Why are some of my cats losing hair on their backs and tails?

The most common cause of hair loss around the tail is from flea allergies so I would definitely check her thoroughly for fleas. Other possibly causes are anal gland problems, seasonal allergies, ringworm, mites, infections. She should be examined by a vet to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

The most common reason that we will see hair loss at the base of the tail is a flea allergy. Even if you do not see fleas on Benny, it is still possible. Cats are very good groomers, so they will often groom the fleas off themselves before we can find them. And if a cat has a flea allergy, they only need 1 flea bite per week to keep them itchy. So, my first recommendation for Benny is to make sure that all animals in the house are on regular flea prevention. I am attaching an article on flea control that also has a link to flea control products. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1575 If you are not seeing improvement with a flea prevention or notice any bumps or redness in that area, I would be certain to have your veterinarian examine Benny to see what else might be going on. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Miles' hair loss could be related to primary skin issues, such as allergies, ringworm or mange, or related to endocrine/metabolic conditions, such as hyperthyroidism. This is certainly not a normal finding and I recommend taking Miles to his vet for evaluation and diagnostic testing so that treatment can be started for the issue at hand. I hope that all goes well!

The most common reason I will see hair loss at the tail base is a flea allergy. If there are any other animals in the house that go outside, I would certainly make sure that Squeaky is on a flea prevenative (even if you have never seen fleas on her). I have also seen seborrhea at that location in overweight cats that don't groom themselves well, but normally they will have more skin flaking than it looks like Squeaky does. That can cause hair loss and itching and can be treated topically. However, since you think there is a lump there, I would recommend having your vet evaluate it. They can perform a fine needle aspirate and insert a small needle into the lump to get some cells out and see what the lump is then decide on the best treatment plan for her. Good luck! I hope that was helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This looks like flea bite allergic dermatitis. Cats chew and overgroom at the base of their tail and lower back when they have fleas or an itchy flea bite. You can treat Rizer with a topical such as Advantage that will kill the fleas. Also combing with a flea comb will remove them and help get rid of the dead fur so new fur will grow in. If you find fleas then make sure you treat all the animals and the house. The skin should heal up and fur grow back in several weeks. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Rizer.

Without a photo, its hard to say whats happening with Ruby. If the skin looks totally normal (no redness, flakey skin, scabs...etc) then its possible Ruby is simply over grooming. Some cats with lick their fur until it thins out as a habit (like people biting their nails). Hairloss in general can indicate many things: parasites, fungal infections, thyroid conditions, metabolic imbalances. When in doubt, I recommend a trip to the vet to have her thoroughly checked out. Hope you get it figured out soon!

Hello. There could be a couple of things going on with Harry. Cats can lose hair around the base of their tail when they are allergic to something, when they have suffered an injury to that area, or when their anal glands are impacted. It does sound like he's uncomfortable, and any of these conditions can cause discomfort. I would monitor and if this continues take him into your vet. They can check the area and find out the cause. I hope that helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.