Why Does My Cat Pull Out Its Fur?

Finding clumps of fur around the house and seeing bald spots on your cat is alarming. Fur pulling is a serious sign that something is wrong — but it's treatable.

3 Common Causes

1. 1

   Psychogenic alopecia — chronic stress or anxiety can cause compulsive fur pulling as a self-soothing mechanism, similar to human hair-pulling disorders.

2. 2

   Allergic dermatitis — flea allergies, food sensitivities, or environmental allergens cause intense itching that leads to fur pulling.

3. 3

   Parasites — even indoor cats can get mites, lice, or the occasional flea that causes extreme irritation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is fur pulling the same as over-grooming?

Fur pulling is a more extreme form. While over-grooming thins the coat, fur pulling involves actively ripping out clumps, often causing bald patches and skin damage.

Can anti-anxiety medication help?

In severe cases, yes. Medications like fluoxetine can be effective for psychogenic alopecia. Your vet can assess whether medication is appropriate.

Will the fur grow back?

Once the underlying cause is treated, fur typically regrows within 2-4 months. If follicles are scarred from chronic pulling, some patches may be permanent.

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