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My cat's losing fur at tail base. What's causing it & what to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Norwegian Forest Cat | Male | neutered

My cat has been losing fur at the front of his tail for a month now. I'm concerned about this hair loss. What should I do? What could be causing this?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 5th, 2017

The most common cause of hair loss at the base of the tail would be fleas or flea allergies. It can be difficult to see adult fleas on cats since they tend to groom them off, but if you take a flea comb to the base of the tail you should be able to see flea dirt if fleas are a problem. Other possibilities include seborrhea (or 'stud tail'), or allergies. If Puck seems itchy or the underlying skin seems irritated and you have ruled out fleas I would recommend seeing your veterinarian to determine what might be causing the hair loss.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on

    There can be many causes of hair loss in this area, including fleas, mites, ringworm, and bacterial infection. It may be caused if you have seen Puck licking or chewing this area. Since it has been going on a while, I recommend starting flea prevention and having an appointment with your vet for examination.

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 19th, 2018

    Itching/chewing/scratching and hair loss at the base of the tail is almost always related to fleas. Yes, they can get fleas even if they stay inside only. So, if you don't have him on a flea prevention then I suggest you start that as soon as possible. You can pick up something like Advantage for cats over the counter at most large pet stores like Petco. If that does not help then I suggest you get Zeus to the vet for an exam. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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    Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 29th, 2017

    Hello. First thought would be fleas. I know you said your kitten doesn't have fleas but often they are hidden or cats can get 'Flea Allergy Dermatitis'. Try a good quality flea product. Call a vet in your area to see whuch products are safe in your area as many products are very dangerous. If this doesn't work you can try deworming as licking at the back end could be due to an itchy bum from worms. After that you need dianostics such as a skin scraping to look for other causes.

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on May 23rd, 2017

    If you can't find any fleas or irritation it is possible that she is licking it, however some metabolic issues can also cause hair loss on the body as well. You may see other signs in addition such as weight changes, eating habit changes, etc. Anal gland issues can also sometimes cause a cat to lick obsessively in the area, and along the base of the tail, so that is another possible cause. Having your vet check the area and ruling out any more common issues such as fleas, allergies or a bacterial infection is best, and then looking toward other problems if suspected may help you find an answer. In the meantime, keeping an Elizabethan (cone) collar on Shayshay will help prevent her from continuing to lick the area.

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