My cat is losing hair on his elbows. Is it mange or an infection?

Hi. It is difficult to say from the photo. Hair loss can be caused by infection, allergies, irritants, yeast, ectopic parasites like mites/fleas/etc., and many more. I would recommend getting him seen by your veterinarian, and having them perform skin testing based on mist probable cause

This does not look like mange, however this could be a fungal infection or a bacterial infection or overgrooming in a spot where the cat experiences pain. You should schedule an appointment with a veterinarian for a skin exam. If it is a fungal infection (ringworm) it would be contagious. to other pets as well as humans.

This is likely either skin mites or ringworm. Poor kitty. He needs to be seen by your vet for skin testing to determine which is likely so that he can start treatment for this right away. Best wishes at the vet and I hope his skin clears up soon. Take care.

[Hair loss](https://www.petcoach.co/article/causes-of-hair-loss-alopecia-in-cats/) can be caused by allergies or infection of the skin, and in severe cases by metabolic issues. Chronic stress or excessive licking of an area can also lead to hair loss in just one particular place. Preventing your cat from licking and chewing at the area with the use of a T-shirt or Elizabethan collar (cone) may help. Examine the area for redness,parasites, bleeding, bruising or discharge. If you see a target-like or red "ring" of irritation, it may indicate a fungal infection called [ringworm](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/ringworm/), which can be easily spread to other people and pets so should be handled carefully. If you do see anything suspicious, consider an exam with your veterinarian for a definitive diagnosis and treatment. Hair regrowth may take a few months depending on how much hair is lost as well as the underlying cause.

This could be a skin infection caused by a fungus (ringworm), or bacteria or an old injury. Since ringworm is contagious to people and other pets in the house, I suggest you have this examined by your veterinarian to rule out a fungal infection. In the meantime do wash your hands after handling your kitty. Your vet will want to take a brush sample from the spot and culture it and until the culture has grown, will probably give you some medication to treat it.

I would recommend that you have Mani checked out by a vet. Some types of infections can be very itchy, but from the pictures I would be more concerned about allergies, fleas, mites, ringworm, etc. All of which can also get a secondary bacterial infection. I can't think of a specific disease that fits what your other cat died of, but cancer or severe autoimmune or inflammatory conditions come to mind. A vet will be able to examine Mani and may collect a few samples for microscopic examination to make a diagnosis.

Poor kitty! It looks like your cat has a skin infection but there could be other issues as well. Sometimes allergies can actually cause those problems to come up. Virgil should be seen by his veterinarian so they can determine if medication is needed for these spots as well as how to avoid them coming back