Home Treatment for Cat Hair Loss [Top 4 Effective Methods]

Is your cat constantly scratching or biting at their fur? Are you noticing patches of hair missing on their head or body? While it can be concerning to see your cat in distress, there are luckily a number of home treatments for cat hair loss that can help keep them healthy and looking their best.

 

Cats are prideful pets who will often try to hide their discomfort from you. But once you notice a lot of itching, red skin, or excess shedding, it's time to step in and ensure that your cat is healthy and not suffering from stress or anxiety, a condition, or other uncomfortable issues — all of which can lead to hair loss.

 

 

What is Hair Loss in Cats?

Cat hair loss, or alopecia areata, involves the fur falling out in patches, chunks, or experiencing noticeable thinning, which is distinct from normal shedding. While it is natural for cats to shed, especially with seasonal changes, abnormal shedding characterized by large clumps of fur from specific areas like their scalp may indicate underlying health issues. Causes can range from stress and nutritional deficiencies to dermatological conditions such as fungal infections, allergies, or parasites.

 

Essential factors include diet, as deficiencies in key nutrients, such as vitamins (Biotin, Vitamin D, Zinc) and fatty acids, can impact fur health. Additionally, skin conditions like dermatitis, often treated with topical medications or antifungal agents, may contribute to pattern hair loss. Monitoring your cat for these signs and consulting a veterinarian for a thorough physical examination, blood tests, and potential biopsy is essential to determine the cause and appropriate treatment, ensuring your cat's skin and fur health are maintained.

 

 

Types of Alopecia in Cats

Alopecia in cats can manifest in various forms, each with distinct causes and characteristics. Understanding these types helps in diagnosing and treating the underlying issues effectively.

 

 

Feline Psychogenic Alopecia

Feline psychogenic alopecia is a condition caused by excessive grooming due to stress or anxiety. Cats with this type of alopecia often groom themselves to the point of causing hair loss, resulting in bald patches, particularly on the abdomen, legs, and flanks. Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying stressors through environmental enrichment, interactive play, and, in some cases, anti-anxiety medications prescribed by a veterinarian.

 

 

Feline Endocrine Alopecia

Feline endocrine alopecia is related to hormonal imbalances, such as hyperthyroidism or Cushing's disease. Cats with this condition may exhibit symmetrical hair loss along their sides and abdomen. Diagnosing endocrine alopecia involves blood tests to check hormone levels, and treatment focuses on managing the underlying endocrine disorder through medication or surgery.

 

 

Parasitic Alopecia

Parasitic alopecia occurs when external parasites like fleas, mites, or ticks infest a cat’s skin, causing intense itching and hair loss. The affected areas often include the neck, back, and tail base. Treatment involves using antiparasitic medications and maintaining a clean environment to prevent reinfestation.

 

 

Allergic Alopecia

Allergic alopecia in cats results from allergic reactions to food, pollen, dust, or other environmental allergens. Symptoms include itching, redness, and hair loss, commonly around the face, neck, and ears.  Treatment includes identifying and eliminating the allergen, along with using antihistamines or corticosteroids to reduce the allergic response.

 

 

Infectious Alopecia

Infectious alopecia is caused by bacterial or fungal infections, such as ringworm. This type of alopecia is characterized by patches of hair loss, scaling, and sometimes pustules. Treatment requires antifungal or antibiotic medications, and proper hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infection to other animals and humans.

 

 

Nutritional Alopecia

Nutritional alopecia occurs when a cat's diet lacks essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. This deficiency can lead to a dull coat and hair loss. Ensuring a balanced diet with high-quality cat food and, if necessary, dietary supplements, can help restore coat health and prevent further hair loss.

 

 

Genetic Alopecia

Genetic alopecia is a hereditary condition where certain breeds are predisposed to hair loss. Breeds such as the Sphynx naturally have less hair, but other breeds may develop alopecia due to genetic factors. While there is no cure for genetic alopecia, providing proper skin care and nutrition can help manage the condition.

 

 

Drug-induced Alopecia

Drug-induced alopecia occurs as a side effect of certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer. Hair loss in these cases can be temporary and may resolve once the medication is discontinued. Veterinary guidance is essential to manage this condition, and supportive care, including the use of gentle grooming products, can help maintain skin health during treatment.

 

 

Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia

Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is a rare condition in cats that leads to scarring and permanent hair loss, typically starting from the center of the scalp and spreading outward. This type of alopecia is often due to severe inflammation that destroys hair follicles, leading to scar tissue formation. Diagnosis usually involves a skin biopsy, and treatment focuses on controlling the inflammation with corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory medications to prevent further progression of the condition.

 

 

What Causes Feline Hair Loss?

