Alopecia is a medical condition where one faces hair loss. In the case of cats, the most common form of alopecia is called feline AA which stands for Alopecia Areata. This type of alopecia is usually chronic. It can be a long-term disease with intermittent remissions and exacerbations.
Alopecia is associated with inflammation, leading to increased hair loss in some regions of the cat’s body. If you deal with alopecia in cats home remedy options may work effectively.
What Are the Alopecia Areata Symptoms?
If your pet shows symptoms of alopecia in cats, home remedy ideas can help treat the condition without costing you a fortune. However, ensure that your cat is showing the following signs associated with AA:
- Scaly circular or oval lesions with clear margins on top of the head, neck, and front limbs.
- Bald patches on the body, most often on the back and sides.
- Hair loss that is patchy and uneven.
- The skin may be itchy or reddened in areas where hair has been lost.
How Is Alopecia Areata Diagnosed?
A veterinarian will conduct a physical exam to look for the symptoms associated with Alopecia Areata and rule out other diseases. You need to provide a thorough history of your cat’s health, onset of symptoms, possible incidents that led up to this condition, and possible associated conditions such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes mellitus.
The vet may recommend blood testing for thyroid function or a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of alopecia areata.
What Are the Treatment Options?
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for cats with Alopecia Areata. The vet will recommend a treatment plan based on your cat’s case and symptoms. Treatment options include:
- Medications – The vet may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation or cyclosporine, an immunosuppressive drug. If hair loss is excessive, the vet may recommend surgical removal of the bald patches.
- CBD for Alopecia in Cats – CBD products may be helpful in the treatment of Alopecia Areata in cats. A CBD-related study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery showed that CBD oil effectively reduced hair loss, itchiness, and inflammation in cats with AA. CBD is a natural product that is non-toxic and has no side effects. It is available as an oil, paste, or powder, administered orally or topically.
- CBD oil: The CBD dosage will depend on the size and weight of your cat. A general rule is 1 milligram per pound twice daily. Pet owners can mix it in with your cat’s food, and she probably won’t notice the difference. If you would like to give CBD oil orally, place a few drops on your finger and rub it into the gums. Pet owners can also mix it with water or milk and syringe it into your cat’s mouth.
- CBD Paste: The paste is made from CBD oil, hemp oil, and beeswax. It can be applied to the skin directly on bald patches and is helpful for itchy skin.
- CBD Powder: The powder can be mixed with your cat’s food or given orally as a paste. It is also helpful for cats with allergies and skin conditions.
If your cat is diagnosed with Alopecia Areata, you must consult a veterinarian for proper treatment. However, you may consider using CBD oil as part of the treatment plan. CBD oil is available from many sources and can be easily added to your cat’s regular feed.
