My cat is losing hair. Is it serious, contagious, or needs a vet?

Question

Is alopecia dangerous for my cat His did she get it Is it contagious to me or my other cats or dogs should I take her to the vet and How serious is it. Pet's info: Cat | Ragdoll | Female | 5 years and 5 months old | 6.614 lbs

Dr. Strydom, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hair loss (alopecia) is a common problem for cats. The hair loss can be partial or complete. There are a few different reasons why cats can lose hair. In older cats diagnosed with cancer, alopecia is common. Nervous disorders (e.g., over-grooming) can also cause cats to lose their hair. Hormonal imbalances, specifically too much thyroid or increased levels of steroids in the body, may lead to hair loss. Some cats experience skin allergies, which can also cause hair loss to occur. Parasites that bring about mange, and fungal issues like ringworm, are also a common cause of alopecia. Another less common factor is a heredity condition. A blood serum chemistry panel is often done to determine if there are hormonal or thyroid imbalances causing the alopecia. Various imaging tools, such as X-rays and ultrasounds, are used to rule out signs of cancer or abnormalities in the adrenal glands. Meanwhile, if the veterinarian believes hair loss is due to a skin issue, a skin biopsy, skin scraping or fungal culture may need to be done. If the alopecia is due to a skin disorder (e.g., skin erosions), thyroid imbalance, or other hormonal imbalance, there are medications and topical treatments available. If hair loss is due to a behavioral issue, modification treatment or medications can be used to lessen the problem. The bottom line is that you should get ChaCha to your vet for an examination so you can figure out what is causing the hair loss. I don't think it is an emergency but I would try to get her an exam in the next week. I hope this helps. Best wishes!

My cat is losing hair. Is it serious, contagious, or needs a vet?

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