Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My cat's back half is going bald. What's causing this hair loss?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 8 months old | 5 lbs

Our cat has been loosing lots of hair and now the back half looks like she is going bald. What should we do?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on February 26th, 2018

Hi there! If the hair loss is mainly on her lower back and rear legs, I would be very suspicious of a flea allergy - this is an extremely common cause of this particular pattern of hair loss. If Gidget isn't already on a good quality monthly flea control medication like Advantage or Revolution, this is the first thing I would suggest. If you're positive she doesn't have fleas, some other possible causes would include allergies (food allergies, or an allergy to something in the environment), a bacterial or fungal skin infection, or skin mites (mange). Treatment will depend on what the underlying problem is, so it's important to get a diagnosis first. I would recommend taking her in to the vet for an exam when you are able to. He/she can do some simple skin tests to help diagnose the problem and get her started on appropriate treatment depending on what is found.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 5th, 2017

    Poor Hazel! Even though she is indoor only, there is a possibly that she has fleas. Fleas can be brought in by other animals in the house, or even on your clothes. If she isn't up to date on her flea treatments, I can give you one for her. 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 you are 100% positive that Hazel doesn't have fleas, other causes of the hair loss include allergies, mites, and ringworm. In that case, I would have her seen by a vet 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 hair loss is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 17th, 2018

    I am sorry to hear about Kiki! We can see fleas even in indoor only cats and this is a common cause of hair loss in this area. We can also see cats pulling their hair due to itching or anxiety. Allergies can also result in hair loss (we can have cats that develop food allergies or environmental allergies). I would recommend bringing Kiki in to the vet for an examination which may help determine the underlying cause of this hair loss and the recommended treatment.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 10th, 2019

    That depends on why she is losing the fur. There are many different reasons that pets will lose the fur but a big one for that area is a flea infestation. I recommend to have her examined by the veterinarian. This will likely give you the answer is the fastest. Otherwise treat her with a good flea product like revolution. If the hair does not grow back, go looking for other causes. Best of luck.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What to do if my cat has a small hole with pus coming from its ear?
Is your cat's ear hole oozing pus? A Petco vet explains potential infections like abscesses from bites, advising immediate vet care, antibiotics, and recovery.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My male dog's penis is stuck out and his scrotum has a painful rash.
Is your 11-year-old male dog experiencing a painful penis or rash? A certified vet explains potential paraphimosis urgency and why immediate care is vital.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu has a white bump in its fur. Should I take my pet to the vet?
Worried about your pet degu's white pustule? A certified vet discusses this potential skin infection, explains why not to pop it, and guides your next steps.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My rat is losing weight and has breathing issues. What should I do?
Dambo's weight loss, rough breathing, and mucus worry you? A Petco veterinarian addresses these concerning symptoms and recommends urgent professional care.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog's matted fur bled after cutting. Should I take him to the vet?
Did your pet bleed after matted fur removal? A trusted vet explains potential infection, wound care, and why immediate veterinary attention is crucial for healing.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored