Why do cats lose hair around their eyes?

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Bald patches above the eyes in cats occur as a result of allergies, fleas or ticks, malnutrition, diabetes, thyroid pathologies, and dermatomycosis. Baldness in the eye area is a characteristic sign of subcutaneous demodex mites.

If you notice a receding hairline in the area of the eyes and ears in a cat, you must urgently contact a veterinarian for an examination, diagnosis and prescription of an effective therapeutic course.

Why does baldness occur?

There are many factors that provoke the manifestation of alopecia. Most often, this phenomenon occurs in short-haired cats. Before moving directly to the treatment of pathology, it is necessary to understand what caused the disease. The most common cause of a receding hairline is food allergies. Most often, cats are allergic to foods such as lamb, cereals, and proteins of plant or food origin. By adjusting your pet's diet, you can improve its health.

Hormonal imbalance can also cause the formation of bald spots in a cat. In this case, hair falls out not only in the ears or around the eyes, but also in other areas. With hormonal imbalance, baldness occurs in the abdomen, chest, hind legs, armpits, and also in the area near the anus.

Stress can trigger baldness in cats. When the cause of a skin disease is a psychogenic factor, the cat may also begin to lose hair in the abdomen, thighs and inner surface of the paws. In this case, the owner needs to provide his pet with the most peaceful living environment possible. Calming medications intended for cats will also have a beneficial effect on the health of your four-legged friend.

Alopecia sometimes results from dermatomycosis. In this case, increased hair loss is noticed in the area of the eyes and ears. The shape of bald patches with dermatomycosis is ring-shaped or rounded. In problem areas, the skin is quite dry, however, the cat is not bothered by itching. The cause of the development of dermatomycosis is fungal diseases that negatively affect the epidermis and fur of the pet. Treatment of bald patches in cats is carried out using special antifungal agents.

Dermatomycosis

Animals of any age and breed can become infected with it after contact with infected cats. A tick can live in a pet’s body for a long time and not appear. To activate the disease, a provoking factor is needed, for example, a decrease in immunity.

As a result, the tick in the cat’s body begins to lead active life activities, having a negative impact on the overall health.

In addition to bald patches near the ears, there may be redness of the skin, peeling in the eye area, skin rashes that look like small pustules, as well as the formation of small ulcers and bleeding wounds on the skin.

Other causes of the disease

In rare cases, the factor that causes the appearance of bald patches is the following serious illnesses:

Acromegaly;
Problems with the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism);
Diabetes;
The period after castration;
Hyperfunction of the adrenal cortex (Cushing's syndrome);

Other pathologies can also provoke the formation of bald spots. Some cats develop skin diseases due to allergies to medications. The presence of parasitic diseases also sometimes leads to alopecia.

In this case, it will be easy to notice the presence of parasites, since the influence of mites, lichen and cat scabies will immediately be reflected in the condition of the coat. In rare cases, bald patches appear in the presence of benign or malignant tumors. Hereditary factor is another reason for cat baldness.

Bald patches on a cat photo

Features of treatment

You can eliminate bald patches in a cat above the eyes or in another problem area by addressing the root cause of the disease. If parasites are the cause of the skin disease, it is necessary to provide the pet with proper treatment. The use of special ointments, gels and sprays that effectively affect parasites will help improve the condition of your pet. The cat owner should give the animal vitamins that will increase its immunity.

If local baldness occurs as a result of allergies, then it is necessary to limit contact with allergens. A hypoallergenic diet will improve your cat's health. In this case, the veterinarian prescribes the animal to take antiallergic drugs and immunostimulants.

When an animal has problems with the endocrine system, then it is recommended to select special treatment. Taking hormones will improve the cat's health and return its coat to its previous appearance.

Preventive measures

Preventing skin disease such as alopecia is not difficult. To do this, you must adhere to the following measures:

Observe hygiene rules. The owner must remember to inspect the cat’s fur (especially if he is often outdoors) for ticks and other parasites and deal with them in a timely manner;
Provide the animal with a balanced diet. The cat's diet should contain vitamins and other useful microelements;
Carry out routine vaccinations for your pet;
Visit the veterinarian periodically. During the examination, a specialist can identify possible pathologies;

There is no need to “sound the alarm” if your beloved cat has bald patches on his skin. This phenomenon is not uncommon for most cats. If you find the cause of the pathology in a timely manner and carry out treatment, it is easy to return your pet to vigor and health.

