Alopecia in cats: table of symptoms and treatment methods

Causes of hair loss

Among the conditions that cause hair loss at the base of the tail and along its entire length are various pathologies, both skin and systemic. Possible reasons for the appearance of such a specific symptom:

Endocrine disorders;
Avitaminosis;
Dermatitis and dermatomycosis;
Disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
Parasites;
Lichen.

In most cases, if a cat's tail comes off, the reason lies in parasites. In this case, the animal independently tears out the fur, combing and biting the base of the tail in an attempt to get rid of fleas. Alopecia is often accompanied by the appearance of wounds and erosions, which are caused by constant scratching of this area.

Diagnosing parasites is simple - just carefully examine the animal’s skin. Even if fleas are not noticeable, nits may appear. They resemble small black dots that are difficult to see with the naked eye. In animals with sensitive skin, nits can cause irritation, which is accompanied by itching and forces the cat to scratch the affected area.

Another common cause is ringworm. A fungal disease is manifested by the formation of a bald spot of a regular shape on the cat’s skin. In the affected area, the fur thins and scabs or peeling appear. The disease progresses quickly and, if the lichen is localized at the base of the tail, over time it spreads to the entire length of this part of the body and the back of the animal.

Typical symptoms

Signs of developing alopecia are easy to detect even without veterinary education. The first symptom is thinning hair on the sides of the body, behind the ears, and in the tail area. Progressive pathology provokes the appearance of other characteristic signs:

hair loss in large clumps;
exposing areas of skin that acquire a pink or reddish tint;
formation of unsightly crusts in areas affected by alopecia.

If your cat is going bald due to a serious medical condition, sores, scabs, or whitish bumps may form in the problem areas. The skin in the bald area sometimes becomes hot and loses its natural elasticity.

Cat's tail coming off photo

Carefully evaluate your pet's living conditions, paying attention to the slightest changes that could cause baldness. Even a new diet or litter tray are “good” causes of alopecia in cats. If your work schedule has changed, as a result of which your cat spends days and nights in splendid isolation, sitting in the apartment, then you should not be surprised at the massive hair loss.

There is no need to immediately start feeding your pet sedatives. It may be possible to find an alternative solution. So, if the changes in the cat’s environment are not so critical and “monumental” (a new litter box, for example), you just need to be patient: soon everything will return to normal, and your pet’s fur will grow back.

But what if you simply have to rarely be at home? Then, no matter how strange it may seem, it’s worth getting a second cat. Yes, this is a very unique “treatment” at home: at first there will be fights and quarrels, which are also a strong stress factor, but at least the cat will not be alone all the time.

Unfortunately, “psychedelics” are not the main cause of baldness. Alopecia in a cat can be caused by more dangerous factors.

First of all, baldness in cats should be divided into two types: congenital and acquired baldness. Experts do not have a common point of view regarding congenital baldness. However, most experts are inclined to believe that this anomaly is associated with a lack of certain vitamins, nutrients, or endocrine disorders in the fetus.

The version of the influence of inbreeding is also not rejected. Natural baldness is typical for cat breeds such as bambino, sphinx, elf, and cojona. In this case, alopecia is not a pathology, but rather a characteristic of the breed.

With acquired baldness in cats, the issue has been studied more thoroughly and today several causes of the disease in animals have been identified. Alopecia of a symptomatic nature includes baldness caused by scabies, ringworm, dermatitis of various origins, seborrhea or metabolic disorders.

Alopecia of an idiopathic nature is explained by infectious diseases, the influence of toxins, and radiological exposure. The so-called alopecia areata in cats is a little different.

This disease manifests itself in the form of round small spots devoid of hair. In some cases, adjacent spots may merge into a large area of baldness. Due to the lack of hair, the animal’s skin is clearly visible; in light-colored cats, this skin is pink.

Veterinarians explain the appearance of this type of baldness by a lack of vitamin A, which is necessary for normal blood circulation in cats, which supplies the hair follicles with nutrients. In the initial stages, this form of alopecia resembles molting, but the distinguishing feature is the fact that the hair in the area devoid of hair does not grow back at all.

