Losing Fur

Cats are fastidious groomers and some fur loss is normal, but if yours grooms to excess or begins to lose fur in patches, it's time to see the veterinarian. Loss of fur in circular patches that reveal scaly skin could be a symptom of ringworm, a fungal skin infection that can be passed to humans but is easily treated with antifungal cream. If your cat has been exposed to fleas, the fur loss could be an allergic reaction -- after an application of flea-preventative medication, your cat should stop scratching and the hair should grow back. Sometimes hair loss signals an internal problem, such as thyroid disease or Cushing's disease, so if you don't see an obvious external cause for your cat's hair loss, consult your veterinarian.
Whatever the cause of fur loss, your cat may end up swallowing the extra hair during grooming. This hair normally passes through the digestive system -- or makes a return appearance as a hairball. But if your cat swallows too much hair, it could cause an intestinal obstruction -- a painful and potentially fatal condition. Its primary symptom is vomiting -- any cat may be sick occasionally, but call your vet if your cat can't seem to keep food down.
Understanding your cat's normal behavior is key to knowing when to seek medical advice -- so you can feel good about all the hours you while away watching her endearing antics. Get to know her, and you'll know when she needs help.