5 reasons why a cat loses tail hair

In general, cats have many things that make people fall in love with them: soft paws, majestic whiskers and, of course, fluffy fur. This is why it can be frustrating to watch your cat continually shed hair at the base of her tail day after day. Without treatment, hair loss around the tail in cats often results in localized hair loss, which leaves the cat's coat in an unsightly condition. If you want to put an end to hair loss, you must identify the root cause and treat it as soon as possible.

Need help with your cat's tail hair loss problem? Then this article will really be useful to you. Below, you'll learn just about everything pet owners need to remember about cat hair loss, from causes to solutions. Use the following information you get here to help your kitten get his fur back.

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. It is important to remember that lichen is highly contagious for both animals and humans. It must be treated with special ointments and solutions for treating the skin.

Diagnosis of the disease

If the owner notices that his pet's tail is balding and hair is falling out, he should immediately take the cat to the veterinarian. Based on a visual examination and clinical studies, the veterinarian will make a diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.

The list of diagnostic activities includes: interviewing the owner, collecting a medical history, general blood test, specific blood test (if a hormonal imbalance is suspected), scraping, ultrasound.

Remember that self-medication is dangerous, because one of the reasons that led to alopecia may be lichen, which is very dangerous for humans.

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.

We recommend the article: What causes black spots on a cat's chin?

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.

What to do if your cat's ears are going bald?

In some aspects, a cat's body is similar to a human's. For example, in cats, just like in people, problems with internal organs are reflected in their appearance. Typically, cat shedding is not something out of the ordinary, but if the hair does not recover, then you can start to worry. If a cat's ears become bald, the owner can definitely begin to take decisive measures to save his pet.

First, you need to figure out why your cat's ears are going bald. In fact, this symptom can be triggered by anything, from allergies to stress, and only a veterinarian can determine the real cause.

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However, there are several common factors:

Allergic reactions;
Skin infections and parasites;
Psychogenic influence;
Hormonal disorders;
Heredity.

Allergy

Allergic reactions can occur due to toxic substances and various environmental factors; A new food or medication can also provoke an allergy, as a result of which the hair on the cat’s ears falls out, the shells themselves turn red, become covered with a rash, and begin to itch unbearably, which is why the animal scratches its ears too much. Treatment is carried out in only one way - isolating the allergen from the cat's diet or environment and using medications prescribed by the veterinarian.

Skin infections and parasites

Otodectosis or scabies. Otodectosis occurs due to infection with ear mites, which can cause purulent otitis media. The ears become red and itchy, and the itching can spread down to the neck, causing the cat to try to relieve it by scratching itself excessively. This is what causes baldness.
Ringworm and other fungal infections. Fungi are very dangerous, so they try to exclude lichen as the cause of baldness in the first place. Emergency veterinary assistance is especially necessary if ear hair loss is accompanied by redness and rash.
Viruses. Viral infections that cause hair loss in a cat's ears can affect any organ, from respiratory diseases to eye lesions. Only a specialist will help determine what exactly the animal is sick with and choose the right medications; self-medication can only worsen the cat’s condition.

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Stress

Emotional turmoil does not always have a very good effect on animals. A change in the environment surrounding people can lead to the fact that their nervous system cannot stand it: the cat may refuse to eat, begin to hide, the owners may notice that its hair is falling out (on the ears and not only). If symptoms have recently appeared, you can try to calm your pet yourself. For long-term effects of stress, it is better to consult a specialist.

Hormonal disorders in the cat's body

Very often, ears go bald when hormonal problems are diagnosed. One of the manifestations of such disorders is hyperthyroidism - in 30% of cases, in addition to other symptoms, the ears become bald. A cat may also have hypothyroidism. Both of these diseases are associated with dysfunction of the thyroid gland. With diabetes, the hair throughout the body begins to dull and fall out.

Unfortunately, only a veterinarian can accurately determine the disease, so if symptoms appear, it is better to seek help.

Heredity.

Sometimes receding hairlines on and behind the ears appear as a result of a gene mutation and are passed on from generation to generation. Perhaps the ancestors of the balding cat had individuals with similar bald spots? In this case, you don’t have to worry about the health of your pet’s ears.

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Cat's tail coming off photo

Prevention measures

The main guarantee of a pet’s health is a strong immune system. In order for the animal to get sick less, it is necessary to create comfortable living conditions for it.

It is important to take care of a complete diet, which will include all the necessary vitamins and minerals. You should not feed your pet cheap food, because they contain low-quality ingredients and can cause allergies.

Among ready-made food, preference should be given to premium and super-premium class.

Care should be taken to ensure that the cat’s diet does not contain prohibited foods: fatty meat, legumes and potatoes, sweets, smoked meats, pickles, chocolate, milk. Fish should be given no more than once a week. Cats are often allergic to chicken, so it is better to replace it with lean veal or turkey.

Also, do not forget about hygiene. The animal should be kept in a clean room, which must be constantly cleaned and ventilated

It is important that the cat does not have access to plants that are poisonous to it. Many of them can also lead to an allergic reaction or irritation and scratching of the skin.

Long-haired cats need to be combed regularly to prevent tangles from forming. The coat and skin should be periodically examined for parasites or inflammation. But it is not advisable to bathe cats often. This may lead to skin problems in the future.

The cat must have all required vaccinations according to age. The animal must be treated for fleas and ticks. Do not forget about the prevention of helminth infection, which must be done every 4-6 months. Moreover, you should not refuse it for completely domestic cats.

At least once a year, your cat should be taken to a veterinarian for a preventive examination. This is especially true for older animals, who are more prone to various diseases.

Thus, scratching in cats is most often just a symptom that indicates some other disease. Severe itching can be a sign of serious animal health problems. Some skin infections in cats are also dangerous to humans. This is why you should not ignore this symptom.