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In some cases, veterinarians record cases of animal baldness due to the use of low-quality bathing shampoos, as well as excessively frequent bathing of the pet.

What to do if bald spots form on and near the tail?

Sometimes hair loss can be stopped at home. In case of vitamin deficiency, the pet is prescribed vitamin and mineral preparations and immunomodulators - Farmavit Active, Gamavit, Gala-vet, etc. Fleas are removed using special shampoos, drops or sprays. Allergic reactions are eliminated with antihistamines, and bacterial or fungal infections are treated with antibiotics or antifungal ointments. If no serious pathology is identified, traditional medicine will help:

Infusion of calendula or chamomile. The product is used to lubricate the problem area in order to stimulate hair growth and fight pathogenic microflora that prevents its appearance.
Oak bark decoction. This medicine is often used to fight fungal infections. If the animal’s skin is peeling at the site of the bald spot, redness and cracks are noticeable, you can apply compresses soaked in bark decoction to the problem areas. The remedy gives the best effect in the early stages of the disease.

Vitamin deficiency as a cause of alopecia

Quite often, a pregnant cat becomes bald near the tail. In this case, we are talking about a lack of nutrients - vitamins and microelements. A cat bearing kittens needs a special diet, taking into account the changing needs of the body. Alopecia in pregnant animals should be treated by changing their diet.

If the cat's diet consists of natural food, it should be supplemented with special fortified supplements. Dry food during pregnancy must be replaced with special products intended for pregnant cats. Such foods are distinguished by a large amount of vitamins and microelements that cover the body’s need for these substances.

Vitamin deficiency also affects small kittens and older animals. This problem occurs especially often in kittens taken from the street. Due to the lack of normal nutrition, the immunity of animals weakens, against which a number of diseases develop, including hair loss. In all cases, you can get rid of the symptom only by adjusting your diet.

You should consult your veterinarian about the need to administer special supplements to older animals (over 7 years old). The fact is that at this age, alopecia may be a consequence of systemic disorders that need to be identified and, if possible, corrected.

Can the problem be prevented?

The development of alopecia on or near the tail, as well as on the back, negatively affects the appearance of the animal. However, the aesthetic side of the problem is inferior in importance to the issue of the pet’s health.

It is extremely important to notice the problem in time and begin to treat your tailed pet as soon as possible. Veterinarians recommend taking preventive measures:

Choose a healthy diet for your animal. You should not treat your pet to raw fish or meat. It is better to feed your cat balanced dry food. Many owners practice a mixed diet, alternating dry mixtures with canned food.
Eliminate stress from your pet's life. Emotional stress is especially harmful for weakened animals that have recently suffered from an infectious or other disease.
Avoid contact with infected animals and follow hygiene rules. To protect your pet from parasites, you need to purchase a special collar for it. Then fleas will not attack him even in contact with a sick relative. Partially prevents infection by helminths.

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Signs of the disease

If the reason lies in the invasion of a pathogenic fungus, the cat not only loses hair, but also crusts and scabs appear in large numbers, and the skin on the affected areas can become very flaky (pictured). Scabies is characterized by severe itching, redness, and even the appearance of foci of purulent inflammation.

With dermatitis, the main manifestation is severe and painful redness of the skin, local body temperature can rise significantly, the cat is constantly itching, sometimes it comes to wounds and ruptures of the skin. Various diseases of the endocrine system (feline endocrine alopecia) are also common, the clinical manifestations of which can be very diverse.

The owner of the animal should be alert to signs of unusual, severe hair loss, especially if this process is noticeable in certain areas (on the back, neck, around the tail or on the paws). You should carefully examine the skin in the affected area. The skin may be pink and clear, but in some cases scales, sores, scabs, or bumps may appear on the skin. In particularly advanced cases, skin inflammation with slight suppuration may occur.

With a disease associated with a disorder in the endocrine system, the skin at the site of the lesion loses its elasticity. An animal can react differently to touching the affected area, from complete indifference to outright aggression.

