Is it normal for a cat to lose patches of fur?

Question

The last day or so I have noticed my cat (who is long haired) has lost a couple of patches of fur. It's almost looks like someone cut out a chunk of his coat. I've noticed a piece come off when he was licking himself, but there doesn't appear to be any bald spots on his body and no sores that I can tell. Is this normal or is there something wrong?

Answer 1

It could be any of the things that the other couple of people have said... but being the cat person that I am, there are few things to look for before you check to see if your cat has ringworm (which actually isn't worms, it's a fungus) or any of the others.

1) Is your cat eating properly?
2) Is your cat coughing up hairballs - in an abnormally large amount?
3) What about H2o? Is your cat getting enough?

It *CAN* be normal for your cat to lose patches of fur - depending on the breed of your cat, etc. There are a number of factors to consider.

a) Does your cat shed extensively during the changing of the seasons? (especially from Winter to spring, and from summer to autumn)
b) Is your cat an indoor or outdoor cat? Even if your cat just goes outdoors to have a wizz or two can be a factor, and can increase your odds for your cat catching something airborne, or from another friendly feline.

Many different types of animals (dogs in particular, but cats as well) shed their undercoats (the stuff that makes them quite fluffy and furry during the winter months) in tufts. The Norwegian Elkhound, Husky, even down to Shih Tzus can shed in clumps. I have known many long haired cats, when they are grooming themselves, to remove clumps of hair while they are grooming. It is completely normal for this to happen - we shed hairs from our head when we brush, and we don't run off to the doctor to tell them about it.

None of the advice that you get online will be able to tell you exactly what to do. I have been around cats and dogs for years and years and years, and without knowing your cats habits, etc., etc., I can not tell you for absolute certain what you should do.

Bottom line is, if *YOU* would feel more comfortable with a visit to your cat's vet, then go. If you do go, make sure you take a poop sample with you (in case your vet wants to test for parasites).

Odds are, that your cat is just loving grooming himself, and wanting to spruce himself up for you (and losing a little hair in the process.)

Let us know what happens!

Answer 2

It is natural for cats to shed, and I've noticed that longer haired cats sometimes do it in clumps -- especially when they are scratching with their back feet or vigorously licking themselves. So if he seems otherwise healthy then I would not worry.

Generally speaking fur-loss is a sign of illness, just like hairloss can be for people, but this usually refers to noticably missing patches in the coat, skin sores, or changes in the coat condition (like becoming dull or unkempt). If you see those kind of changes, then I'd recommend taking him to a vet to be checked.

Answer 3

It depends on a couple of things - if your do not have the chance to brush him out enough, his fur can clump up and he could just be pulling these off. He could also be doing it himself by over grooming (out of anxiety) if something in his environment has changed. Keep watching for bald spots, sores/scabs, and especially if his coat thins out or changes color, as any of those things could indicate an underlying medical condition.

Answer 4

Is the kitty stressed out about something or sensitive to you being stressed out? Have you changed the cats food? What kind of food do you feed it and hopefully you are providing wet food in addition to kibble. Dry food alone is not a healthy diet for cats. Have you moved the litter box, rearranged the house, moved or anything else that would upset the normal routine?
There is a book you may find useful called:
"The Veterinarians' Guide to Natural Remedies for Cats" by Martin Zucker.

Answer 5

Wow, what a can of worms!

It could be many things, and you may need to see a veterinary dermatologist for this one. There are many reasons for hair loss.

Is your cat licking, pulling, scratching? Or is the hair just falling out? Hairloss can be caused by external parasites, Chylatiella, Demodex cati, Demodex gatoi, ringworm, fleas. It can be caused by allergies, it can be cause by certain neoplastic process such as pancreatic neoplasia, and it can be caused by autoimmune disorders, liver disease. If your cat starts to go bald - like you are seeing a naked cat - get to a derm specialist pronto! Otherwise, see your veterinarian and see if you can determine the cause of the hairloss.

Answer 6

is kitty in a room at nite with a lite on??? false daylite will affect the cats coat--and shed winter fur early. i keep my lites low and i have a place kitty can go to get away from too much lite at nite.
does kitty's food have fillers?? maybe kitty is allergic to one or more of ther fillers--corn starch or wheat gluten or whatever is added to bulk up the food instea of the good stuff....comb/brush kitty every day.
if kitty has dandruff flakes in fur--skin is dry. i usually give kitty a drop of cod liver oil in th ewet food until the dryness goes away, then a drop in the wet food every other day.if kitty is on dry food only, add wet food once / day to add the necessary oils kitty fur and skin need.
if these things do not help kitty then call the vet to see if there is something wrong.....look for lesions on the skin while you comb/brush kitty. if there are any lesions, call the vet......
good luck with kitty.

Answer 7

cats can develop nervous disorders that sometimes manifest themselves in the form of extreme grooming (or licking themselves) they can cause these areas to become bald. this could also be a dermatitis or other problem. in any case bring the cat to the vet or call the local shelter sometimes they have a vet on staff and you can get free advice from a professional.

Answer 8

He's old and getting bald. If the vet doesnt find any allergies, then thats it. A lot of long hair cats lose their hair past 15.

Answer 9

it sounds like he got knotted and pulled the knot out.
If you are in part of the USA that has been cold than warm and than cold it is probably ok. My animals got their winter coats and than it warmed up and they starting to shed and than it got cold and I had to brush them so much as they were shedding but than getting a new winter coat.
If the hair was all matted together she/he just needs a good brushing more than likely

Answer 10

I think its normal. I used to have several cats and they would always shed everywhere. I would even see hairballs on the floor most of the time. I think it depends on the weather.