Why is my cat pulling their hair out: 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. Over grooming is a behavioral issue that can result in skin sores, irritation, and significant hair loss, often triggered by stress, anxiety, or underlying health problems.

From a veterinary perspective, this presents as a complex issue that stems from various underlying problems, ranging from physical discomfort to emotional distress. Cat pulling hair is considered an abnormal and compulsive behavior, and pet owners should be aware of this sign as it may indicate a need for intervention.

You might be surprised to learn that a significant number of cases involving fur pulling actually have a physical, medical cause. In fact, medical conditions such as infections, allergies, or genetic factors are often at the root of fur pulling in cats. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment and management.

Studies suggest that medical reasons are identified in a large percentage of cats presenting with apparent "psychogenic alopecia."

A common reason for fur pulling is skin irritation, but it is important to consider the most common reasons, including allergies and other medical conditions. This is precisely why your veterinarian will investigate these medical possibilities first. Understanding that various factors can contribute to this behavior helps ensure a thorough approach to diagnosis and care.

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 bites and flea saliva 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. Thorough flea treatment for all pets and the environment is essential to eliminate fleas and prevent recurring skin problems.

• Allergies: just like people, your cat can suffer from food allergies (reactions to specific dietary ingredients) or environmental allergies (caused by environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or airborne irritants). These allergies create intense itchiness, prompting your cat to lick and pull their fur in search of relief. Allergic reactions to environmental allergens can result in irritated skin and excessive grooming. Allergic reactions are a common cause of hair pulling in cats. Exposure to cleaning products can also trigger skin allergies and irritation. Diagnosing allergies often requires dietary trials, such as a hypoallergenic diet, 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. Bacterial infections may also complicate the condition and require additional diagnostic tests.

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

• Arthritic pain: pain from arthritis can lead to overgrooming or hair pulling as your cat tries to soothe the affected joints

• 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), hormonal imbalances that disrupt normal skin and coat health, or gastrointestinal discomfort from inflammatory bowel disease might prompt excessive grooming behaviors. In some cases, Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) may be a factor, and diagnosis may require specific blood and urine tests to identify this underlying condition.

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. Cats can become stressed in response to various changes in their environment, and this stress can lead to noticeable behavioral changes.

Common triggers include:

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

• Routine disruptions

• Inter-cat conflict within the household

• Loud noises

• Introduction of a new pet or changes in the human family dynamic

Cats may become stressed when faced with environmental changes such as the arrival of a new pet or a new person in the household. Additionally, stress experienced by a human family member can also affect your cat’s mental health and grooming behaviors.

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. To help reduce stress, consider strategies like noise reduction, calming music, or creating a zen space. These environmental changes can help alleviate stress and decrease hair-pulling behaviors.

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, or lacks enough physical stimulation, they can become bored or frustrated, leading to displacement behaviors like excessive grooming.

Indoor cats are especially at risk for stress-related grooming problems due to limited opportunities for enrichment and increased boredom.

Feline psychogenic alopecia is a behavioral condition that can develop in response to stress or anxiety, resulting in compulsive self-grooming and bald patches.

Susceptibility to these issues varies among individual cats, depending on factors such as stress levels, medical conditions, or genetic predispositions.

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:

Keep a close eye on your cat’s habits. Note if you observe cats pulling at their fur, excessive grooming, or if your cat seems to pull hair from specific areas. Watch for signs of cats hair pulling, such as the development of bald patches, which can indicate underlying stress, medical issues, or psychogenic alopecia. Document any instances of pulling hair, as well as the locations and frequency, to help your veterinarian identify patterns and possible triggers.

Cats pull their own hair or pull hair from their bodies as a response to stress, anxiety, or boredom. Providing environmental enrichment, interactive toys, and safe spaces can help reduce the likelihood of cats pulling or engaging in excessive grooming. Addressing these factors may help prevent cat's hair loss related to behavioral issues.

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.

If you notice persistent cats hair pulling, pulling hair, or unexplained cat's hair loss, seek veterinary advice. Your vet may recommend diagnostic tests to rule out medical causes and discuss behavioral interventions if psychogenic factors are suspected. Early intervention is key to managing cats pulling and preventing further complications.

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.