This type of alopecia is quite common. Often the animal will scratch or chew out the itchy areas on its own. This phenomenon is often observed in cats during lactation or pregnancy. In this case, it is recommended to include additional vitamin complexes in the diet, and it is also recommended to reduce the lactation time for babies if possible.

In some cases, the cause of cat tail baldness is oily seborrhea, which manifests itself in excess sebum secretion. In this case, special shampoos containing salicylic acid help perfectly.

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Alopecia is a common type and it is very difficult to understand the cause of the disease. For this reason, the best way out of the situation is to visit a veterinarian.

Quite often, cats can injure themselves by vigorously licking areas of fur on their bellies. Sometimes this can be a reaction to flea bites. For this reason, even if fleas are not visible on the animal, you should try to treat the animal against these parasites.

In some cases, baldness occurs at the site of surgical injuries and injection sites; in this case, traumatic alopecia occurs and time and the help of a specialist will help to overcome it.

Baldness on the back

The causes of this type of alopecia can be different, but quite often it is associated with a lack of vitamin B. In this case, a balanced diet and the use of vitamin complexes can help, the veterinarian should help in the selection.

This type of baldness is called periaucular alopecia. It occurs very often and most often in cats with short hair, and cat owners do not observe signs of other pathologies.

The reasons may be different, but experts say that in this case, an allergic reaction most often occurs. The most common allergens are proteins (both animal and plant), very often cats do not perceive lamb, and this may also be a specific reaction to cereals.

Quite often, the cause of this phenomenon is a lack of vitamins and especially vitamin D. However, the hormonal factor should not be discarded; quite often such alopecia is caused by hormonal changes. In both the first and second cases, there are different treatment regimens, which the veterinarian will select individually in each case.

A rather unpleasant type of alopecia. This is usually a sign of infection and requires immediate attention from a veterinarian.

Even a cat who has never been outside can develop a phenomenon called alopecia in the neck area. Most often this is a sign of lichen. The disease is serious and requires complex treatment, which can only be prescribed by a professional.

Dermatitis is always accompanied by itching, so the cause of tail baldness is not illness, but discomfort, due to which the cat is forced to scratch the skin, which leads to hair loss. Dermatitis is treated with ointments and shampoos. The cause of the disease may be waste products of parasites, bacterial infections or an allergic reaction.

Another cause of hair loss is fungal diseases. The disease is characterized by flaking of the cat's skin, sometimes itching. A specific symptom is uniform patchy baldness in the affected area. For treatment, antifungal drugs are used in the form of ointments, solutions and shampoos. The animal is prescribed gentle nutrition for the entire duration of treatment.

Hair loss on the back and tail can be caused by dysfunction of the sebaceous glands located in this area. Only a veterinarian can accurately diagnose the cause of alopecia in a pet. Treatment can be carried out at home, but with the condition of timely detection of the disease that triggered the cat’s hair loss.

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Allergic reaction

Hair loss in a cat on the stomach, hind or front legs, or behind the ears is often explained by a food allergy. The most allergenic foods are fish, milk, and canned food. Intolerance is accompanied by itching. The animal is constantly itching, this leads to baldness. The most obvious signs of an allergy are lacrimation and drooling. If these symptoms appear, you should exclude the food that causes this reaction from the cat’s menu.

After taking certain veterinary medications, pets often develop drug-induced dermatitis. As a rule, the animal may become bald in the area where the drugs were administered. Why some cats tolerate medications well and others poorly is unknown. If the cat becomes obese after treatment, the product should be replaced with another one or the treatment should be stopped altogether.

Allergic reactions also include traumatic alopecia. This pathology occurs at the site of postoperative sutures, deep wounds, burns or injuries. It is no longer possible to restore hair in such areas.

The cause of fur loss on a cat's back and tail in summer may be solar dermatosis. Perhaps the animal, carried away by sunbathing, received burns and, as a result, shed.

