Cat Hair Loss and Scabs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

6 min readOct 25, 2023

If you are a cat lover, you may have noticed that your furry friend sometimes develops patches of hair loss and scabs on their skin. This can be a sign of various health problems, ranging from mild to serious. In this article, we will explore some of the possible causes, symptoms, and treatments for cat hair loss and scabs, as well as some tips on how to prevent them.

What causes cat hair loss and scabs?

There are many possible causes of cat hair loss and scabs, but some of the most common ones are:

Parasites. Fleas, mites, lice, and ticks can infest your cat’s skin and cause itching, irritation, inflammation, and infection. These parasites can also transmit diseases and trigger allergic reactions in some cats. If your cat has parasites, you may notice them scratching, licking, or biting their skin excessively, as well as redness, swelling, and scabs on their affected areas. You may also see the parasites or their droppings on your cat’s fur or bedding.
Allergies. Some cats are allergic to certain substances in their environment, such as pollen, dust, mold, or chemicals. These allergens can cause your cat’s immune system to overreact and produce histamine, which causes itching, inflammation, and skin lesions. You may notice your cat sneezing, coughing, or having watery eyes or a runny nose, as well as hair loss and scabs on their skin.
Ringworm. Ringworm is a fungal infection that affects the skin, hair, and nails of cats. It is contagious and can spread to other animals and humans. Ringworm causes circular patches of hair loss and scaly skin that may be red or gray in color. The patches may also be itchy or painful for your cat.
Cutaneous lymphoma. Cutaneous lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the skin cells of cats. It is rare but serious and can be fatal if left untreated. Cutaneous lymphoma causes nodules, ulcers, sores, or scabs on the skin that may bleed or ooze fluid. The affected areas may also be swollen or discolored. Your cat may also lose weight, have a fever, or show signs of weakness or lethargy.
Abscesses. Abscesses are pus-filled pockets of infection that form under the skin of cats. They are usually caused by bacteria that enter the skin through wounds or bites from other animals. Abscesses can cause pain, swelling, redness, and heat on the skin. They may also rupture and drain pus or blood. Your cat may also have a fever or lose appetite.
Trauma. Trauma refers to any physical injury that damages the skin of cats. This can be caused by accidents, fights, scratches, burns, or foreign objects. Trauma can cause wounds, cuts, bruises, or burns on the skin that may bleed or become infected. Your cat may also show signs of pain or distress.

How to treat cat hair loss and scabs?

The treatment for cat hair loss and scabs depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Some of the possible treatments are:

Parasite control. If your cat has parasites, you will need to treat them with appropriate medications that kill or repel the parasites and prevent reinfestation. You will also need to clean your cat’s environment and bedding to remove any traces of the parasites or their eggs. You may need to consult your veterinarian for the best parasite control products for your cat.
Allergy management. If your cat has allergies, you will need to identify and avoid the allergens that trigger their reactions. You may also need to give your cat antihistamines or steroids to reduce the inflammation and itching. You may need to consult your veterinarian for the best allergy management options for your cat.
Antifungal medication. If your cat has ringworm, you will need to treat them with antifungal medications that kill the fungus and prevent its spread. You will also need to isolate your cat from other animals and humans until they are cured. You will also need to disinfect your cat’s environment and belongings to eliminate any spores of the fungus.
Chemotherapy or radiation therapy. If your cat has cutaneous lymphoma, you will need to treat them with chemotherapy or radiation therapy that kills the cancer cells and slows down their growth. You may also need to give your cat painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs to ease their discomfort.
Antibiotics or surgery. If your cat has abscesses, you will need to treat them with antibiotics that fight the infection and reduce the inflammation. You may also need to drain or surgically remove the abscesses if they are large or deep.
Wound care. If your cat has trauma, you will need to clean and dress their wounds with antiseptic solutions and bandages to prevent infection and promote healing. You may also need to give your cat painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs to ease their discomfort.

Is there a natural way to treat cat hair loss and scabs?

One of the natural ways to treat cat hair loss and scabs is red light therapy for hair loss. Red light therapy is a treatment that uses low-level red or near-infrared light to stimulate the cells and tissues of the body. Red light therapy can help improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, promote healing, and enhance hair growth.

Red light therapy has been shown to be effective for hair loss in both humans and animals. A study found that men and women with androgenetic alopecia (a genetic disorder that causes hair loss) who used an at-home red light therapy device for 24 weeks grew thicker hair1. Another study found that cats with alopecia (hair loss) who received red light therapy for 12 weeks had significant hair regrowth.

Red light therapy is safe, painless, and non-invasive. It does not cause any side effects or damage to the skin or hair. It is also convenient and easy to use at home. You can buy a red light therapy hat for hair growth that fits over your cat’s head and delivers the optimal wavelength and intensity of light to their scalp. You can use the cap for 15 to 30 minutes a day, three times a week, for several weeks or months, depending on your cat’s condition.

Red light therapy can be a great option for cat owners who want to treat their cat’s hair loss and scabs naturally and effectively. However, you should always consult your veterinarian before starting any new treatment for your cat, as they can advise you on the best course of action for your cat’s specific case.

How to prevent cat hair loss and scabs?

Some of the ways to prevent cat hair loss and scabs are:

Keep your cat healthy and happy. Feed your cat a balanced and nutritious diet, provide them with fresh water, exercise them regularly, groom them gently, and give them lots of love and attention.
Protect your cat from parasites. Use preventive products that repel or kill fleas, mites, lice, and ticks, such as collars, sprays, shampoos, or spot-on treatments. Check your cat’s skin and fur regularly for any signs of parasites or their droppings.
Avoid allergens. Identify and eliminate any substances that may cause allergic reactions in your cat, such as pollen, dust, mold, or chemicals. Use hypoallergenic products for your cat’s bedding, grooming, or cleaning.
Treat infections promptly. If you notice any signs of infection in your cat’s skin, such as redness, swelling, pus, or odor, take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.
Prevent injuries. Keep your cat away from potential sources of trauma, such as sharp objects, hot surfaces, or aggressive animals. Trim your cat’s nails regularly to prevent them from scratching themselves or others.

Conclusion

Cat hair loss and scabs can be caused by various factors, such as parasites, allergies, ringworm, cutaneous lymphoma, abscesses, or trauma. They can affect your cat’s appearance, comfort, and health. Therefore, it is important to identify the cause and treat it accordingly. You can also try red light therapy as a natural way to stimulate hair growth and heal the skin. However, you should always consult your veterinarian before starting any new treatment for your cat.

We hope this article has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments about cat hair loss and scabs or red light therapy, please feel free to share them below. We would love to hear from you!