I graduated from the National State Agricultural Academy and have been working as a veterinarian for 8 years.

In my free time, I write articles about the diagnosis and treatment of cats.

Feel free to ask questions in the comments, I will try to answer everything.

Quite often, baldness around the eyes of a cat can be associated with seasonal shedding, which lasts 1-2 weeks. If this process is prolonged or accompanying symptoms appear, then the option of molting disappears and you should think about possible problems with nutrition (incorrectly selected food often causes food allergies), parasites or bacterial infection.

Allergy to animals

Have you or your child ever experienced red spots or blisters on your skin if a cat licked you, or symptoms of conjunctivitis if you petted a cat and then rubbed the same hand over your eye? Most likely, you have sensitivity (from the Latin sensibilis sensitive) to cat allergens.

Sensitization to pets most often manifests itself as symptoms of respiratory, and less commonly, skin allergies. Signs of respiratory allergies manifest themselves in the form of symptoms from the nose (stuffiness, sneezing, mucous discharge), eyes (itching, redness, lacrimation) and lower respiratory tract (dry cough, wheezing in the chest, shortness of breath, suffocation); and skin – in the form of itching, redness of the skin.

Allergy symptoms

in pets vary in severity, ranging from mild discomfort associated with rhinitis and conjunctivitis, to life-threatening attacks of bronchial asthma.

Mammals kept as pets are an important source of allergies, and sensitization to animal dander of various species appears to be increasing worldwide. Pet allergens are mainly present in their fur, saliva and urine and are released into the external environment when they shed or shed dander.

Among pet allergens, cat allergens are the most potent. Cats are the cause of allergic diseases more often than dogs and other pets. The most important cat allergen, Fel d1, found in saliva and sebaceous glands, is present in cats of all breeds. Unneutered cats have more of it than females. Particles of desquamated cat epithelium up to 2.5 microns in size can remain in indoor air for a long time and penetrate into the lungs, causing exacerbation of allergic rhinitis in sensitive individuals, months after the animal is removed from the home. Animal allergens, when they get on clothing, can be carried into rooms and public places where there are no animals themselves, and provoke exacerbations of allergic rhinitis and asthma in people sensitive to them.

Allergy to dogs

Less common than cat sensitivity. The main allergen, Can f1, with which it is associated, is found in the saliva and fur of any dog, but its amount depends on the breed.

Sensitization to cat and dog allergens is a risk factor for the development of bronchial asthma and rhinitis. This was shown in a study in which sensitization to key allergenic components of pets was observed in young children before the development of respiratory symptoms.

Sensitivity to allergens from other animals that are often kept in the family - gerbil mice, guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets - is rare. Allergies to farm animals - horses, cattle, pigs - are also observed.

Bird feathers in pillows, feather beds, and down clothes also have significant allergenic activity. Allergies can also be caused by pigeons, parrots, and canaries kept in apartments. In addition to bronchial asthma, poultry can cause the development of allergic rhinitis and exogenous allergic alveolitis.

Representatives of lower crustaceans and various species of daphnia in dry food for aquarium fish also have pronounced allergenic activity. Cases of allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma have been described among members of families keeping aquariums and using dry food from daphnia.

Allergy prevention measures

The best way to avoid the effects of animal allergens is to remove a cat, dog, or other animal from the home. After an animal is removed from the apartment, several months pass before the concentration of allergens drops below the threshold. If the family does not want or cannot part with the pet, then it should be placed outside the living quarters, or, if this is not possible, do not allow the animal into the bedroom, use a highly efficient air filter, change the covers on mattresses and pillows, although these measures also allow sufficiently reduce the amount of allergens.

An allergist-immunologist can help you understand all the issues related to the causes of complaints of sneezing, itching and redness of the eyes, cough, difficulty breathing or itchy skin, select drug therapy if necessary and prescribe a set of treatment and preventive measures. The specialist will give all the necessary recommendations to relieve you and your child from the unpleasant manifestations of allergies. You can make an appointment with an allergist-immunologist by calling the clinic’s contact center.

Information prepared for you by:

Fesenko Irina Davidovna - allergist-immunologist, Ph.D. Conducts a reception in the children's building on Usachev.

The appearance of receding hairline: reasons

The area of the skin where hair has fallen out is called a receding hairline; such a change is not normal and can appear for various reasons, including:

Allergic reaction to food, medications.