Hair loss in cats can be caused by a variety of factors. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for proper treatment and to restore your cat's coat health. Common causes of feline hair loss include:

 

• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can sometimes lead to temporary hair loss in cats.
• Parasites: Fleas, mites, and ticks can cause intense itching and scratching, leading to hair loss.
• Allergies: Cats can develop allergies to food, pollen, dust, or other environmental factors, resulting in hair loss and skin irritation.
• Infections: Bacterial or fungal infections, such as ringworm, can cause patches of hair loss.
• Stress and Anxiety: Emotional distress can lead to excessive grooming, resulting in hair loss.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions like hyperthyroidism or Cushing's disease can cause thinning hair or bald patches.
• Poor Nutrition: A lack of essential nutrients in a cat's diet can affect coat health and lead to hair loss.
• Genetics: Some cats are genetically predisposed to hair loss.
• Severe Health Conditions: Conditions such as skin cancer and autoimmune diseases can lead to significant hair loss as a symptom or due to treatments like chemotherapy.
• Excessive Heat: Exposure to high temperatures can lead to dehydration and dry skin, causing hair to become brittle and fall out.

 

 

 

Symptoms of Hair Loss in Cats (What to Look For)

• Excessive licking and scratching
• Patches of missing fur or thinning fur
• More shedding than usual
• Tenderness
• Skin color change
• Scaling of the skin (psoriasis)
• Thickness or redness of the skins
• Weight loss and malnutrition (in severe cases)

Home Remedies for Hair Loss in Cats

Are you continuously looking for home treatment for cat hair loss? If you're unable to get to a vet, there are luckily many remedies that can minimize cat hair loss at home. Sometimes, once the veterinarian identifies the source of the hair loss, it can still be treated by a home remedy or treatment depending on the vet's recommendation and research.

 

 

Flea Repellent

Since fleas can cause a lot of skin irritation. Creating an effective flea repellent treatment will keep your cat from excessive scratching. This will give them a sense of relief and a break from these irritable pests while you find a more permanent way to eliminate them from your home. For an easy home treatment for cat hair loss, first cut a lemon into quarters and place the pieces in a pot of boiling water.

 

Let this steep overnight. The next morning, put this mix into a spray bottle and then apply it to the entirety of your cat's head, legs, torso, and tail. Give a special focus to behind their ears, the base of their tail, and their underarms. You can also create an environmentally safe insecticide for both humans and cats.

 

The homemade spray, called Pyrethrum, is made of dried African Chrysanthemum flower heads, which are crushed into a powder. This is also found in aerosol foggers and existing flea sprays. To create this pest remedy, crush the flower heads into a fine powder. Grab two handfuls and put them into one liter of hot water for an hour.

 

Blend this mixture until it turns into a puree that can be poured into a spray bottle. Spray it all over your cat, avoiding their eyes, mouth, and inner ears. Other natural flea repellents include garlic, brewer's test tablets, and apple cider vinegar. These household items give your cat a particular smell on their skin that fleas dislike.

 

Related Article: Home Remedies for Fleas on Cats [Helpful Tips Inside!]

 

 

Regular Bathing

Using a cat shampoo with natural ingredients, regular bathing is a great at-home treatment for cat hair loss and can get rid of your cat's excess hair. This reduces shedding and will also keep them from over-grooming certain areas. Add chamomile to your cat's bath to promote healthy skin and reduce dandruff from dry skin.

 

The addition of nettle can also inspire healthy fur and skin. You can also soothe itchy skin with oatmeal. This can relieve dryness as well. Leave a mixture of oatmeal and water on your cat's skin for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. If you can get approval from a vet, try treating hot spots with Listerine, baby oil, and water.

 

Mix an equal amount of all three of these ingredients in a spray bottle. Then massage a small amount into your cat's skin three times a day. Always wipe your cat down when they come in from the outdoors using a wet towel. This will ensure that outdoor allergens are not present on their skin or hair for longer than necessary. You can also keep your cat indoors to avoid run-ins with allergens, pests, and infectious diseases.

 

 

 

CBD Cat Products

If your vet associates agitation or nervousness with your cat's hair loss, you may want to try CBD cat treats, oil tinctures, or capsules. All-natural CBD cat products react with the cannabinoid receptors in your cat's Endocannabinoid System (ECS). Some of these receptors are involved with nerve development, soreness, immune function, and discomfort.

 

Using CBD may stimulate these receptors and promote calmness throughout the body. A calm relaxed cat is less likely to entertain nervous behaviors such as excessive grooming. If you are wondering how much CBD to provide your cat, or if you want to learn more, check out our CBD dosing chart.

 

Related Article: 8 Ways to Give Your Cat CBD Oil [Tips and Tricks]

 

 

Switch Cat Foods

If your cat is experiencing hair loss due to an allergy, their food is often the culprit. Cat allergies are usually linked to the protein source, such as beef or chicken. Some cats are also allergic to grains and corn. Cats are often allergic to dairy and eggs, according to Tufts University's Cummings Veterinary Medical Center. You'll often notice if your cat has a food allergy between the ages of two and six.

 

Food allergy symptoms include itchy skin, reddened skin, hair loss, and even vomiting, diarrhea, and a loss of appetite. You may need to switch to hypoallergenic cat food, but ask your vet for more insight. You will need to feed your cat the new diet for about 12 weeks (and nothing else, including treats, eggs, and toothpaste). Their sensitive stomach should clear up between two and four weeks.

