2021-04-12
Sometimes, cats chew out and lick their hair with such passion that after that it loses a presentable look. What is the reason for such animal behavior and how to deal with it?
The most common cause of this self-mutilation is a reaction to the flea. Before the bloodsucking parasite starts its meal, it injects an anticoagulant into the animal. At different cats, fleabites have different effects. Some pets almost do not notice them, while their other friends in misfortune bite and chew their skin, as long as their sides and backs would not cover with incrustation and ulcers. In this case, we are talking about flea allergic dermatitis. To prevent attempts to disfigure its appearance, a cat, its personal items (bedding, toys), carpeting in the house, as well as all the other inhabitants of the house have to be treated against fleas.
Less common causes of furious scratching and animal balding are hormonal disorders. In this case, it needs a vet's help and special laboratory tests. You cannot regale cat hormonal supplements by yourself. Only an experienced expert will be able to choose quality products that will reduce itching and promote the healing of your four-legged ward.
Food allergies can also cause self-torture. Allergies can occur because of a new product in the diet, and the usual food, if the animal is fed by the same kind of food for a long time. In this case, it may be advisable to reconsider their menu: to diversify and include new products. After some time trying to chew out the hair will stop, it can be assumed that the reason for the strange behavior of the animal was the wrong (inappropriate) food.
In addition to these causes, severe itching in cats can appear from skin diseases, inadequate grooming (knots and mats), and some mental pathology can make a cat scratch (eg, obsessive-compulsive disorder). Although not always hair chewing indicates serious health problems if your pet already has turned its luxurious coat in "rags" and is not going to stop there, it is better to show the pet to an experienced vet for an accurate diagnosis and carry out the competent treatment.
FAQ
Will cat hair grow back?
Yes, cat hair will grow back if it has been shaved or cut. The rate of hair growth can vary depending on the individual cat and the location of the shaved area. In general, it can take several weeks to several months for the hair to fully regrow.
How remove cat hair from clothes?
Removing cat hair from clothes can be a frustrating task, but there are several methods you can try: Lint roller: Use a sticky lint roller to roll over your clothes to remove the cat hair. This is a quick and easy solution that can be done anywhere. Duct tape: Wrap a piece of duct tape around your hand, sticky side out, and dab it over your clothes to pick up the cat hair. Rubber gloves: Put on a pair of rubber gloves and run your hands over your clothes. The rubber will create a static charge that will attract the cat hair. Fabric softener: Add fabric softener to your laundry when washing your clothes. This can help loosen the cat hair and prevent it from sticking to your clothes. Dryer sheets: Toss a couple of dryer sheets into the dryer with your clothes. This will help remove the cat hair during the drying cycle. Clothes brush: Use a clothes brush to brush away the cat hair from your clothes. Wash clothes in cold water: When washing clothes, use cold water instead of hot water. This can help prevent the cat hair from sticking to your clothes.
What causes cat hair loss?
There are several reasons why a cat may experience hair loss, including: Parasites: Parasites such as fleas, ticks, mites, and lice can cause hair loss in cats. These parasites can irritate the skin, leading to scratching, biting, and hair loss. Allergies: Cats can develop allergies to a variety of substances, including food, pollen, dust mites, and flea saliva. Allergies can cause itching, redness, and hair loss. Fungal or bacterial infections: Fungal or bacterial infections, such as ringworm, can cause hair loss in cats. These infections can be contagious to other animals and humans. Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances, such as an overactive thyroid or adrenal gland, can cause hair loss in cats. These conditions can also cause other symptoms, such as weight loss, increased appetite, and lethargy. Stress: Stress can cause cats to over-groom, leading to hair loss. Stressful events, such as moving to a new home or the introduction of a new pet, can trigger this behavior. Aging: As cats age, they may experience hair loss due to a decrease in the quality and quantity of their hair.