Allergies to food (industrial feed, lamb, cereals), medications often develop in cats. Signs of the pathological condition: baldness of the skin near the ears and eyes, on the stomach, constant itching, redness of the bald areas.

Hair loss may indicate hormonal imbalances in the animal’s body, indicating the development of diseases such as: pathologies of the thyroid gland, diabetes mellitus, malfunction of the adrenal glands, malfunctions of the internal glands. Additional signs of hormonal imbalance are: excessive drinking of water, frequent urination, sudden weight loss.

Hair loss can occur if the cat is infected with ringworm. Infection occurs through contact with a carrier of parasites; the disease may not manifest itself for a long time. Subcutaneous mites begin to actively develop if the pet’s immunity is weakened.

Additional symptoms: flaky skin, the formation of bleeding wounds, ulcers above the eyes. Fleas can also cause baldness, biting parasites bother the animal, the cat begins to intensively scratch the skin, as a result of which the hair roots become weak and the hair falls out.

Pathological causes of hair loss in cats: what's the matter?

The cat's belly and hind legs are bald.
The cause of pathological hair loss on the belly can be a number of factors. What's the matter in this case? Here are the pathological causes of hair loss in cats:

Unbalanced diet

If you choose economy-class food or regular products, your cat may not have enough “building material” to form a coat. The reason is not only a lack of vitamins, but also their overdose.

lice eaters

These are parasites that feed on wool.

Helminths

Worms, worms that secrete endotoxins. The latter affect the hair follicles and also prevent vitamins in the gastrointestinal tract from being absorbed into the body. Signs of worms include diarrhea, vomiting, refusal to eat, etc.

Stress

Moving, exhibitions, fright and the appearance of a new animal in an apartment or house, or in a cat’s body, often cause hair loss.

Physical factors

If the house is hot and the humidity level is insufficient, failures in the animal’s thermoregulation occur. It saves itself from overheating by shedding excess “clothing”.

Chemical factors

With frequent bathing, hair may also fall out, since detergents destroy the sutured hair membrane.

Hormonal imbalances

Their causes are malfunctions of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands and uncontrolled use of steroid drugs.

Chronic intoxication

Appears if your pet eats food that is infected with a fungus or contains toxic substances. The poison is removed from the body not only through diarrhea and vomiting, but also along with the hair.

Allergy

An allergy can be to individual components in food, household chemicals, cosmetics, parasite repellents, and the hair of other animals. The cat begins to itch and licks the places where the rash and itching appear. Due to diligent licking, hairs may disappear.

Fleas

Parasites often change the pet’s behavior - the cat begins to itch sharply. Itching can bother a cat even at night. The animal bites off whole pieces of fur, and the places it scratches become covered with crusts. Wounds are often accompanied by infections (pus is formed). With a large flea population, the cat’s general condition worsens - he loses weight, becomes restless and angry. Even people can suffer from fleas - the parasites bite their feet.

Ticks

When a pet is infested with ticks, bald spots may appear on the face (in the ear area) and on the front legs. Baldness is located symmetrically. It is accompanied by severe itching. Wounds often fester. Skin mites in cats are microscopic and appear in those who suffer from weak immunity. Areas of bare skin turn red and become covered with dry scales.

Lichen

This fungus is also dangerous for humans. Ringworm appears as round lesions with chopped off hair. The skin turns red and becomes covered with scales, and the cat constantly scratches the affected areas. Over time, the lesion increases in size.

Adenitis

It is an inflammation of the sebaceous glands. Usually due to genetic predisposition. Adenitis most often affects kittens and older animals. Bald spots are round. They form in the ears, neck and head. The disease is accompanied by an unpleasant odor. The skin becomes yellow or gray and clammy. Adenitis and eczema should not be confused.

Folliculitis

An infection that affects the hair follicles. It causes hair to become brittle. Inflamed blisters form on the face and neck. The cat is suffering from itching. The reason is allergies or weak immunity.

Alopecia areata

There are two types:

Autoimmune - represents the periodic appearance of bald spots. The fur is gradually recovering. The cat does not suffer from itching.
Symmetrical – when baldness appears in the groin, stomach and thighs. It is much less common.

If such symptoms appear, you and your cat should consult a veterinarian.

Seborrhea

It can be congenital or acquired. The affected areas are covered with small scales. Dandruff appears on your pet's fur and gives off an unpleasant odor.

