There are many possible causes for why your cat is pulling out its hair. Stress, allergies, or ringworm are just a few of them. In addition, there are many possible side effects, such as skin irritation, that can be quite unpleasant. But what is the best solution? Let’s find out. The following are some common reasons. Here are some suggestions to help you decide which one may be the culprit for your cat’s excessive hair loss.
Stress
If you’ve ever noticed that your cat is pulling out his or her hair, you might be wondering if stress is the culprit. In addition to pulling hair, cats may show other signs of stress, such as going outside the litter box, hiding all day, or feigning sleep. While these behaviors can be attributed to stress, the best way to help your cat is to reduce his or her stress levels. Try to limit loud noises and give them space and time to relax and unwind.
There are many causes of hair pulling, and each one requires a different approach. You can prevent hair pulling by identifying the stressor and reducing the exposure to it. Alternatively, you can try to distract your cat by playing with new toys or providing more affection. In more extreme cases, your vet may prescribe medication. For most cases, addressing the underlying cause of the problem is a good first step. But if you’re still not sure what’s causing your cat to pull out hair, you can try a few suggestions.
Allergies
Your cat may be pulling out her own hair due to allergies, or it could have a skin infection. If you notice glistening skin, a sticky discharge, or an odor, it may have a skin infection. However, your cat could be allergic to a specific protein in her diet. If you’ve tried giving her a new food and she’s still pulling out hair, it may have a different underlying cause, such as a disease.
If your cat is prone to allergies, the most obvious symptom is itching. Allergies can be seasonal or year-round. Symptoms of atopy can be difficult to diagnose by testing blood or skin. However, a test called intradermal skin prick tests can help your vet pinpoint the exact culprit. The most common airborne allergens are dust mites, molds, and seasonal pollens.
Ringworm
If your cat is pulling out hair, you probably suspect ringworm. Fortunately, the symptoms of ringworm aren’t severe, and they can be treated successfully. The key is early detection. The symptoms of ringworm can manifest within two to three weeks. If the treatment isn’t started early enough, the lesions may recur. This can be particularly dangerous if your pet has an underlying disease that affects its immune system. In such cases, you may have to consider alternative antifungal drugs to treat the infection.
A veterinarian will first diagnose ringworm by looking for fluorescence under a special ultraviolet light. A sample of hair or skin may be taken and examined under a microscope. If the sample reveals a fungus, the vet may recommend additional tests. A ringworm diagnosis may take several weeks if the fungus has not yet spread throughout the cat’s fur. In addition to visual examination, your veterinarian may suggest a series of tests, including a PCR test, to identify specific spores.