FSA In Cats

FSA refers to a syndrome in which cats lick their fur so intensely that bald spots and hair loss occur. Learn all about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of FSA in cats here.

The abbreviation FSA stands for “feline self-induced alopecia” and refers to bald spots in the cat’s fur that the cat has caused itself through excessive licking. This is usually not noticed until late, since the majority of cats do this unobserved. Cats of all breeds and sexes, usually over a year old, are affected.

Causes Of FSA In Cats

Too intensive cleaning behavior of cats can have various causes. Diseases can also be behind it:

• parasites
• Allergies or intolerance to environmental influences (pollen, house dust, etc.) or feed
• hyperthyroidism
• stress

Intense licking can also be a behavioral problem in cats. (Psychogenic leak alopecia). This can also develop from FSA triggered by physical causes. In any case, you should consult a veterinarian and clarify whether there are physical causes for the intensive licking.

Symptoms Of FSA In Cats

Symptoms of FSA are bald patches on the cat’s coat. Depending on the intensity of the licking and hair pulling, symptoms range from broken, stubbly hair to partial or complete hair loss. The areas on the abdomen, back, and legs are particularly affected. The head and neck, on the other hand, are rarely affected. Itching can also occur.

Diagnosis Of FSA In Cats

For quick, cheap, and reliable detection of “self-induced alopecia”, hair is plucked from the affected area and examined under a microscope:

• With hormonal disorders, the hair looks normal and is in the resting phase of growth.
• In FSA, the ends of the hair are broken or frayed from licking and many hair roots are in the active growth stage.

Some information can already help to filter out and check the most probable causes in this case from the many possible causes:

• the age of the cat at the onset of the disease
• the habits (freedom?)
• the distribution pattern of the processed positions
• possible contamination of other pets and people

Treatment Of FSA In Cats

FSA is treated in most cases by treating the cause. This means: In the event of a parasite infestation, the parasites must be combated. If this cause is excluded, it must be determined whether and to which allergen an allergy is present. This is done through a skin or blood test, and if a feed intolerance is suspected, through an elimination diet. The identified allergen should then be avoided as much as possible in the future.

There is almost always a risk of relapse after successful therapy: New infections with parasites are possible at any time, but you can try to prevent the parasite infestation as best you can. Allergies are usually not curable. However, the symptoms can be alleviated by identifying the allergen and keeping it away from the cat as much as possible. It can also help to avoid stress for the cat, because many cats react with intensive licking, especially in stressful situations.

Since intense licking can remain a compulsive behavior even after the physical cause has been treated, it may be worth considering behavioral therapy and seeing an animal psychologist.