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My cat is losing hair after flea and tick medicine. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | 1 year and 6 months old | 15 lbs

We applied flea and tick medication to our cat and even though he's fine he is losing his hair. What should we do?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 24th, 2018

I am not sure if he is losing the hair just in the area where you applied the flea and tick medication or is he losing hair in general? It is a ell known side effect. Some cats have more sensitive skin and so react with losing their hair in the area of the application. As long a the skin does not look angry or red or injured you do not have to worry. Most of the time the hair will regrow. Should the skin react angrily you will need to have your vet examine your kitty. He may need some ointment on the lesion.

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 4th, 2017

    This a side effect if any topical medication. As long as the skin is not red or irritated then no treatment is needed and the hair will regrow but you might want to try a different product next time. If the area is bothering him then you can wash the area with baby shampoo to remove as much as possible and consult your vet if it is not improving

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