Why Is My Cat Pulling Out Its Fur
This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.
Cats pulling out fur (psychogenic alopecia): stress, allergies, pain, and parasites. Treatment and environmental enrichment solutions.
Understanding This Symptom
Early changes in a cat are small and easy to explain away. The owners who don't explain them away are the ones whose cats do best. This article covers the most common causes, warning signs that indicate an emergency, and what you can expect at the veterinarian.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Common Causes
Less Serious Causes
More Serious Causes
- Poisoning or toxic exposure
What to Watch For
- Lethargy or reluctance to move or play
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in stool
Home Care and First Steps
Veterinary Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will typically:
- Perform a thorough physical examination
Treatment Options
Prevention
Long-Term Management
If your cat's symptoms turn out to be caused by a chronic condition, long-term management typically involves.
When to Get a Second Opinion
Related Symptom Guides
- Why Is My Cat Not Eating?
- Why Is My Cat Vomiting?
- Why Is My Cat Hiding?
- Why Is My Cat Sneezing?
- Why Is My Cat Losing Weight?
Should I go to the emergency vet?
Go the same day if the skin underneath is raw, infected, or the cat is also lethargic. Fur pulling over weeks can be scheduled this week. Pain, fleas, and allergies are as common as a pure behavior cause.
How much will treatment cost?
The visit checks for fleas and skin infection and looks at which part of the body is bald. Cytology and a pain exam come before a behavior drug. Ask the order. Pulling fur along the belly can be bladder pain.
Can I treat this at home?
Check the base of the tail for flea dirt and keep a cone on raw skin. Film the behavior. A new diffuser, a new cat outside the window, or a dirty box belongs in the history you give the clinic.