Alopecia, or hair loss, is a condition that causes a cat’s hair to fall out or stop growing. It can affect cats of any age. Partial or complete hair loss is possible. Both symmetrical and asymmetrical partial losses can take place. Hot spots are isolated places where hair loss has occurred under some circumstances. A medical diagnosis is required to determine the underlying reason for the hair loss and cure it. Alopecia can be a symptom of several illnesses, some of which are significant or even life-threatening. Read on to see the 17 best home treatment for cat hair loss along with the best food and medicine for cat hair loss that can provide you quicker results.
Best Home Treatment for Cat Hair Loss
The best home treatment for cat hair loss include the following:
#1. Increasing Protein Intake
Nuts and other high-protein foods can aid in the body’s ability to produce new hair. The body requires protein to grow new hair. A lack of protein might result in hair loss. Healthy dietary protein sources include:
- Beans
- Eggs
- Lean meats
- Seeds
- Nuts
- Fish
Depending on how physically active they are and how much muscle mass they have, a person’s daily protein requirements change.
#2. Increasing Intake of Iron
Another component needed by the body for healthy hair growth is iron. Dietary sources of iron include:
- Clams
- Lentils
- Oysters
- Squash seeds
- Kale
- White beans
- Lean meat
- Turkey
Many producers additionally add iron to their foods by fortifying them, which signifies that they have done so. The iron needs of vegetarians and vegans might be up to 1.8 times higher than those of meat eaters. This is because non-animal sources of iron are less efficiently absorbed by the body.
#3. Investigate Aromatherapy
The authors of a 2011 study report claim that aromatherapy can aid in promoting hair growth. The following are some examples of plants that aromatherapy practitioners may employ to encourage hair growth:
- Cedarwood
- Slavender
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Tulsi
In addition, make sure to dilute essential oils with carrier oils, such as coconut oil or walnut oil, before applying them to the scalp. The researchers claim that breathing in the aroma of these oils may have an impact on hair growth.
#4. A Scalp Massage
The stimulation of blood flow to the scalp by massaging the skin may aid in promoting the growth of new hair. A gentle circular motion can be applied to the scalp using the pads of the fingers. Both online and medicine stores have equipment for massaging the scalp.
#5. Use of Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pumpkin seed oil consumption may promote hair growth. A 2014 study investigated whether pumpkin seed oil could promote hair development (Reliable Source). They found that, in comparison to men receiving a placebo, those taking 400 mg of pumpkin seed oil for six months saw an average increase in hair count of just 10%.
All the males had a history of male pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia. They ranged in age from 20 to 65 and did not take any other hair loss supplements at the time.
#6. Making Use of Saw Palmetto
According to a reliable source, saw palmetto supplements may promote hair growth in male pattern baldness sufferers. Throughout the course of the trial, the subjects consumed 320 mg of saw palmetto every day.
The individuals’ hair began to grow after two years, especially in the vertex, or the top and rear of the scalp. Men commonly develop bald spots here.
#7. Be Aware That Stress Can Result in Telogen Defluxion
A sudden, symmetrical hair loss results from this disorder. A stressful situation typically brings Telogen defluxion on, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, a life-threatening illness, or surgery. Usually, a month after the tension, hair loss starts.
Since the skin is undamaged and the hairs grow back on their own after the stressful event has passed, there is no need for treatment for this condition.
#8. When Ringworm Appears Treat It
Microsporum Canis, a fungal parasite that develops along a cat’s hair shaft, is what causes ringworm, which is not a worm. When a cat’s body detects a broken hair shaft, the hair will fall out. To reduce contamination from shed hairs, your cat’s hair should be cut short as part of the treatment. Oral medications like griseofulvin, ketoconazole, or itraconazole are also options.
Griseofulvin works by preventing the division of fungus cells. Fat helps the drug absorb better, therefore it’s preferable to take it with a knob of butter. For a cat of normal size, a common dose is 125 mg twice per day.
#9. Recognize Cushing’s Disease and Treat It
Cats very seldom get hyperadrenocorticism, often known as Cushing’s disease. It happens when a cat’s body makes an excessive amount of natural cortisol. The cat experiences bodily changes like a potbelly, weak skin, and hair loss, in addition to increased hunger and thirst.
Giving a daily capsule containing trilostane, which blocks cortisol-producing glands, is the recommended course of treatment
#10. Treat Demodectic Mange
Although it is uncommon, the demodemetic mange mite prefers to reside close to your cat’s hair shafts when it does. The hair may become damaged by this mite, which makes it easy to lose. Bald spots may develop if a cat’s hair sheds rapidly.
When treating demodectic mange, exercise caution because some medications are hazardous to cats. Cats can benefit from and feel safe using topical therapies like 1% selenium sulfide shampoos and lime sulfur dips. Observe the instructions on the container.
#11. Put Your Cat on a Hypoallergenic Diet for Testing
Unfortunately, steroids cannot manage food allergies, so unless you remove the allergen from the cat’s diet, his symptoms will persist. Set up a commercial, prescribed diet for your cat (like Hills ZD or Purina HA). Don’t give your cat any additional food.
#12. Be Aware of the Reasons Allergens Might Cause Cats to Lose Their Fur
Both various diets and allergens in their surroundings can cause allergies in cats. Skin itchiness and occasionally vomiting or diarrhea are symptoms of these allergies. The cat may lick herself excessively due to this itching, damaging the hair shafts and giving the appearance that she is balding in some areas.