Hypothyroidism

Genetic pathology can cause complete hair loss in childhood. Newborn kittens have sparse fur. At 3-4 months, kittens become completely bald. Be careful, because without fur, a kitten can freeze in winter or overheat in summer. Pay attention to your cat's drinking regime in the summer and keep him warm in the winter.

Hyperthyroidism

Malfunctions of the thyroid gland and an increased amount of hormones lead to seborrhea. The cat constantly licks itself, and with simple stroking, its fur will easily fall out. This reaction can be caused by any hormonal disorder:

Adrenal diseases
Malfunctions of the pancreas
Problems with the ovaries or testes

Regular use of hormonal medications also often causes strong hormone production. The cat drinks a lot of water, goes to the toilet often, and its abdominal cavity increases in size.

Oncological diseases

When a tumor forms, the hair completely falls out in the lower part of the body. Gradually, bald spots spread to the chest and paws. At the end of the disease, the cat loses most of its hair.

How to distinguish normality from pathology?

Baldness of skin areas is not always caused by pathological reasons. In some cases, hair loss occurs in cats that have recently given birth to kittens. The problem arises due to an unbalanced diet. A nursing mother needs increased nutrition and vitamin intake.

In animals of smooth-haired breeds, bald spots can occur as a result of regular licking of the fur, due to genetic predisposition.

Hair loss may indicate nervous strain that has arisen in the cat as a result of moving or having a new pet. Such situations are stressful for the pet; treatment is by taking sedatives.

Vitamin deficiency can be another reason for hair loss.

Psychogenic alopecia

Another form of alopecia that many cat owners don't consider at first is psychogenic alopecia, which causes the cat to pull out and chew its own hair due to anxiety, stress or fear. However, since cats like their daily routine and do not adapt to new people and environments easily, this form of alopecia is quite common.

The main problem here is the cat's behavior because she uses grooming as a way to relax. When it is exposed to too much stress, it can develop into over-grooming, causing the cat to lick fur until it becomes hairless.

The best way to manage this form of alopecia is to take better care of your cat. It is extremely important not to put too much (unnecessary) stress on her and to maintain a consistent daily routine. However, in more severe cases, anti-anxiety medications can also be used.

Bald patches near the ears

The development of characteristic bald spots near the ears of an animal (periacular alopecia) occurs in a cat for the same reasons as hair loss above the eyes.

To make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment, your pet should be taken to a veterinary clinic, where the doctor:

will conduct a visual inspection,
will prescribe a series of tests,
take scrapings from the skin,
Based on the data obtained, he will prescribe treatment.

What to do if you find bald spots?

Immediately show the animal to a veterinarian. You should not engage in treatment and find out the causes on your own. It is best to entrust the health of your pet to a specialist. At the veterinary clinic, they will carefully question you about your pet, do a thorough examination, prescribe a specific and general blood test, take a scraping of the epidermis, microbiological examination of the roots of the animal’s fur, and if there is a suspicion of a neoplasm, they will do an ultrasound or x-ray. Depending on the results of the examination, appropriate treatment will be prescribed.

At the veterinarian's appointment.

If the reason is in the diet, then they will definitely prescribe a change in food, it will be necessary to remove lamb, cereals, cereals, proteins of plant and animal origin from the diet, and prescribe vitamins.

no, no, no, darling!

We remove lamb and animal proteins from the diet.

If you have an allergy, you need to exclude the allergen and prescribe antihistamines.

If the cause of baldness is stress, then sedatives are prescribed.

Inflammatory formations are treated by treating the skin with antiseptics and antibiotics.

In case of scabies, fleas, lichen or fungus, the doctor prescribes specific treatment.

For neoplasms, the tactics are decided by the doctor individually, depending on the stage of the disease.

The appearance of bald patches: what to do

A cat owner who notices the appearance of bald spots should not self-medicate. The pet should be taken to a veterinarian to determine the cause of the illness. The doctor will conduct an examination and prescribe adequate treatment.

Prevention measures:

feeding with quality feed,
regular hygiene procedures,
timely vaccination of the animal,
taking vitamin complexes,
regular checkups with a veterinarian.

