I'm Pullin' My Hair Out! (Feline Alopecia)

All cats shed whether it's a lot or a little. It's a natural cycle for a cat as the seasons come and numerous factors affect the coat quality. What is not normal are bald or missing patches of fur. This is called (no matter the cause) alopecia. If your companion seems to be missing quite a lot of fur in large clumps and patches resulting in baldness, as your cat’s caregiver it is now your mission to find out what is causing it (1).

Over-grooming and skin allergies tend to often be umbrella terms for a slew of illnesses and disease affecting the skin (1,2). In general grooming for a cat is an activity that takes up a lot of their time (often 30-50% of their time) (3) and is a basic way to calm themselves (1). Over-grooming involves obsessive licking of the fur resulting in inflammation, open wounds and/or hair loss. This act is often triggered by stress or anxiety (1) as well as primary illness or disease.

Sources of stress can be far and many and often coincide with similar stressors that bring on inappropriate urination habits. Stress could be something big and traumatic or seemingly small to us humans. Stressors can include but is not limited to:

• Changes in litter or litter box (scent, texture, location)

• New perfume or cologne you or your family wears

• New furniture or move of furniture

• Change in work or school schedule

• New cat, baby, other pet, girl/boyfriend

• Wandering animals outside

• Another pet or child beating up or ganging up on them

• A move to a new house

Other causes of feline alopecia often result from illness and/or disease.

ALLERGIES

Food Allergies

Food Allergies are typically abnormal immune responses to an antigen found in food (4) and in direct relation to hair loss is often characterized by head and facial hair loss (1) but can also be seen on the belly, groin, legs and paws (4) however other signs include fluid-filled lumps, skin lesions and poor coat. A food allergy often does not appear out of the blue, it is typically developing over time (2) and is not related to the seasons (4).

To determine food allergies a novel diet must be fed for 8-10 weeks (4) and then challenged to determine and eliminate the offending allergen in your companion’s (2) Conventional Options: Prescription Diets Commercial dry or canned food *Note these diets often are what are actually causing the allergy in the first place

Natural Options: Species appropriate raw diet

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis occurs when a cat typically under the age of two is exposed to an external irritant. This substance can cause an allergic reaction (sensitivity or allergy) or an irritation (due to a harsh chemical or irritant in the cats’ environment.) Contact Dermatitis can occur from (but is not limited too):

• Shampoos

• Flea products (collars, sprays, dips, topicals)

• Plants

• Fertilizers and other garden products

• Household products (soaps, cleaning products, solvents etc.)

• Carpets

• Plastics

• Metals

• Dyes (2)

The most common conventional treatments include:

• Bathing the animal

• Eliminating the allergen

• Allergy shots

• Immunotherapy

• Topical medications

• Antihistamines

Natural Eliminate chemical

• Cleaners

• Flea and tick products

• Air fresheners

Bath with natural shampoos and soak like oatmeal and baking soda Wipe the fur with a cloth to remove allergens Eliminate plastic food and water bowls

Natural antihistamines like pollinosan tablets

Invest in an air purifier

Boost the immune system with Vitamin C Herbals

• Dandelion root

• Cats Claw

(5)

Environmental

Allergies can also come from triggers found in your companion’s environment including dust and pollen but it can be to anything that causes the immune system to cause a reaction such as inflammation and itching. This can include fragrances such as perfumes or colognes human use or in their litter as well as dust from litter.

Keep in mind that immune system malfunction can be a genetic trait!

While there are not true cures for allergies, treatment often includes:

• Eliminating exposure to the allergen

• Anti-Inflammatories

• Antihistamines

• Medicated shampoos

Similar natural treatments can be applied as those seen for contact dermatitis as well as omega 3 supplements like krill (6) and fish oil (7) as well as green lipped mussels (8).

Quercetin is a great natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory (9).

FLEAS (1) Many cats are allergic to the saliva of fleas due to proteins and antigens found in the saliva. This causes itchiness and can lead to secondary skin infections. Cats that have this allergy do not have to have a flea infestation, it could come from just one flea bite. A good indicator that fleas are the offender is over-grooming around the base of the tail, neck and head.

