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My cat keeps losing fur on its neck. What could be the cause?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My cat has a quarter size patch of fur missing from his neck. This is the second time in a year it has happened. What's wrong?

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on December 15th, 2015

[Hair loss](https://www.petcoach.co/article/causes-of-hair-loss-alopecia-in-cats/) can be caused by allergies or infection of the skin, and in severe cases by metabolic issues. Chronic stress or excessive licking of an area can also lead to hair loss in just one particular place. Preventing your cat from licking and chewing at the area with the use of a T-shirt or Elizabethan collar (cone) may help. Examine the area for redness,parasites, bleeding, bruising or discharge. If you see a target-like or red "ring" of irritation, it may indicate a fungal infection called [ringworm](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/ringworm/), which can be easily spread to other people and pets so should be handled carefully. If you do see anything suspicious, consider an exam with your veterinarian for a definitive diagnosis and treatment. Hair regrowth may take a few months depending on how much hair is lost as well as the underlying cause.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on April 15th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 21st, 2018

    Hello. Without a picture, it is difficult to comment definitively, but if Peaches goes outdoors, she may have gotten into a scuffle with another cat, or she may have scratched the hair out on her own. Fleas, ear mites & allergies could cause a cat to scratch enough to pull out hair. If she continues to lose hair, or develops any sores on her head, around her ears or neck, you probably should see your vet to diagnose the problem. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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