Review of possible pathologies

If a cat develops bald patches above the eyes due to scratching, then the cause must be sought in pathology, which can cause severe itching in the area of the nose, forehead, temples and organs of vision. First of all, exclude the option of parasites, whose bites can cause severe irritation, especially in allergic breeds. And then, based on the existing symptoms and diagnostic measures carried out, they sort out the possible causes:

Fungus. Due to ringworm, a cat may develop bald patches above the eyes, ears, near the tail and limbs. The lesions look like bald spots, inside of which there are wet areas of skin that are predominantly red. Itching is present in almost all cases; because of it, the animal may develop large scratches, often complicated by secondary infection. Most cases of fungal infection occur in dermatophytosis (namely Microsporum Canis). The diagnosis can only be confirmed in laboratory conditions using a microscope and a Wood's lamp. In controversial or severe cases, culture may be required, which is considered the most informative in determining the pathogen. Based on the results of the analysis, drugs are selected that will have a detrimental effect on fungal spores. Most often the choice falls on Itraconazole, Terbinafine, Nizoral. At the same time, the room where the pet lives is disinfected. To do this, you can use special chlorine-containing substances that are added to water for washing floors and other surfaces. It should be noted that dermatophytes die at temperatures above 50 degrees, so the animal’s sleeping place can be boiled (sheet or bedding). Much attention is paid to the disinfection of carpets and rugs, since a large number of fungal spores always remain on their surface. And finally, I would like to share the opinion of foreign experts who have proven that vaccination is not effective either in the treatment of lichen or in prevention. So don’t be fooled by illiterate veterinarians.
Injury. In the form of deep scratches from claws or bites from the teeth of other animals. It may be very itchy as it heals. This will cause your pet to scratch the affected areas with its paws. This may explain the appearance of bald patches above the eyes of a cat. Therefore, if there is any damage to the visual organs that may itch during the healing process, it is best to use a special medical cap that limits the animal’s access to the wound.
Fleas. Because of them, bald spots on cats above the eyes do not appear so often, but this option should not be ruled out. Especially if the pet, for no apparent reason, began to itch a lot. Unscheduled treatment of the animal with one of the parasitic drugs (Stronghold, Advocate, Frontline or Advantage) 2 times every 3 weeks will help eliminate this option.
Conjunctivitis. Inflammatory process of the mucous membranes of the eyes. It is almost always a consequence of the animal having a disease associated with the organs of vision, allergies or an infectious process. With all types of conjunctivitis, profuse lacrimation is present. Dry crusts form around the eyelids. In every second case, severe itching is noted. Therefore, if a cat has developed bald patches above the eyes after a recent injury to the cornea, the possibility of developing conjunctivitis or keratitis should be ruled out.
Allergy. A real problem for ornamental breeds, which often suffer from improperly selected food, reactions to flea saliva, plant pollen, house dust or mold. Therefore, when bald patches appear above the eyes in British cats and Maine Coons, they consider the option of food allergies. Often changing the brand of the manufacturer or switching to hypoallergenic food brings positive results. If there is redness, peeling of the skin and severe itching, antihistamines are prescribed.

Allergies

If a cat is allergic to dust or pollen, something in her food, or certain medications, her body will begin to itch, causing her to groom herself excessively to soothe herself. This can cause the fur to fall out in clumps as the cat licks the fur until a bald patch remains.

Common allergens include beef, dairy and fish. To make sure your cat food is no longer suitable, you can try switching to other brands for a while. Additionally, environmental allergies, such as mold spores and grass, can also cause atopic dermatitis to:

Armpits
Wrists and ankles
Groin
Around the eyes and between the toes
Around the muzzle and ears

To confirm an allergy, the veterinarian will examine the cat and its entire medical history. Sometimes a serological allergy test and intradermal testing can help determine the cause.

However, treatment depends on the allergen and sensitivity level. If your cat is hypersensitive, desensitizing therapy may help. On the other hand, to relieve itching, your veterinarian may prescribe anti-itch sprays, antihistamines and corticosteroids, as well as cyclosporine (for long-term allergies).

The cat has a receding hairline above the eyes photo

Also, bald patches above the eyes can be caused by demodicosis, which is much less common in cats than in dogs. Distinctive features are black specks on the skin inside the bald area and the absence of itching. In many cases, it goes away on its own without any therapeutic measures.

If your cat begins to develop bald patches in the area of the ears or around the eyes, then this is not a reason to worry. A similar phenomenon is called periacular alopecia and occurs quite often in quadrupeds.

This disease is not accompanied by itching or burning. In each case, the cause of the disease is different. Having determined why cats have bald patches near the ears, it will be much easier to overcome the skin disease and return your pet’s coat to an attractive appearance.

