Causes Of Hair Loss In Cats
Another critical factor that influences the rate of hair regrowth in cats is the underlying cause of hair loss. Identifying the root cause and using the appropriate treatment can fast-track hair regrowth in cats. For example, if your cats fur was shaved before surgery or another medical treatment, there is no reason to believe that the fur will grow at a slower rate.
However, some conditions and disorders can undermine hair growth. Here are a few disorders and conditions that contribute to hair loss in cats.
Will Cats Hair Grow Back After Fleas
YES. Cats hair can grow back after fleas. Only one flea bite in cats can result in serious and chronic scratching, which can lead to hair loss and open sores or scabs on the skin, causing a secondary bacterial infection to develop.
The problem is usually triggered by your cats response to the fleas saliva, which causes a localised reaction, particularly on the back and towards the tail.
Fortunately, the issue is generally simple to resolve, and the hair will regrow after the fleas or mites have been removed.
The most frequent cause of bald patches in cats is parasites such as mites or fleas.
The problem is usually triggered by your cats response to the fleas saliva, which causes a localised reaction, particularly on the back and towards the tail.
Fortunately, the issue is generally simple to resolve, and the hair will regrow after the fleas or mites have been removed.
This disease is better handled with parasite-killing items such as spot-ons. Veterinarian-recommended products are usually the most effective, although alternative medications, such as steroid therapy, can be used to alleviate itching.
External parasites, such as fleas, may induce feline acquired symmetric alopecia, which is characterised by significant fur loss on both sides of the cats body.
Veterinary Care For Lack Of Hair Growth In Cats
If your cat has been clipped and the hair is failing to grow back, it may be due to a hormonal deficiency or imbalance. In order to diagnose this, blood samples are necessary to measure concentrations of various hormones.
If your cat is losing hair in spots then it may have a bacterial infection or ringworm or demodicosis. Your veterinarian may need to do skin scrapings or pluck hairs for cultures.
You May Like: 16 Year Old Cat In Human Years
Stressful For The Cat
Some cats may not object to being shaved, but for others it may be a stressful situation. Lion cuts are usually given at a veterinary offices or pet groomer, which means a trip in a car and an unfamiliar situation for your cat to be in. For some cats, the anxiety may be so great they need to be sedated before being clipped. Cats may also be very uncomfortable being shaved in general and you may see them display unusual symptoms such as hiding, refusing to eat, and depression.
Your Cats Fur Will Grow Back In 6 Months Or Less After A Full Shave
Of course, the speed at which your cats fur grows back will depend on how long their fur is and howshort its been cut.
Short-haired cats will fully regrow their fur in 3 months or less. On the other hand, long-haired cats can take up to six months to regrow their fur after a shave.
That said, if youve only trimmed back your cats fur slightly, it wont take as long to get back to its full length.
Also Check: Is Blue Buffalo Good Cat Food
Does Cat Hair Grow Back After Ringworm
Ringworm in cats is not anything to be taken lightly. If it goes out without care, it will take anywhere from nine months to a year, during which time the animals fur will continue to fall out and its naked skin will become visible.
Ringworm is a fungal infection, not a parasite, that causes circular lesions on the skin where the hair thins or disappears completely, giving your cat the appearance of a bald spot.
Ringworm is a highly infectious fungus that can be spread by close contact with the spores.
Since these parasites can survive for up to two years, your cat can contract them from any place where an infected animal has been.
A fungal culture on a sample of hair is normally used to diagnose ringworm, but inspecting the hair under a microscope or using a UV lamp to examine the whole hair coat may also give clues.
A swab of the skin may be used to spot ringworm, and the parasite is usually treated with shampoos or other medications to prevent it from spreading.
When the skin and coat are viewed in a dark space under a special ultraviolet light called a Woods lamp, the majority of cases of feline ringworm caused by M. canis can glow with a yellow-green fluorescence.
