Why is my cat pulling out its fur: A veterinarian explains the causes and solutions

As a veterinarian, one of the most heartwarming aspects of my practice is witnessing the profound bond you share with your feline companions. Your cats aren't just pets; they're cherished family members who hold special places in your heart.

So, it's completely natural to feel concerned when you notice your beloved cat pulling out their fur. If you're asking yourself "why is my cat pulling out its fur," understand that this behavior represents more than just a peculiar habit— it's a symptom that deserves your attention and care.

If your cat is overgrooming, it is usually due to a medical condition that is causing irritation or pain. Overgrooming may lead to hair loss which is known as “psychogenic alopecia”. This can be due to your cat excessively licking, chewing, or plucking their fur, which leads to noticeable bald spots, thinning hair, or skin irritation.

From a veterinary perspective, this presents as a complex issue that stems from various underlying problems, ranging from physical discomfort to emotional distress.

You might be surprised to learn that a significant number of cases involving fur pulling actually have a physical, medical cause. Studies suggest that medical reasons are identified in a large percentage of cats presenting with apparent "psychogenic alopecia."

This is precisely why your veterinarian will investigate these medical possibilities first.

Parasites, especially fleas: this represents the most common culprit behind itchy skin and subsequent overgrooming. Even if you don't see them crawling around, a single flea bite can trigger intense itching in sensitive cats. Fleas can also transmit tapeworms, which carry zoonotic implications for your family. Your vet will likely check for "flea dirt" or recommend a prescription-strength flea preventive to address this issue.

Allergies: just like people, your cat can suffer from food allergies (reactions to specific dietary ingredients) or environmental allergies (reactions to pollen, dust mites, or airborne irritants). These allergies create intense itchiness, prompting your cat to lick and pull their fur in search of relief. Diagnosing allergies often requires dietary trials or specific allergy testing to identify the triggers.

Skin infections: constant licking breaks down your cat's natural skin barrier, making them vulnerable to secondary bacterial or fungal infections, which further irritate the skin and perpetuate the overgrooming cycle.

Your cat is a master at hiding pain—a leftover survival instinct from their wild ancestors. When you observe excessive grooming in a particular area, this could represent your cat's attempt to soothe underlying pain.

Common pain sources include:

• Dental pain: can be excruciating and prevent comfortable eating

• Arthritis and orthopedic issues: especially in older cats, causing significant joint discomfort

• Bladder problems: such as feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), a stress-related bladder inflammation

Your veterinarian might use specialized tools like the Feline Grimace Scale or suggest diagnostic imaging to accurately pinpoint these pain sources.

While less common, certain internal diseases can manifest as coat changes that lead to fur pulling. Conditions like hyperthyroidism (particularly common in older cats) or gastrointestinal discomfort from inflammatory bowel disease might prompt excessive grooming behaviors.

This is precisely why complete physical examinations and blood tests prove so crucial in reaching an accurate diagnosis.

Once we rule out medical causes, we turn our attention to behavioral factors. Your cat is a highly sensitive creature, and their emotional well-being connects intrinsically to their physical health.

Just like humans, your cat experiences stress, anxiety, and fear, often manifesting these emotions through behaviors like overgrooming.

Common triggers include:

• Changes in environment (new home, furniture, pets, or people)

• Routine disruptions

• Inter-cat conflict within the household

• Loud noises

When stress becomes chronic, it impacts your cat's overall health and leads to changes in appetite, grooming habits, or litter box behaviors. Your cat might pull out fur as a coping mechanism—essentially a self-soothing behavior to manage overwhelming feelings.

Your indoor cat needs adequate stimulation to truly thrive. If their environment doesn't provide sufficient opportunities for natural behaviors like hunting, playing, or exploring, they can become bored or frustrated, leading to displacement behaviors like excessive grooming.

If your cat can't express their natural "cat-ness," they might redirect that unmet energy into overgrooming behaviors.

While waiting for your veterinary appointment or once we've established a diagnosis, here are helpful steps you can take:

Start keeping a detailed journal of your cat's behavior patterns. Note precisely when fur pulling occurs, where on their body it happens, and any potential triggers you observe. These details prove invaluable for your veterinarian's assessment.

Provide multiple resources: ensure your cat has separate access to food, water, litter boxes, scratching areas, and resting spots. For multi-cat households, aim for one more of each resource than the number of cats you have.

Offer natural behaviors: provide puzzle feeders to engage their predatory instincts, climbing structures for essential vertical space, and regular interactive play sessions using wand toys that mimic prey animals.

Learning to understand your cat's ears, eyes, tail, and body posture helps you identify early signs of stress or discomfort, allowing you to intervene before overgrooming escalates into a serious problem.

Never punish your cat for pulling their fur. Punishment proves ineffective, increases their stress levels, and damages the precious bond you share. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and creating a safe, supportive environment.

Maintain transparent communication with your veterinarian about your observations, lifestyle factors, and any limitations that might affect treatment compliance. Don't hesitate to ask questions about medical terminology or treatment plans—we're here to help you understand.

Seeing your cat pull out their fur can feel distressing, but remember that it's a crucial signal that they need your help. By understanding that this behavior can stem from medical issues, pain, stress, or lack of environmental stimulation, you're already taking the first important step toward finding effective solutions.

Partner closely with your veterinarian, remain diligent in your observations, and commit to providing a physically and emotionally healthy environment for your cat. With patience, understanding, and proper veterinary guidance, you can help your cat stop pulling their fur and guide them back to their comfortable, purr-fectly content self.