What to do if your cat’s stomach and hind legs are going bald: treatment

Treatment consists of eliminating the causes of the disease:

Conduct a diet analysis and switch to premium or higher hypoallergenic ready-made food. With this approach, no additional vitamin supplements are required.
Bring content parameters in accordance with standards. Move the cat's bed away from the heating radiator and use a humidifier.
Use antiparasitic insecticides to kill lice eaters, fleas, and at the same time helminths. Drops of Spot-on, IN-AP or analogues are in demand.
Discontinue medications that may cause allergic reactions. Report this to your veterinarian.
Use anti-stress medications: Stop-Stress, Stop-itching, Vetspokoin.

Be sure to read:

The cat itches until there are sores on the neck and head, until hair falls out, but there are no fleas: how to treat itching

If the measures taken do not lead to the desired result, contact a specialist.

Why does baldness occur?

Alopecia sometimes results from dermatomycosis. In this case, increased hair loss is noticed in the area of the eyes and ears. The shape of bald patches with dermatomycosis has a ring-shaped or rounded shape. In problem areas, the skin is quite dry, however, the cat is not bothered by itching. The cause of the development of dermatomycosis is fungal diseases that negatively affect the epidermis and fur of the pet. Treatment of bald patches in cats is carried out using special antifungal agents.

Causes and treatment of baldness in cats

Any cat health problem requires increased attention and involvement of the owner. Periocular alopecia is no exception - partial loss of hair, in which the ears and other parts of the pet’s body become bald. Often this phenomenon is caused by dangerous reasons, and it itself can become a sign of another, more serious disease.

Physiological causes of hair loss

Moderate hair loss is a natural process that does not always require treatment. The reason for this phenomenon is annual molting, during which the old hair falls out and a new one grows in its place. It is noteworthy that cats lose much more fur than male cats.

Other causes of physiological hair loss:

chafing collars, bandages or harnesses;
bathing more often than once every 5 months;
bathing with cheap human shampoos and detergents not intended for these purposes;
stressful situation;
age-related baldness in the area of the eyes, ears, paws, loss of mustache.

These causes do not pose any danger to the cat’s health and do not require treatment. As a rule, after a certain time, the fur grows back if the animal is not old.

Signs of pathology

Alopecia is an anomaly that occurs due to a malfunction in the body and requires medical intervention. Large bald areas and bald spots on the pet's body should alert the owner.

Signs of pathology:

severe hair loss during scratching and walking;
the hair falls out in clumps, leaving bald areas in the area of the ears, back, tail and other parts of the body;
the hair on one side is thicker than on the other;
the skin on bald areas is not pinkish, as it should be normally, but red;
peeling, ulcers, wounds and scabs are noticeable on the skin;
the animal scratches the bald spot vigorously, possibly to the point of bleeding;
touching the skin causes anxiety in the cat or, conversely, apathy.

If you notice one or more of the listed symptoms in your pet, take immediate action.

Remember that timely treatment is much more effective than therapy in severe stages of the disease.

Causes of the disease

Baldness in cats, not associated with physiological hair loss, occurs for a number of reasons. It is not always possible to identify them by appearance, so a serious examination and appropriate tests may be necessary. In each individual case of baldness in cats, the veterinarian determines the possible causes and treatment individually.

Most often, pathology is caused by 3 groups of reasons:

In addition to these reasons, baldness in a cat can occur due to tumor processes or poor heredity. It is noteworthy that some hairless cat breeds were developed by crossing related individuals.

Vitamin deficiency, viral diseases, ultraviolet radiation and some chronic diseases associated with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and liver also negatively affect the condition of the pet’s coat.

In order to figure out why your cat is going bald, you need to consult a specialist.

Diagnosis of the disease

The task of the owner who has noticed that his cat is balding in the ears, back, abdomen and other parts of the body is to contact a veterinarian for a subsequent examination and diagnosis of the root cause that caused this problem.

To diagnose alopecia, the following measures may be necessary:

analysis of medical history;
visual examination of the skin, ear and mucous membranes of the cat;
microbiological examination of wool bulbs;
blood tests;
analysis of epidermal scraping;
hormone analysis;
X-ray examination.

All these methods together will help identify the presence of a disease that negatively affects the cat’s fur.

Treatment options

Having determined the diagnosis, the specialist prescribes treatment. It is aimed at restoring the coat, as well as neutralizing the cause of baldness in the cat.