To formally diagnose a flea allergy, a skin test and/or IgE blood test can be performed. Should your companion have a flea allergy, your veterinarian may prescribe a corticosteroid to provide relief from itching and prevent an allergic reaction from occurring (10)

Check our out Ultimate Guide to Fleas for Cats for detailed information about fleas and their treatment. MITES OR MANGE (1) There are several types of fairly contagious manges that cats can acquire including various species of scabies, ear mites and cheyletiellosis (or walking dandruff). This is often characterized by dandruff, thickening of the skin, crustiness and sores. If severe enough and untreated our feline friends can die from mange. After a skin scraping is performed by your veterinarian, if your companion is diagnosed with mites/mange you veterinarian may suggest medicated shampoo or a dip to remove the pest (11,12, 13). Natural options include: Apple Cider Vinegar bath Garlic Power (2 tablespoons) (14), Goldenseal Powder (two tablespoons) (15) and olive oil (¼ cup) paste

Fresh, raw papaya (topically) (16)

Oxycat from Two Crazy Cat Ladies

RINGWORM (1) Ringworm is actually a fungus not a worm and does not always present as a ring like often seen in humans.

Signs of ringworm include over grooming of the face, feet and ears. The skin can also turn gray and flakey. In severe cases the animal may look like it has been badly sunburnt. With some ringworm species, a black light can detect its presence however this is not a fool proof method. A skin scraping and fungal culture is the best way to diagnose ringworm, While it is a self-limiting fungus, it can take 3-5 month to resolve. Treatment involving medicated creams, ointments or shampoos as well as oral anti-fungal drugs are typically part of resolving ringworm (17). Natural Options Shaving (this prevents the spread of spores) Regular bathing

Fresh, raw papaya (topically) (18)

Aloe Vera gel (topically) (19)

Turmeric paste (oral or topical) (20)

Oxycat

HORMONE DISEASES

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a common disorder in cats where the thyroid is over working. In about a third of those cats have hair loss. In addition the coat looks poorly kept and oily. This often is caused by chemicals in the diet or the environment around them. It is also characterized by increased urination and drinking, increased weight loss despite increased appetite (21).

If you suspect your feline friend has a hyperthyroid a blood test, urinalysis and biochemistry often will be performed to diagnose this condition. Should they be diagnosed with a hyper thyroid medication is the most common prescription to maintain the disease. Surgery and/or radioactive iodine may also be recommended.

Natural Diet- Raw species appropriate diet, avoiding soy and fish (22)

Avoid sources of BPA including most plastics, canned foods (canned food linings contain BPA) (23)

Foods or natural supplements rich in carnitine (125 to 250 mg twice a day) (24) (25).

Herbs such as Bugleweed and Lemon Balm (26).

Use only natural chemical free flea, tick, dewormers etc. (27, 28, 29)

Catalyst from The Two Crazy Cat Ladies *Note there is not as much success with natural treatments but the above natural suggestions can help and in most cases PREVENT the development of hyperthyroidism.

Cushing's Disease

Although not commonly seen in cats (1) and often primarily in older cats, Cushing’s disease is a result of hyper production of steroids from the adrenal gland (1). This disease is characterized by increased food, water intake and urination, enlarged liver and other similar symptoms to other illnesses like diabetes which can occur concurrently alongside regular urinary tract infections. You may see non uniform hair loss due to this condition (1). For this reason it is important to properly diagnose this condition with blood tests, urinalysis as well as ultrasound or x-ray.

If your feline friend is diagnosed with Cushing’s it can be managed with medication and/or surgery especially if the cause is an adrenal tumor (30)

Natural options

Diet- Raw species appropriate diet, avoiding carbohydrates (fruits, veggies and grains is essential) Reduce and eliminate toxins used on, in and around your companion Reduce and eliminate stress

IMMUNE MEDIATED

Sebaceous adenitis is characterized by patchy hair loss, easy removed hair from pulling, red patchy and itchy skin caused by an inflammation structure infiltrating the glands in the skin. This condition is diagnosed with a skin biopsy. Treatment includes pharmaceutical immunosuppressive drugs such as prednisolone.

Alopecia areata (AA) and pseudopelade While a rare disease, AA is the opposite of Sebaceous adenitis in that the skin is not inflamed or itchy. This disease is caused by white blood cells or lymphocytes infiltrating the bulbus and space between the skin ducts and the follicle. In order to diagnose AA examination of the hair, skin and tissues under a microscope is required. Often this disease can return a more dormant state primarily because immunosuppressive drugs are typically not effective (34). Natural options Species appropriate raw diet Full extract cannabis oil Reduce inflammation with Krill Oil Fish Oil Green lipped mussels Turmeric paste Catalyst from The Two Crazy Cat Ladies Oxycat from The Two Crazy Cat Ladies

Mural lymphocytic folliculitis

Mural lymphocytic folliculitis presents as mild hair loss to severe including peeling of the skin, skin redness and varying amount of itchiness. This disease can be also mistaken for “initial epitheliotropic lymphoma, drug reaction, sebaceous adenitis, dermatophytosis, demodicosis, pseudopelade, FIV infection and even food allergy” (31). Treatment often includes steroids and/or retinoids with prognosis depending on the severity of the disease.

