There are many possible causes for hair loss in cats. A trip to the veterinarian is essential in determining the specific cause. There are a variety of tests that a veterinarian will employ to help determine the cause including a fungal culture, scotch tape impressions, a skin biopsy, and skin scrapings. In addition, your vet should perform general health tests to check for chronic diseases along with a complete blood count and organ and hormone function tests. Physical causes may be allergic, hormonal, infectious, parasitic and, less commonly, cancerous. Though rare, certain breeds of cat may be more prone to inherited hairloss.

If a physical cause is not found, then behavioral factors may be involved and your vet will likely ask questions about your cat's environment. Stresses, such as a change in a household routine or the addition of a new family member or pet, may cause a cat to over-groom areas of it coat or otherwise excessively or compulsively lick or chew.

Treatment will depend on your cat's particular case. Supportive care may be recommended for cats with itchy, painful, red or oozing skin, while changes in diet, household routine, and/or anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed if allergies are to blame. Stress-relieving techniques may be required for behavioral causes.