Diagnosis of alopecia

If hair comes off the tail, your four-legged pet should be taken to the vet immediately. At home, without laboratory instruments and professional skills, it is impossible to make an accurate diagnosis and develop a recovery program.

Prescription of vitamins. Vitamin complexes will help older cats and pets born in a weak state not to go bald. It is suggested to take immunomodulators and sulfur preparations, due to which the tail peels off less and is restored.
Recovery from allergies occurs in several ways. The basis is a balanced diet: treats are excluded from the diet, and the base is made up of special medicinal food from branded manufacturers. In case of an allergic reaction, taking antihistamines and anti-inflammatory drugs is prohibited. If the pathogen is another pet or smell, the cat is isolated from the allergen.
The effectiveness of the fight against lichen depends on the timely initiation of treatment. If a cat has a tumor on its tail, vaccines are given in the first stages. Skin affected by dermatitis is treated with antibiotics and antifungal substances, namely intraconazole, griseofulfin.
When the tail becomes bald at the base after an attack by fleas and ticks, special shampoos help. The products contain fipronil, a component that destroys the environment for the development of parasites and destroys adult parasites and laid eggs. Other methods are sprays and drops that are applied to the scruff of the neck, which provides a comprehensive effect on the entire body.
The most difficult part is treating the lower part of the tail that is peeling off. In most cases, the disease is associated with inflammation of the anal glands, and this is a disease that is life-threatening for a furry pet. Veterinarians prescribe an ointment that is applied daily, and antibiotics are prescribed as accompanying medications.
You can prevent negative consequences after open wounds with hydrogen peroxide. Large scratches and cuts larger than a penny are stitched up in the clinic. Amoxicillin, a universal antibiotic, helps fight the infection.

In order to make a correct diagnosis, a number of studies should be carried out. The diagnosis must be carried out by a veterinarian. The basis for the diagnosis of alopecia are the following:

collecting information about symptoms and history

diseases in the animal according to the owner;
careful examination of the animal;
examination of hair roots using a microscope;
blood analysis;
skin scraping analysis;
X-ray, and also possibly ultrasound (if neoplasms are suspected).

Why is this happening?

Among the causes of baldness are:

Endocrine disorders

Causes of alopecia in animals include hormonal changes, metabolic disorders and obesity. If, after castration, the cat’s tail has peeled off at the base, this is a manifestation of hormonal alopecia. The same is true for cats that have recently undergone sterilization. The animal’s hormonal levels can normalize on their own, but in some cases drug therapy is necessary.

When metabolic disorders occur in overweight animals, hormonal imbalance is also observed. Such cats need dietary nutrition, the introduction of vitamin and mineral supplements into the diet and medication.

Prevention means

Why a cat's tail comes off can only be determined by a qualified specialist. The reason for this may not be a disease, but the body’s reaction to seasonal changes.

A common phenomenon is spring vitamin deficiency. After prolonged winter cold, animals experience a lack of vitamins. This usually results in shedding, but can also lead to complete baldness of the tail. It is noteworthy that such problems are more common in unneutered pets.

Prevention agents are mineral complexes added to the daily feed. You can find safe and original food in veterinary pharmacies. Professionals recommend giving vitamins in their pure form: tablets are poorly absorbed and are not always accepted by cats.

You can find vitamins in natural foods. This is sprouted grass, grated carrots. If your cat flatly refuses to eat plant foods, there is no need to worry. This means that the balance of nutrients is normal and the problem lies elsewhere. A pet in need of vitamins will eat a healthy dish without an invitation.

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Treatment of alopecia

A diagnosis of alopecia is not a disaster. This disease can be successfully defeated if the cause of the phenomenon is correctly determined. If it is an allergy, antiallergic drugs are prescribed, and a diet is also prescribed.

Once parasites are identified, there are a number of effective treatments available to treat the disease. In case of endocrine changes, hormonal drugs are used, and in case of stress, the animal is prescribed drugs with a sedative effect. The only type of hair loss in cats that cannot be cured today is hereditary alopecia.