Cats are social and active animals that are docile and lovable too. Human beings have kept cats for centuries. Apart from their docile nature, they are also kept as security to keep rodents and other insects away from the house. However, cats have some behaviors, such as pulling out their tail hair for several reasons.

The following are six reasons that explain why your cat is pulling out his tail hair: 

1. Allergies

Cats, like humans, can have allergies to certain foods, dust, pollen, or even certain types of fabric. These allergies can cause itching, leading your cat to pull its hair out. Ensure that you visit a vet to examine your cat. 

2. Dermatitis

Dermatitis is a skin inflammation, typically causing itching and discomfort. This condition can lead to hair-pulling behavior in an attempt to relieve the discomfort. Always visit a vet to help your cat with the condition. 

3. Parasites

Fleas, mites, or other parasites can cause severe itchiness, leading your cat to pull its hair out. In some cases, they might also cause infections, leading to further discomfort and hair pulling.

4. Psychological Issues

Hair-pulling can be a sign of a psychological issue. So, why is my male cat pulling his hair? Cats can experience stress, anxiety, or boredom, leading to a behavior known as psychogenic alopecia, where they over-groom or chew their fur out of stress or boredom.

5. Discomfort

Cats are playful animals. Sometimes they might overplay and get injured in the process. If your cat is in pain, it might pull its hair out in a specific area to try to alleviate the discomfort.

6. Hormonal Imbalances

Conditions like hyperthyroidism can lead to skin issues, which in turn can lead to hair pulling. If your cat is pulling out its tail hair, it’s important to visit a vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Cat Pulling Out Fur At Tip of Tail No Fleas

You might also have noticed a cat pulling out fur at the tip of its tail, yet it has no fleas. Some cats also have the tendency to pull hair out of their backs. This might have led to questions such as, Why is my cat pulling his hair out on his back?

Cats pulling their hair could be due to allergic reactions, nervous tension, skin disease, or even over-grooming. It’s important to monitor your cat closely for any changes in behavior, appetite, or overall health.

If the hair-pulling behavior continues or worsens, you should contact your vet as soon as possible. They will be able to examine your cat, conduct any necessary tests, and provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. This could solve the problem of cats pulling fur from their backs and tails. 

Cat Pulling Out Fur of Other Cat

Cats might pull out each other’s fur during intense play, social grooming, or fights. However, this behavior isn’t normal or healthy. It could be due to various reasons, such as stress, dominance issues, health problems, or misdirected play behavior. 

It’s important to monitor such behavior closely. If it becomes a habit, it could severely affect the health and well-being of the cat that’s losing its fur. If the act is consistent, it’s recommended to consult with a veterinary professional to determine the underlying causes and appropriate treatment. 

How to Treat Cat Pulling Hair Out

If your cat is pulling its hair out, it may be due to nervousness, parasites, or skin conditions.

Below are five ways to help you keep your cat from pulling hair out: 

1. Visit a Veterinarian

The first step you should take if your cat is pulling out its hair is to have a vet examine it. They can perform tests to determine the cause of the behavior and treat it accordingly.

2. Control Parasites

If the cause is fleas or mites, your vet will likely recommend appropriate treatments, such as topical medications, oral medications, or special shampoos. This will keep your cat away from parasites. 

3. Nutritional Balance

Your cat may be allergic to certain foods. If your cat has food allergies, try to figure out what they’re allergic to and then exclude it from their diet. Your vet can recommend a special diet if it’s needed. 

4. Medicated Baths

Regular grooming can help maintain the health of your cat’s skin and fur, reducing the chances of skin irritation that can lead to hair pulling. If skin irritation persists, your vet may advise medicated baths or creams.

5. Create a Calm Environment

If stress or anxiety is causing your cat to pull its hair out, creating a calm and stable environment can help. Try to reduce sudden changes in the home, provide safe spaces for your cat to retreat to, and make sure they have enrichment activities and plenty of playtime.

Home Remedies For Cat Pulling Out Hair

Here are four remedies you can apply to your cat if it is pulling its hair: 

1. Regular Grooming

Brushing your cat’s fur regularly can help remove loose hair, reduce the risk of matting and hairballs, and give you a chance to check for parasites. However, you should take caution when cleaning your cat so that it does not get injured from the brushing. 

2. Change in Diet

Your cat might be allergic to some food, leading to it pulling it’s hair. If cat allergies are suspected, changing the diet can also help. Give it a limited-ingredient diet that it is not allergic to. 

3. Provide Entertainment

Cats like a friendly, stress-free environment. If stress or boredom is the reason behind hair pulling, provide your cat with plenty of toys, scratching posts, or puzzle feeders to engage them.

4. Certain Nutritional Supplements

Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin E, or other skin and coat supplements may help if the hair pulling is due to dry, itchy skin. Your cat will benefit from these nutrients from the food they eat, so ensure the diet is appropriate.

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