Why is my cat suddenly losing hair and getting bald spots on his neck?

Question

My cat is an indoor cat and doesn’t like to go outside a lot. I just came back from vacation and he had a big bald spot on his neck and it looks like the hair just fell off. He also is starting to get it on the other side of his neck. Why is this? Pet's info: Cat | Himalayan | Male | neutered | 10 lbs

Ricardo Fernandez, DVM · Accepted Answer

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 Eli 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!

Why is my cat suddenly losing hair and getting bald spots on his neck?

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