 

Itchy skin or missing fur will take around 12 weeks to clear up since that's how long it takes for a cat to grow a new outer layer of skin cells. Adding a complete oil to your pet's diet is another hair loss treatment. Safflower, peanut, and sunflower oils are a few examples. These contain essential fatty acids that could help keep your cat's skin and hair healthy. Add a half teaspoon of this complete oil to each of your cat's meals.

 

 

Grooming

Regular grooming is essential for maintaining not just your cat's hairstyle, but also their coat and skin health, helping to prevent hair loss. Brushing your cat frequently removes loose hair, reduces the risk of matting, and stimulates blood circulation to the hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth. Using grooming tools appropriate for your cat's coat type can help distribute natural oils, adding moisture and shine to the fur.

 

Additionally, regular grooming sessions provide an opportunity to check for signs of parasites, infections, or skin conditions like dandruff, which can contribute to hair loss. Incorporating essential oils such as coconut oil or jojoba oil into the grooming routine can offer added benefits and efficacy, as these oils have antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that support skin health.

 

By maintaining a consistent hair care grooming schedule, you can address minor issues before they become severe, ensuring your cat's coat remains healthy and reducing the likelihood of hair loss caused by neglect or underlying skin conditions.

 

 

Preventing Hair Loss In Cats

There are a few different ways to prevent hair loss at home and it's all about noticing the signs and symptoms before it becomes a bigger problem. Although cats can be very stoic and will attempt to hide their discomfort, there are still ways you can identify some warning signs and then provide comfort for your cat — even if they won't admit they need it.

 

If you start to see your cat biting and pulling at their fur a lot, do an examination of their skin and fur at least a couple times a week. By using a fine-toothed comb, you'll be able to closely examine specific sections for hair loss and skin problems while also revealing pests like fleas. You should also make sure their bedding, cat trees, and other popular destinations within your home are closely examined for any possible correlation.

 

Sometimes bedding can be too rough for your cat's hair or you'll notice signs of pests and other home invaders on their toys and trees. When you notice your cat constantly grooming a certain area or you see signs of irritated skin, you should bring your cat to their veterinarian. This could provide you with a reason — and a solution — before your cat starts to lose hair in response to the discomfort.

 

 

Alternative Treatments for Hair Loss in Cats

Alternative treatments for hair loss in cats can provide additional support alongside conventional veterinary care. These treatments often focus on natural remedies and lifestyle changes to improve skin and fur health.

 

• Diet and Nutrition: Ensuring a healthy diet rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids is crucial. Incorporating dietary supplements like fish oil, which contains omega-3 fatty acids, can help improve coat health and reduce inflammation.

• Essential Oils: Certain essential oils, such as coconut oil and lavender oil, can be beneficial when applied topically. These oils have antifungal and soothing properties that can help alleviate skin irritation and promote healthy fur growth.
• Stress Reduction: Managing stress through environmental enrichment, regular play, and interaction is important. Stress can exacerbate hair loss, so techniques like aromatherapy with calming scents can be beneficial.
• Herbal Remedies: Herbs like aloe vera and ginseng may support skin health and reduce hair loss. Aloe vera, in particular, has anti-inflammatory and healing properties that can soothe irritated skin.
• Topical Treatments: Natural topical treatments, such as shampoos containing tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar rinses, can help manage dandruff and fungal infections. These treatments can maintain a healthy scalp environment and reduce hair shedding.
• Hair Transplantation: Hair transplantation surgery for cats involves relocating hair follicles from a donor site to areas experiencing significant hair loss, often used for conditions like alopecia or severe scarring. This procedure is less common in cats but can be considered for severe cases where other dermatology treatments have failed.
• Use a Wig: For cats experiencing extensive hair loss, using a wig can provide a temporary aesthetic solution and protect sensitive skin from environmental factors. Wigs should be custom-fitted and made from materials that do not cause further irritation.

 

 

Other Significant Alternative Medicine

Several medications play a crucial role in treating hair loss and related scalp conditions in cats. These medications address various underlying causes, ensuring a comprehensive approach to hair and skin health.

 

• Corticosteroids
• Antibiotics
• Antifungal Medications
• Topical Medications (Finasteride)
• Hormone Therapy
• Immune System Modulators
• Antihistamines
• Vitamin Supplements
• Antiparasitic Treatments
• Dermatological Shampoos

 

 

Final Thoughts - Home Treatment for Cat Hair Loss

If your cat won't stop licking a certain spot on their back or you notice that the hair on the back of their ear has excessively thinned, you might be dealing with symptoms of cat hair loss. Baldness in cats can be caused by a lot of conditions, pests, and behavioral issues, so it's important to bring your cat to the vet to identify the source. Fortunately, there are many home remedies for cats, hopefully, these hair loss remedies will leave your cat feeling relieved and have their hair looking healthy once again. Find more info here.