Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My cat has sudden hair loss on his back legs. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Male | neutered | 9.5 lbs

Hi, my cat (about 7 years) has a lot of hair loss on his back two legs (mostly back right). I first noticed it one week ago, hasn't gone away. What should I do?

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on September 11th, 2018

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There is a variety of reasons that can explain alopecia or hair loss. The causes can easily be differentiated by the clinical signs associated with it and the physical exam findings. If Severus is only showing some hair loss without scratching or overgrooming then it could conditions such as alopecia areata that can affect cats and usually resolves on its own. If there is evidence of scratching and you start noticing some redness or irritation associated with it, then other conditions such as allergies are possible. If you notice him overgrooming himself in that area then it could be something like psychogenic alopecia which is more of a behavioral issue. I think that since he is not having overt clinical signs and it is mostly hair loss, I think it is possibly transient and could resolve on its own. You can monitor this closely and if it does not resolve or it worsens then have him examined by your veterinarian. Good luck!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 23rd, 2017

    Hello, sorry to hear about Pierre. Allergies can definitely cause patchy hair loss in cats. Especially, if there were previous signs of sneezing and change in environment. I have also seen this pattern with cats laying on hot surfaces such as the cable box. Other causes of this potential hair loss include fleas and infections with either bacteria, yeast, or ringworm. Finally, some metabolic diseases can cause hair loss as well, but this is less likely in a very young cat. If the hair loss persists, Pierre should be evaluated by his veterinarian to look for any evidence of an infectious diseases (fleas, bacteria, yeast, or ringworm). Otherwise, he may need some allergy medications to control his signs. Hope this helps and best of luck.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 18th, 2019

    Sometimes cats will over groom and it will cause hair loss. Another reason cats can loose their hair in that area can be fleas or allergy related. It would help to know what the shot was that was given by the veterinarian. If it was a steroid, then that makes me think the hair loss is more pathologic because steroids stop itching (and they have side effects if used too much). Use a good flea prevention to be safe and rule that out as a cause. Use Frontline if you want an over the counter one but there are better products such as Revolution or Cheristan. If the hair loss stops, then you know it was fleas. If the hairloss continues, find another veterinarian to start looking at allergies. Usually the medications for over grooming are tablets or medications. Call your vet and see if you can get the records. I hope this helps to get you started. Please feel free to post any additional questions.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 21st, 2018

    If the skin looks normal this could be a behavioral problem causing the over grooming. I assume there are no fleas or infection. You can try a pheromone spray like Feliway to reduce stress. If this continues yes I would take her and get a second opinion. It may be allergies also. They can give an anti inflammatory injection to stop the licking and that should stop her biting and over grooming. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Chrissy.

    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
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
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my 5-week-old chick struggling to walk with splayed legs?
Is your 5-week silkie chick struggling to walk, with splayed legs & curled feet? A board-certified vet explains possible causes like Mareks and what to do next.
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