate this in felines. Here, we will cover some of the most widely used methods of dealing with such an issue.

Parasite Control

When treating hair pulling, the foremost step is tackling potential parasite issues. Often, fleas are the main cause of the problem because they create an itch so intense that it leads to too much grooming. A good flea treatment is important even if you can’t find fleas on your cat.

You may begin with fipronil and other over-the-counter products for which no prescription is needed. If the condition proves stubborn, your veterinarian may suggest stronger treatments such as selamectin (also known as Revolution in America or Stronghold in Britain). Remember that only one bite from even a single flea can set off a reaction; therefore, consistent treatment must be maintained.

Cat Pulling Hair Out & Allergy Management

If it is not a parasite, then allergies may be the main reason behind cat pulling hair out its hair. Allergies in felines can be difficult to control, but there are several things you can do:

• Medication: Your veterinarian may suggest anti-inflammatory medications such as corticosteroids. For instance, a typical cat can receive one 5 mg prednisolone tablet per day for 5-10 days, after which every other day until the end of allergy season. Be sure always to follow all instructions given by your veterinarian.
• Hypoallergenic Diet: If a pet has a food allergy, the vet may suggest you try special prescription hypoallergenic food. These foods have proteins that are so tiny they won’t cause an allergic response. However, don’t get your hopes up too soon; it could take two months before any changes become noticeable.
• Environmental Changes: During specific times of the year, hair pulling may increase among cats allergic to pollen or other environmental allergens. To help reduce allergens, keep your cat away from these triggers as much as possible and maintain a clean living environment at home.

Related Read: Low Residue Diet for Cats

Stress Reduction

Cat pulling hair out can sometimes be a reaction to stress or anxiety. As a caring cat owner, there are things you can do to help lower the stress levels in your cat:

1. Identify Stressors: Seek out possible stressors in your cat’s surroundings. Have there been any new additions to the family? Do they have different daily schedules? Fixing these root problems can have a significant impact.
2. Enrich the Environment: Keep your cat entertained. Change their toys, buy them new ones, or introduce a cat tree to give them something exciting to do. Cats are more likely to destroy things when they’re bored.
3. Use Pheromone Products: Items such as Feliway reproduce the scents created by cats so they feel comfortable and protected. This version of a room diffuser is very efficient since it operates all the time while being hardly noticeable.
4. Consider Medication: In severe instances, the vet can suggest clomipramine or fluoxetine. These medicines help alter the cat’s reaction to anxiety but should be administered with strict veterinary monitoring only.

Cat Pulling Hair Out: Final Words

As a cat lover, I know how disheartening it can be to see your cat pulling hair out. This article has covered many causes of this behavior—from annoying parasites and latent diseases to stress. The most important thing is to find out what the problem really is so that your pet can feel better and get its shiny coat back.

Remember that you are not alone on this journey; working closely with your veterinarian will help diagnose and treat any underlying medical conditions causing your cat’s excessive grooming habit. There are many ways to approach the problem, such as implementing parasite control, managing allergies, or reducing environmental stressors for the feline friend, among other things. There are too numerous mentions here that can all address these issues, but they do require time and effort. So don’t give up! With love, patience, and appropriate methods in mind, you should be able to help them get through this difficult period and return to their usual happy, healthy selves again soon enough.