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Why is my cat licking so much and losing fur? What can I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 25 lbs

What is it called when a cat excessively licks itself and starts to lose hair , and what are some remedies for it ?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 2nd, 2017

It sounds like Blue is very itchy, which can be caused by fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If she isn't up to date on her flea treatment, she will need a spot on treatment such as Advantage or Revolution. You will need to disinfect the environment as well. If she is up to date on her flea treatment, 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 itching is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on November 16th, 2016

    Poor Momma Kitty! Excessive licking with red bumps and hair loss can be caused by a number of different things. Fleas are a very common cause of this problem, so I would recommend starting her on a good quality flea medication like Revolution or Advantage Multi if she isn't on one already. If your positive that she doesn't have fleas, then other possibilities would include allergies (food allergies, or an allergy to something in the environment such as grass or pollen), a bacterial or fungal skin infection, or skin mites (mange). In that case, I would recommend having her examined by a vet as soon as you are able to since she will need prescription medication to treat any of these issues. Your vet can do a simple test called a skin scrape to help determine the problem and get her started on appropriate treatment.

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    3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on November 23rd, 2016

    Poor Cheese! There are a number of different things that can cause patches of hair loss with excessive licking and red bumps on the skin. Some common possibilities would include allergies (food allergies, or an allergy to something in the environment), fleas, or a bacterial or fungal skin infection. Most of these problems will require prescription medication to treat, so I would recommend having her examined by a vet as soon as you are able to. He/she can do a simple test called a skin scrape to help diagnose the problem and get her started on appropriate medication to treat it.

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