However, not all cases of dermatophytes fluoresce clearly, and certain other dermatophytes species do not fluoresce under a Woods lamp.
A laboratory culture of the fungus is the most accurate tool for diagnosing ringworm in cats. Hair and skin scrapings are taken as samples for this.
How Fast Does Cat Hair Grow After Shaving
If you shaved your cats hair, it does grow back. It also grows back quickly. A cat with short hair can promptly grow its hairs rather than those with long hair.
A cat with short hair can grow its hair within three months. On the other hand, long-haired cats can grow their hair back within four to six months. So it is safe to speak that if you have shaved your cats, their hair will grow back in less than six months.
But as mentioned, your cats hair will depend on the cat and the length of their hair. But if you plan to shave your cats hair, it would be best if you consult an expert.
The skin of the cat is more sensitive than humans. It is also elastic and sticks fervently to the cats hair. This means it would be safe to seek a professional to do the shaving.
We would not want our cat to get injured because we did something we are not an expert on, like shaving. But if youre going to do the job or want to stay within budget, you can try and cut it as carefully as possible.
If you do this, you need to cut your cats fur with gentle hands. Always keep a comb between the scissors and their skin. Do not near the scissors so close to their skin.
Read Also: Can You Become Allergic To Cats
Preparing To Shave Your Cat
How To Encourage Faster Hair Growth In Cats
The best way to encourage the growth of new hair on your cat is to identify and treat the underlying cause. Once your cat is well on his way to recovery from the particular condition or disorder he is suffering from, you can focus your attention on his nutrition.
As mentioned previously, a cats diet plays a vital role in the growth and development of his skin and coat. And the absence of nutrients can lead to poor fur quality and even hair loss.
To support the growth of new hair, it is vital to focus on your pets nutrition.
Make sure that your cats diet contains enough proteins that will help sustain hair growth. Often, when a cats hair grows slowly, the main culprit is the lack of quality protein in his diet.
Vitamins and minerals are also crucial in hastening the growth of new hair. Specifically, your cats diet should contain the right amount of zinc and vitamins A and E. Zinc deficiency can slow down hair growth while vitamins A and E give luster to the hair.
Finally, feed your cat with a diet rich in essential fatty acids, specifically Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.
Don’t Miss: Is Blue Buffalo Good Cat Food
Should You Cut A Cat’s Hair
There are various reasons why a cat’s hair will fall out, but these are usually natural processes or responses to disease. However, there are some cat guardians who choose to remove their cat’s hair for certain reasons.
One reason why a guardian might choose to cut their cat’s hair is for aesthetics. Especially with longhaired cats, grooming their coat can give them a new style or certain look the guardian finds pleasing. It is important to note this is not a valid reason for cutting your cat’s hair. While dogs are more used to grooming, cats generally find the process stressful and will not enjoy the short hair.
Shaving a cat’s hair, in particular, needs to be avoided whenever possible. When shaved, the cat’s hair will have difficulty growing back. It can be uncomfortable for the cat, as can the shaving process itself. It also exposes their skin to the sun’s rays which can promote heat stroke and skin cancer. The only reason a cat’s fur should be shaved is when a veterinarian requires it for surgery or similar treatment.
There are legitimate reasons why a cat’s hair should be trimmed. If they have hair which grows over their eyes and hinders their vision, it is possible trimming will help. When a cat’s hair becomes tangled or damaged, trimming the knot or affected area might be necessary. Whatever the reason for the trimming, it is best to discuss it with a veterinarian and have the procedure performed by a professional.
Tips To Make Your Cats Hair Grow Faster
If you love your cat, youll need to step up and take one of the following initiatives.
- Add proteins to their diet
Protein is very important for hair growth. A slow growth indicates the deficiency of protein in the diet. Only meals filling the tummies wont help them, adding proteins to the plate is the key.
- Add minerals to their diet
Feed your cats with essential minerals like zinc that help a lot in hair growth. Use frequent doses of minerals in your cats meal and see the magic.
- Add Vitamins to their diet
Inadequacy of vitamins can result in loss or slow hair growth in human beings. The same is with our kittens. Feeding the right amount of vitamins can prevent the discontinuity of hair in cats.
- Regular Brushing
Did you know that dead hair if left unchecked can hinder the growth of new hair? Well, they fall into the fur and block the way of new hair by sticking into the roots of the skin. Such tangled hair also invites parasites and other insects to reside and create allergies in the cats skin.
In order to avoid both issues, you must spend some time brushing and grooming the cats hair, getting rid of the old ones, and allow some space for the newcomers.
- Regular Bathing
- Remove things that stress your cat
Pet anxiety is one big reason behind many diseases and hair loss is one of them. Figure out why your cat is depressed. Is it the separation of partner or shifting to a new home?
Don’t Miss: Blue Cat Food
Why Does A Cat Have Fur
Why does a cat need fur? Surely, its not so you can have something to pet and have fun with cat cuddling. This question is one you ought to have the answer to as a cat parent. It would make the issue of fur or no fur become less about you and more about the cat. Lets consider the importance of fur in cats.
Thermal insulationThis is the most obvious reason why a cat has fur which is to provide a covering that regulates body heat to the expected level per time. In seasons of heat, the fur helps a cat to stay aerated by being loose while during cold seasons, the fur serves as a source of heat to stay warm. A cats hair coat also serves as a protection for the skin from the suns radiation.ProtectionA cats hairy coat serves as protection against physical dangers like injuries, parasite infestation on the skin, scratches, and bruises, and other forms of harm that could cause serious damage.CommunicationCats let out their feelings using their hair as a signal. Cats have body language which is usually shown when they are aggressive or in danger. They bristle their hair to look bigger when about to attack. Or in a bid to frighten an attacker as a defensive mechanism.As a senseJust like the eyes, nose, and other sense organs, cats have their hair also functioning as part of their tactile senses. Cats feel their environs using their hair. It helps them understand their surroundings and navigate areas to avoid danger.
Factors That Affect Hair Growth In Cats
Numerous factors affect hair growth in cats. They include:
Recommended Reading: Feline Greenies
Protein And Cat Hair Care
The hair itself is made of protein. If your cat’s dietdoesn’t containenough protein from animal and plant sources , then the hair could be too dry, fall out orfeel brittle to the touch.
Most commercial cat foods contain adequate amounts of twofatty omega-6fatty acids are important for coat health in cats. Linoleic acid helpsthe coat from becoming dull and dry. It also helps avoid hair loss andgreasy skin. Cats also need arachidonic acid for normal skin and coathealth.
Kittens require that 30% of the diet be protein and adult catsshouldhave 25-30%. If your cat is getting a balanced diet and you still seeproblems with his or her coat, then consider a fish oil based fattyacid supplementsuch as Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet – Gel Caps.
Can I Shave My Cat Myself
Cats have very elastic, sensitive skin, and it is far easier to cut feline skin than human skin. Its elasticity means that when you pull their fur, it also pulls their skin with it, and essentially pulls it into harms way. This, combined with the fact that shaving should only be done as a matter of medical necessity or if your cat is suffering discomfort and there is no option, means that you should leave the shaving or cutting of your cats hair to an expert. They know how to move and manipulate the fur without risking cutting the skin or causing other damage.
If you do have to shave your cat yourself, slide scissors between the matted area and the skin and cut on the outside of the comb. This means that that comb will act as a physical barrier to prevent you from cutting your cat.
It is also worth noting that most cats dislike the experience of having their hair cut, and they will hate the noise of clippers being pressed against them. This makes the experience even more traumatic for your cat and difficult for you and is the primary reason that it should be left to professional groomers with experience.
Don’t Miss: How Many Calories Should Cats Eat