Dealing with Severe Hair Loss in Cats Due to Folliculit

Section 1: What is Feline Folliculitis on the Tail?

Feline folliculitis on the tail is an internal inflammation caused by bacterial infections in the hair follicles. This condition is often a secondary infection. The base of a cat's tail, particularly on the dorsal side, is rich in sebaceous glands, which secrete oils for marking. Excessive oil production can lead to hair clumping, commonly referred to as "saddle tail" or "saddle syndrome." Unneutered male cats are more prone to saddle tail, with breeds like Himalayan, Persian, Siamese, and Rex cats being particularly susceptible.

Saddle tail can easily lead to secondary bacterial infections, causing folliculitis. Symptoms include swelling and hair loss near the base of the tail, close to the anus, with darkened, pigmented skin. The area may appear red and inflamed, emit a foul odor, and have small black dots at the hair roots, making the hair more prone to falling out. Due to the pain and itching caused by dermatitis, cats may continuously lick and bite their tails, leading to the expansion of skin damage.

Section 2: How to Treat Feline Folliculitis on the Tail?

When a cat's tail experiences severe hair loss due to folliculitis, it's crucial to adjust the cat's diet to reduce fat intake. Additionally, proper local cleaning and disinfection, along with the use of topical medications, should be implemented.

Treatment Steps:

Shaving: This is done to minimize the bacteria, dust, and oils trapped in the remaining hair, while also enhancing the effectiveness of local washes and medications.

Pharmaceutical Bathing: Regularly use a degreasing shampoo like a herbal formula's Fu'anjian bath soap to clean the affected area, or a specialized antibacterial bath solution. Gently massage the folliculitis area, performing this treatment 23 times a week.

Neutering Surgery: In some cases, saddle tail in unneutered male cats can be improved and prevented through neutering surgery. While not effective in all cases, neutering also helps prevent other diseases, so it is recommended to spay or neuter your cat promptly.

Secondary Infection: Use targeted medications for pathogens that are prone to causing secondary infections, such as cephalexin tablets and Funeon skin spray for Grampositive bacteria.

Care Tips:

Ensure that the hair around the affected area is thoroughly cleaned before treatment to facilitate the penetration of skin medications.

Cats are very sensitive about their tails; if the cat shows strong resistance during medication, do not force its tail, as this may cause injury.

Incorporate lecithin, unsaturated fatty acids, and a complex of vitamin B into the cat's diet to promote hair growth and maintain lustrous, soft fur.

Wear an Elizabethan collar during treatment to prevent the cat from excessively licking, which can lead to bacterial proliferation and spread, affecting the treatment outcome and causing the lesion to spread.

Warm Reminders: For more questions, please consult an online veterinary doctor.