Natural options Species appropriate raw diet Full extract cannabis oil Reduce inflammation with Krill Oil Fish Oil Green lipped mussels Turmeric paste White Vinegar Aloe Vera Manuka honey (32) Thyme Paste (33) Apple Cider Vinegar (IF THERE ARE NO OPEN WOUNDS) Baking soda soak/paste (see our article on fleas) Herbs such as Echinacea Catalyst from The Two Crazy Cat Ladies

Oxycat from The Two Crazy Cat Ladies

Paraneoplastic alopecia

Another rare but possible cause for hair loss typically seen around the tummy and legs is often caused by cancer associated with the pancreas or bile duct. Itchy skin, over-grooming and licking also occur. This disease is also characterized by loose stool, vomiting, loss of appetite and lethargy. Unfortunately diagnosis is hard blood panels and radiographs or ultrasounds rarely catch the tumor and thus prognosis is poor. Even with surgery there can be a recurrence of the tumor (35, 36, 37). Natural options Species appropriate raw diet Full extract cannabis oil Reduce inflammation with Krill Oil Fish Oil Green lipped mussels Turmeric paste Catalyst from The Two Crazy Cat Ladies

Oxycat from The Two Crazy Cat Ladies

PAIN

If your feline friend is suffering from pain, to help calm or make themselves feel better they may groom the area, the more of a pain the more they are likely to continue grooming to the point of over grooming. Some sources of pain can include

Anal glands

Impacted or infected anal glands can cause back end hairloss. Typical anal gland secretions are secreted during defecation but for some felines this may not happen. Natural Options Raw species appropriate diet including whole prey (fur and feathers is a natural fiber source) (38. 39, 40) Digestive Enzymes (40) Probiotic (41) Homeopathy such as Silica 30C Hepar sulph 30C (42) Warm compress Fish Oil (43)

Catalyst from The Two Crazy Cat Ladies

Urinary Tract Infection

Over-grooming will be seen around the belly Species appropriate raw diet

(44, 45)

D-mannose (46, 47)

Colloidal Silver (48)

More moisture (water, bone broth, blood soup etc) (49, 50) Urinary Cat Plus from The Two Crazy Cat Ladies Catalyst from The Two Crazy Cat Ladies Reduce stress

(51)

Arthritis

Over grooming due to arthritis will be see around the joints (1) Turmeric paste (52, 53

Green lipped mussels (54, 55)

Krill or Fish Oil (7) Gelatin from Bone Broth (56) Acupuncture (57, 58) Full Extract Cannabis Oil (59, 60, 61)

Abscess (1) Warm compress Salt water compress or soak (62)

Poor diet (1) Balanced and varied Raw species appropriate diet rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and skin/coat promoting ingredients. (63, 64, 65)

HAIR DAMAGE Any disease of trauma such as burns or radiation can affect the hair follicle such as medical injections and topical medications (30). This can also include fungus (ringworm for example) or parasites and poison like mercury or iodine that causes the skin to inflame.

DIET

Nutritional deficiencies and problems caused by poor diet heavily affect the skin and coat. This can create thinning, brittle hair and shedding cause hair loss and bald spots (67).

BEHAVIOR Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is typically brought on by behaviors responding to environmental conflicts that develop into repetitive events that eventually turn into behaviors that are not triggered by an identifiable stimuli (68). At times these behaviors turn into habits. OCD is often diagnosed when other diagnoses are eliminated and treatment often involves discovering the stressor and may involve the use of psychotropic drugs or drugs that alter the mental state of your feline companion. These can include:

• Anti anxiety drugs such as amitriptyline or diazepam

• Opiate-receptor blockers such as naltrexone, nalmefene and diprenorphine

• Dopamine antagonists such as haloperidol

• Serotonin reuptake Inhibitors such as fluoxetine, clomipramine, imipramine.

(68)

Natural Options Full Extract Cannabis Oil (69) Identify and reduce stressors (70) Bach Rescue Remedy (71) Herbs such as Catnip (72) Silver Vine (73) Valerian Root (73) Cat Calm from The Two Crazy Cat Ladies

GENETICS Finally congenital and genetic causes which can be characterized by local and random hair loss can occur. (1,66) This also includes breed predisposition in Siamese, Burmese, Himalayan and Abyssinian cats (74). As one can see, there are many causes for hair loss. In the long run on a basic level pulling fur is not entirely life threatening but cat owners should be aware that aside from primarily conditions, sores, open wounds and skin problems can develop that can become more serious as well. This may also open your companion up to skin infections, sunburns and other issues resulting for the lack of protection fur typically provides. It's important to seek help in determining the exact cause of feline alopecia in order to best help your companion.

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