#13. Watch Your Cat’s Hair Loss Closely
If your cat experiences seasonal itching or balding, this could be a sign that he has an allergy to a particular pollen or type of grass. For instance, your cat might only shed fur in the spring or summer if a specific pollen is present in the atmosphere.
#14. Regularly Treat Your Cat to Fleas
Most flea medications work by preventing fleas’ ability to transmit nerve signals, which renders them paralyzed and kills them. Fipronil or selection are ingredients in common flea treatments. The skin on the back of the cat’s neck should be treated with 6 mg/kg of the advised flea medication.
#15. Recognize the Significance of Identifying the Underlying Condition
Treating the underlying sickness is the key to managing the hair loss in each of these illnesses. It is doubtful that the only symptom of the illness will be hair loss.
#16. Treatment With a Parasiticide
Use parasiticide (such as Revolution, Bravecto, or Credelio), which may be administered for all indoor animals for eight weeks.
I advise even this if no parasites are discovered during the examination because cats are good groomers and may successfully remove the majority of the parasites from their hair coat before you see them.
#17. Topical Therapy Products
Products such medicated shampoo, mousse, or ointments may be used.
Best Food for Cat Hair Loss
Here are the best food for cat hair loss
#1. Fatty Fish
Fatty fish is considered one of the best food for cat hair loss because it contains vitamin D and essential fatty acids such as omega-3s. Here are some examples of fatty fish that can be used as food for cat hair loss.
- Tuna
- Mackerel
- Salmon
- Herring
Fatty fish is also a fantastic source of protein, selenium, and B vitamins, all of which support healthy hair. Using any form of this fatty fish as food will prevent your cat from hair loss.
#2. Eggs
Eggs are also considered one of the best food for cat hair loss because they include a range of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. They are like nature’s multivitamin. Protein, biotin, selenium, and zinc are a few of them that are important for having healthy hair.
We found a fantastic source of protein that is essential for halting hair loss in eggs. Low-protein diets cause hair growth to enter a “resting” phase, which can result in less hair growth and hair loss.
#3. Leafy Greens
Vegetables with dark green leaves are rich in nutrients that stop hair loss. Good options include:
- Kale
- Spinach
- Collards
- Iron,
- beta carotene,
- folate, vitamin C, and
- Vitamin A are all present in them.
Another significant nutrient that is present in leafy greens and is related to hair health is vitamin A. It aids in the production of sebum, an oil that moisturizes the scalp and protects hair.
#4. Fruits
Fruits are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, both of which are necessary for healthy hair. Numerous antioxidants included in these fruits, particularly vitamin C, can aid in shielding hair follicles from free radicals.
Medicine for Cat Hair Loss
The cause of your cat hair loss will determine the course of treatment and the medicine to be utilized, which will be determined by the veterinary team. Due to the fact that numerous reasons do not have comparable therapeutic philosophies, therapy strategies will differ greatly.
The correct diagnosis of the cause of the alopecia will be crucial to the effectiveness of treatments. Hence, there is no cure for some conditions, such as genetic or congenital hair loss. Typical therapies include:
#1.Topical Medicine
When treating alopecia, a topical cream is frequently employed. Topical creams are frequently used to treat symptoms like skin irritation, but they are also sometimes used to treat the root of hair loss.
This is a common alternative when hair loss is brought on by skin injuries, fungal infections, specific skin diseases, or fleas or similar issues.
#2. Antidepressants or Medications for Treating Anxiety
You may provide medication to help the cat deal with psychogenic alopecia, or hair loss brought on by mental problems like stress. In many circumstances, this approach has been effective in getting rid of over-grooming while taking medicine.
The medicine used in this treatment has some risk of adverse effects, but they are often mild. This kind of therapy frequently works in conjunction with behavior modification and the elimination of environmental stresses.
#3. Medicines Targeting the Cause
A variety of additional therapies may be performed for the underlying issue causing your pet’s hair loss. Consult your veterinarian to learn more about your pet’s potential reactions to medications prescribed for imbalances, malignancies, and other disorders, as well as the potential hazards of the recommended therapy.
Supplements for Cat Hair Loss
#1. Protein
A cat’s skin and hair require a lot of protein to function and grow; roughly 30% of their daily protein intake is used to renew and build their skin. A cat’s hair can become thinner, brittler, and even fall out if they don’t get enough high-quality protein in their diet or if the protein is too hard to digest.
#2. Vitamins A and E
These control cell growth and function as natural antioxidants, are also essential for maintaining your cat’s coat and preventing hair loss. A lack of them can cause issues with how your cat manufactures keratin, which is the primary ingredient in hair.
Conclusion
You might notice your cat losing hair. It is a common thing so you can try out any of the 17 home treatment for cat loss listed in this article.
Best Home Cat Treatment FAQs
Is cat hair loss a major issue?
Although it’s unusual, hair loss can be a sign of cancer, diabetes, an overactive thyroid, or immune system issues. Tell your vet everything about your cat’s diet, behavior, and environment to help them identify the problem.
What causes cat hair loss?
Causes of feline fur loss might include fungi and parasites like ringworm, mites, or flea allergy. Another potential is food allergies, as well as metabolic disorders like hyperthyroidism, which is the word for excessive thyroid hormone production.
Why does a leg of my cat have baldness?
The issue is typically brought on by your cat reacting to flea saliva, which typically causes a localized reaction, especially on the back and toward the tail.
References
- medicalnewstoday.com– Hair Regrowth for Cat; 6 Hair
- wagwalking.com- Cat Hair Loss Treatment
- wikihow.com-5 Ways To Deal With Hair Loss