If your cat is constantly scratching in one area, she should be seen by a veterinarian. Only a correct diagnosis will help you quickly and effectively get rid of the problem.

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.

First aid

A pet's hanging tail is the first sign that any disease is beginning. It may be associated with a nervous disorder or be a harbinger of physical illness. Neglected treatment or its absence will lead to complications and deterioration of the cat’s health.

If your cat has a drooping tail, then first you need to feel it from the base of the tail to the tip. A cat’s painful reaction to touch signals the onset of the disease. A veterinarian will provide effective assistance, and you should try to determine whether the tip of the tail is broken or whether there are any wounds. In case of a fracture, a tight bandage is applied, and if scratches are noticeable, then the wound needs to be treated. Also, one of the reasons for this ailment is nerve rupture. The presence of a gap is determined by inspection of the tail.

If it does not move entirely, but, for example, only at the base and tip, and the middle reaches towards the floor and is in a hanging state, then this diagnosis will be confirmed. Also, do not forget about the emotional trauma of your pet. In the event of the loss of a beloved owner or the loss of offspring, he will be in a state of stress

At such moments it is especially important to show your love and care, otherwise the cat’s tail will droop and body disorders may begin.

Why is this happening?

Among the causes of baldness are:

Lichen. Typical signs of lichen: peeling of the tail, parts of the hind legs, back and ears. An accurate diagnosis can only be made in laboratory conditions. The affected areas are illuminated with a Wood's lamp. If the fur takes on a greenish tint, treatment for shingles infection is prescribed.
Hormonal imbalances. The cat's body secretes a special substance from the upper part of the tail. The pet distributes lubricant throughout the body while washing. Too active secretion leads to the fact that the tail peels off and becomes fat.
Ticks and fleas. Even a domestic cat can become infected with fleas. Ticks are brought in from the street by other residents of the house. The area of the mane and tail is a favorite place for parasites, after which the cat begins to constantly itch and literally tear out the fur.
Infection with helminths. These are parasites that form in the body. Helminths are transmitted through raw fish and meat. This leads to the cat having a loose tail, and worms become a related problem.
Bacteria. Typical for cats that periodically go outside. Untreated wounds on the tail are a target for bacteria, which can lead to critical infection and a threat to life.
Allergy. If your cat's tail is going bald, it could be a response to an allergy. Among the reasons: poor nutrition, cheap food, intoxication with medications. In addition, some cats react painfully to odors, particularly tobacco smoke.
Stress. As in the case of the appearance of worms, the tail peels off during strong emotional experiences. In older cats, this is a consequence of the appearance of a new pet - a dog or kitten. In young furry animals, stress manifests itself after major home renovations, childbirth, or moving to a new place.
Inflammation of the glands of the paraanal type. The animal begins to urinate past the tray, and the fact of irritation is confirmed by a shaking tail, which gradually becomes greasy, peels off and loses its fur.

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When should you sound the alarm?

Reasons why a cat lowers its tail:

A strong blow or fracture can cause the cat to not raise its tail.
Damage to nerve endings is also a possible problem. It is impossible to start treatment, since this organ is an extension of the spine and its integrity is necessary for full-fledged work.
Stroke - if the animal is of advanced age, this will cause the cat’s tail to hang. In this case, the veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics that will return the tail to its normal position in whole or in part. But relapse can happen again.
Nerve problems - living in stressful conditions. For example, if a cat is oppressed, often beaten, or he is simply not yet accustomed to new owners who have just adopted a new four-legged friend, then he will behave nervously. At such moments, you should not rush to establish a connection with the cat, because good relationships are formed over time, when the animal gets used to the new environment.
Safety of your offspring. It’s not uncommon for cats to want to protect kittens from exposure to humans or other dangers. This often happens if a pregnant cat does not have her own secluded place where she can safely give birth and raise her offspring. Until the time comes, she will walk from corner to corner with her tail lowered, and look for a suitable option.
Hereditary predisposition. Often, after crossing different breeds, kittens with deformities are born. Most often, such a developmental deviation does not cause discomfort.
If the animal is tired, then this position will be a characteristic feature. In this case, the cat needs to be allowed to sleep and rest.

Almost all symptoms will be accompanied by a lack of appetite and unusual behavior.

Clinics you can go to

The presented veterinary clinics have specialized dermatologists on their staff.

Moscow:

White Fang. Well-known network of veterinary clinics.
Medvet. It has high-quality equipment and specialists.
Your doctor. The dermatology department successfully deals with skin diseases.

Saint Petersburg:

Kotonai. A network of veterinary clinics in Russia.
Vega. There is a call service and a discount system.
Cityvet. Network of veterinary clinics. There are many highly specialized, friendly doctors.

Fractures and other injuries

The most common problem that can happen to a cat's tail is a fracture, dislocation, etc. Fractures can be with closed or open wounds. At the site of a break, fracture, or severe bruise of the tail, as a rule, there is a tumor, and the animal reacts to pain when touched. If you find an open wound on the tail, before going to the veterinarian, you should treat it at home with any available antiseptic - for example, hydrogen peroxide, in order to avoid infection. If the suspected fracture is closed or a severe bruise is observed, an ice pad made in a heating pad or a regular rag should be applied to the injured area of the tail. Ice will relieve most of the pain and reduce swelling. The veterinarian will then suggest taking an x-ray and, based on its results, will provide assistance and prescribe treatment.

In a number of topics on our forum we discussed tail diseases in cats, so you can read about them, as they say, first hand: https://forum.kotodom.ru/topic2696.html https://forum.kotodom.ru/topic2712. html https://forum.kotodom.ru/topic2520.html https://forum.kotodom.ru/topic11530.html