Cats, much like dogs, occasionally lose hair.  Although some causes are medical and can be treated by a veterinarian, hair loss in cats can also result from stress.  Cats, and especially kittens, can be prone to ringworm while some adult cats fall victim to head mange, allergies, and stress-induced grooming. 

Contrary to its name, ringworm is not a worm.  Instead, ringworm is a fungus that lives on the skin and is transmittable to both humans and other pets.  Ringworm appears as small, circular bare areas that may or may not itch.  After some time these tiny spots may become red or irritated.  This irritation might cause the cat to scratch and cause minor infections in the skin.  Due to its ability to spread, these small circular spots may start to grow and multiply on the animal.  They usually start on the tail and ears in cats but may also first appear on the face or feet.  Do not be alarmed, this fungus is rather benign and easily treated in cats and humans.  In fact, most animals can be treated with common over the counter fungus medications.  

Although it is uncommon in most domestic felines, cats can get mange.  Cats only fall victim to one kind of mange:  head mange.  Head mange is actually caused by the same type of mites that cause sarcoptic mange in dogs and scabies in humans.  Head mange is exactly as it sounds, it is mange that only appears on the head of the cat.  These tiny mites (they look very similar to clear microscopic ticks) live under the skin and cause intense itching in their host, in this case the cat, and hair loss.  Due to the irritation and itching, cats will scratch their heads to the point of bleeding and may suffer from secondary infections.  In severe cases cats will be bald with swollen areas due to inflammation.  Veterinarians have the capacity to treat mange. 

Most cats do not suffer from general allergies.  Purebred cats, however, can have sensitivities that are linked to their breed so be sure to do research on cat breeds if you own one.  Cats do, however, have occasional allergic reactions to outside insects such as mosquitoes that can cause bumps and itching on the ears.  These bumps will inevitably loose hair and cause some spotty hair loss on the ears and head. 

Hair loss can also result from toxins in their system.  Hair loss and neurological damages have been linked to over the counter flea preventatives that contain pyrethrins.   Be sure to purchase your flea preventative from a veterinarian or reputable seller.  Advantage and Frontline are good alternatives. 

Most cats tend to lose their fur as a result of over grooming.  Cats will lick their fur to the point of balding if they are stressed.  This type of hair loss is very common and can occur anywhere on the animal, but owners usually find evidence on the belly or back.  The hair is usually still there, but shorter, resulting in the appearance that someone took miniature clippers to the area.  Some cats focus on one spot while others might lick many different areas.  Either way, this type of hair loss can be tied to stress.

Cats find their comfort zone in their territory versus dogs who find their comfort with their “pack”.  If anything changes in the cat’s home, they may display signs of stress.  Triggers of over-grooming can be anything from changes in food to new people to new carpets.  If your cat is licking its fur to the point of patchiness, try and determine if their have been significant changes in the cat’s environment in recent days or weeks.  Sometimes these changes can be as minor as changes in cat litter or new carpeting.

Also be aware the chemicals in your surroundings can cause stress.  Cleaning products, carpets, new furniture or bookshelves (these contain formaldehyde based products that outgas into your home for weeks) can cause stress in cats.  Using mild, ecologically friendly products can help reduce stress in your pets, and yourself.  Good food, healthy living, and quiet, predictable surroundings are good ways to ensure your cat’s mental health. 

Keep in mind that stress can also manifest in urination throughout the house, defecation outside the litterbox, redirected aggression and other behavior changes. 

Over-grooming can also be caused by unseen circumstances.  For example, my own cat was tearing the fur off of his belly and we had not had any changes in our environment in recent months.  Finally we determined that our vacuum cleaner was not removing much dirt and purchased a new one.  After proper cleaning of our carpets, my cat stopped pulling out his fur.  Who knew he was so meticulous about the carpets?

Consult your veterinarian for a complete diagnosis of your cat’s hair loss.