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Why is my cat losing hair on her back near her tail and licking?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 6 years and 8 months old

My cat has a large bald strip down her back to her tail. She licks this area constantly. Could it be fleas, or maybe stress?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Elva Ma DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 24th, 2018

Hello, and thank you for your question. Fleas are a definite possibility, as they usually like to focus on the lower back and tail. Have you seen any little black specks on this area? That is a definite sign of fleas. Other possibilities include allergies, bacterial or fungal infection, or other parasites such as mites. I would recommend taking her to the vet within the next few days to find out the underlying cause. They may be able to determine based on physical exam alone, and if not, they may recommend tests such as a skin scraping, fungal culture or cytology. At minimum, they can prescribe medication to reduce itchiness and improve comfort, while they work towards a diagnosis. In the meantime, you can try bathing the affected area with a gentle aloe and oatmeal based shampoo, if she lets you. I'd also place an e-collar (cone) on her head to prevent further licking and damage to the skin. I hope this helps, and that Sapphire is feeling better soon!

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    This is probably caused by an allergic reaction. first of all make sure you de-flea Sapphire regularly every month with a high quality spot on (ex. Advantage) as fleas are by far the most common reason for these reactions. If the fleas are not the problem, it could be an allergic reaction to food or an environmental factor. this is more complicated to treat and will sometimes require medications such as Steroids, anti histamines or cyclosporin in order to stop the allergy.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 16th, 2017

    Yes, it does sound like a problem in that Tabby's licking it a lot, and he's starting to lose fur in that area from the licking. In cats, excessive licking in that area is a classic sign of fleas. If Tabby isn't up to date on her flea treatments, I will give you a program to use. First, I would give her Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash her bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. If Tabby is up to date on her flea treatments, then this excessive licking could be caused by mites, allergies, or ringworm. In this case, I recommend taking her into the vet for an exam today or tomorrow. The vet can do blood tests, skin scrapings, and use a Wood's lamp to diagnose allergies, mites, and ringworm. Once the cause of the licking is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment.

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    Answered By Jeffrey Milner

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 7th, 2017

    That looks like it could be from fleas as hair loss in this area and near the base of the tail are usually synonymous with this. If she isn't already on one, I would get Precious on a preventative. She may also require a prescription for something to help with the itchiness and inflammation associated with affected areas.

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