Use medications prescribed by your veterinarian. Self-medication can harm the animal, especially if you use the wrong medicine or do not maintain the permissible dosage.

Other causes of the disease

In rare cases, the factor that causes the appearance of bald patches is the following serious illnesses:

Acromegaly;
Problems with the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism);
Diabetes;
The period after castration;
Hyperfunction of the adrenal cortex (Cushing's syndrome);

Other pathologies can also provoke the formation of bald spots. Some cats develop skin diseases due to allergies to medications. The presence of parasitic diseases also sometimes leads to alopecia.

Bald patches on a cat photo

Features of treatment

How to treat alopecia in cats

The nature of the treatment depends on the cause that provoked the appearance of local bald patches. If the disease is allergic, it is necessary to isolate the animal from exposure to allergens. “The veterinarian should prescribe immunostimulants and antiallergic drugs to the cat.” In addition, the animal must adhere to a special hypoallergenic diet.

If alopecia is caused by parasites, the animal is recommended to use special sprays, gels, and ointments that have antiparasitic properties. In addition, the cat should additionally take vitamin complexes to stimulate immune function.

Abscess and pyoderma, which also provoke alopecia, are treated by treating the skin with systemic and external antibiotics, as well as antiseptics.

Naturally, treatment will directly depend on the cause of baldness. In the case of a banal allergic reaction, it is enough just to protect the pet from the source of the pathogen. In this case, the veterinarian will prescribe special antiallergic drugs and immunostimulants. Also, do not forget about the special diet that you will have to adhere to during therapy.

If baldness is caused by parasites, then it is important for your pet to use different ointments and sprays that can get rid of this problem once and for all. Among other things, the pet must also take vitamin complexes to maintain its strength.

In case of endocrine alopecia, it is necessary to take special hormonal medications. If baldness is psychogenic in nature, it is necessary to take special sedatives and sedatives.

Bald patches in cats above the eyes and near the ears are a serious but treatable pathology. For each animal, the veterinarian selects individual therapy depending on the causes of the disease:

1. If the pathology is caused by an allergy, the cat must be isolated from contact with the allergen. After which the veterinarian will prescribe antiallergic drugs and drugs to enhance immunity. In case of food allergies, the animal is prescribed a diet.
2. If parasites are detected, the cat should be treated with special anti-parasitic agents and additionally given drugs to enhance immunity.
3. In case of abscesses, the cat must undergo a course of treatment with antiseptics and antibiotics.
4. In case of endocrine disorders, the doctor will prescribe hormonal medications.
5. If a cat has a malfunction of the sebaceous glands, it is necessary to use antiseborrheic agents and retinoids.
6. In case of weakened condition, vitamins and a special diet are prescribed.

Preventive measures

Preventing skin disease such as alopecia is not difficult. To do this, you must adhere to the following measures:

Observe hygiene rules. The owner must remember to inspect the cat’s fur (especially if he is often outdoors) for ticks and other parasites and deal with them in a timely manner;
Provide the animal with a balanced diet. The cat's diet should contain vitamins and other useful microelements;
Carry out routine vaccinations for your pet;
Visit the veterinarian periodically. During the examination, a specialist can identify possible pathologies;

Prevention measures

To protect your family pet from skin diseases that are accompanied by baldness, it is necessary to provide proper care for the cat:

The first and most important thing is preventive examinations. You can do them yourself. While bathing, brushing, and playing with your cat, it is very convenient to check the condition of its coat. Regular monitoring will ensure that you do not miss the appearance of alarming symptoms.
Timely vaccinations against infectious diseases will improve your pet's health.
Regular (once every 4-5 months) antiparasitic treatment is a shield against skin diseases.
Deworming medications are required for all cats.
A calm and friendly atmosphere in the family without stress and scandals is useful not only for people, but also for cats.
If the cat is about to move, change owners, or the house is about to be renovated, a good solution would be to use sedatives.
You should not allow contact with unfamiliar animals - they can be carriers of the causative agent of alopecia.
A balanced diet and proper nutrition are the key to a healthy cat.

To preserve not only the health, but also the beauty of your pet, it is important to be an attentive and sensitive owner. Timely adoption of measures will eliminate the disease at the very beginning - and this will relieve stress from both the cat and the owner.

And it is important to always remember that self-medication can seriously aggravate the course of the disease.