My cat's fur is falling out and her skin is rough. What's wrong?

Question

My cat's hairs is falling out a lot. When I pet it, a bunch of hairs comes out. The places where the cat is losing hairs is also rough. I'm not understanding what is actually happening to him? Please, can you suggest me with something. Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | unneutered | 5 lbs

Lauren Kennedy, DVM · Accepted Answer

It sounds as if your cat has a skin infection, most commonly caused by an allergy, bacterial or fungal infection or fleas. The allergy could be a due to a protein in your cat’s food or an environmental allergy like to dust, pollens, grasses, etc.   The allergy causes your cat to itch and chew at the skin which breaks down the skin barrier. This then leads to infection. Skin infections are typically characterized by large areas of redness, crusting, flaking, hair loss and pustules.   Your cat will most likely need antibiotics to help clear up the infection and possibly an allergy/anti-itch medication like Apoquel, Atopica, or steroids to give some relief while the infection clears up. A medicated shampoo may be beneficial as well. I would also recommend he be on a good flea control routinely too.   I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck!

My cat's fur is falling out and her skin is rough. What's wrong?

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