Every cat owner comes to enjoy the warm, loving cuddles of their favorite feline. Their soft coats of fur are always fluffy and calming to pet. However, if your cat has started losing fur, it can be an alarming change. You might wonder what's wrong with your pet. There are several different things that can lead to fur loss in your cat, and recognizing the cause is the first step to treating the problem and getting your cat's coat back to its lush, full softness.

Stress

Cats are pretty predictable creatures, and once they adjust to an environment, they don't like for things to get disrupted. While some cats will tolerate change better than others, and some just hide more until they adjust, others suffer from more significant stress reactions. 

Stress grooming is one common symptom that some cats experience. Exhibited as excessive grooming, this can lead to fur loss in the areas where the cat is licking obsessively. In most cases, stress grooming can only be stopped by identifying the cause of the stress, whether it's a change in the environment or any other source, and addressing it.

If you can't eliminate the source of the stress, you'll need to help your cat adapt. This can take many forms. Whether you can't provide your cat with a sanctuary space to avoid the stress, or the measures you try don't work, reach out to your veterinarian. He or she can often prescribe an anti-anxiety medication to help your cat calm down while he or she adjusts.

Allergies

Some cats have particularly sensitive skin or digestive systems. They can experience an allergic reaction to everything from flea bites to airborne contaminants, and sometimes allergic reactions are even caused by their food.

If you've eliminated stress as the potential source of the fur loss, this is another viable possibility. Invest in a flea comb and check your cat closely for fleas. If you find some, treating the flea infestation may help to put a stop to the fur loss. 

Ruling out a flea infestation may mean a visit to your veterinarian. He or she can test your cat for any other types of allergies or sensitivities that could be causing the fur loss. If it's a particular ingredient in the cat's food, it may mean changing your kitty's diet to fix the problem. In other cases, allergy medication may help.

Any time you notice fur loss in your pet, it's in your best interest to reach out to your local veterinarians. He or she can rule out any potential medical problems and help you identify and treat the source of the issue.