Bald Spots on the Cat Nose – Causes, Treatment and Prevention

If there are bald spots on the nose of your cat, there are many possible causes. It is all the more important to find the respective cause.

Because in addition to parasites, fights and scars, deficiencies can also be responsible, which affect the entire organism and weaken it. A quick treatment is therefore crucial.

In the following sections we will show you how the various triggers for bald spots on the cat’s nose differ and when an examination is important.

In this article you will learn how bald spots on the cat’s nose can occur and why it is important to get to the bottom of the cause. In addition, we will tell you how you can prevent the spotted hair loss.

Bald spots on the cat’s nose: causes

Bald spots on your cat’s nose can be caused by a number of different things. Among them:

mechanical abrasion
consequence of a fight
scarred tissue
fungal infection
mites
deficiency

For successful treatment, prevention and avoidance of secondary damage, it is critical to first find the trigger.

In some cases, this can be done by observation alone. In others, a visit to the veterinarian and subsequent treatment cannot be avoided.
Cause 1: Friction

Does your cat rub against the lattice of the transport box or the air vents out of fear? Does she run the bridge of her nose over the scratching post or scratching board?

On the one hand, the repeated friction alone can cause the hair to fall out and bald spots to develop.

On the other hand, a strong itching can hide behind it, which suggests allergies or parasites.

Therefore, observe your cat closely.

Does she push the cat flap open with her nose, keep pushing under a gate, or is her nose exposed to other friction?

Or does she actively seek out edges and rough surfaces and run her nose over them? The latter indicates itching.

Likewise, your cat may also repeatedly run its paw and claws over the bridge of its nose. There may be a foreign object behind this, such as a blade of grass in the cat’s nose.
Cause 2: Result of a fight

Free-roaming cats or multiple cats kept in an apartment can get into fights. This can occur even if they otherwise get along well with each other.

In some cases, it is enough for a match to get too wild.

If one of the sofa lions gets a paw blow in the process, the fur can be torn off.

It is also possible that a scratch occurs, which is not noticeable at first. Especially with very dark fur this often occurs.

If a crust forms on it and loosens, the fur usually goes out at that point as well.

Again, watch your cat closely.

Cats with free access should be checked as often as possible. They run the risk of being injured more often.

It also doesn’t hurt to check indoor cats once a day from the tip of their nose to their tail while petting them.

Do your four-legged friends stay out of each other’s way or can you hear cat cries at night during the spring and summer?

During periods with cats in heat, aggression towards other cats is more frequent. This is also true for neutered animals.

Cause 3: Scarred tissue

Poorly scarred tissue usually has no or less fur hair growing on it.

Does your cat have a bald spot on the nose for which no cause can be found despite all examinations?

Then it could be a scar. The tissue is not always noticeable or visibly raised.

Also, you should only consider this possibility when all other potential causes can be ruled out and the bald spot does not change.

Cause 4: Fungal infection

Infection with skin fungus can manifest itself in bald patches on the nose, ears and front legs.

The hair falls out in patches and the skin underneath appears greasy and dry at the same time, is scaly and the subcutaneous fatty tissue can become inflamed.

The inflammation may also affect claws and hair follicles. This means that there is pain associated with the inflammation.

However, this is not the only reason why a quick and comprehensive examination and treatment should be done.

Some skin fungi – so-called dermatophytes – are not only contagious for other animals, but also for you as a human being. Such diseases are called zoonoses.

To prevent the spores from spreading to all other animal and human co-inhabitants, quick action and caution are required.

In addition, animals with a fungal infection usually have a weakened immune system or other disease.

So skin fungus can be a warning sign and should lead to a comprehensive examination.

Particularly susceptible to fungal infection with hair loss are:

young and old animals
outdoor animals
breeding animals
exhibition animals
cats in the shelter
Cats with pre-existing diseases

Stress, nutrition and the living environment as well as the contact to other animals therefore play decisive roles.

A well-maintained indoor cat, which is fed on good food, is not exposed to stress and is otherwise also healthy, will therefore very rarely contract skin fungus.
Cause 5: Mites

The so-called head mange is caused in cats by mites. Typical symptoms are:

Hair loss on the ears, neck and face.
Itching
Incrustations
Redness
Papules

Bald patches on the nose are therefore only the beginning. This is true at least if the infestation with the parasites is not treated early and comprehensively.

In the meantime, fast-acting remedies can be found which, in the case of a positive finding, provide relief in a short time.

If the infestation was detected late, however, patience is required. It may take some time until the skin and coat have recovered.
Cause 6: Deficiency

If there is an undersupply of micro- and macronutrients, the skin and coat suffer. Dull coat, hair loss, breaking whiskers as well as flaky skin can occur.

However, these are not the only problems associated with malnutrition or an unbalanced diet.

The body becomes increasingly weakened. This makes your cat more susceptible to diseases and injuries. In addition, it can appear apathetic.

Hardly any cat food – even if it is of high quality – can provide all the necessary nutrients in the ideal amount.

Balanced variety and supplements, if necessary, are therefore important for your pet.

If you notice weight loss, changes in the coat, poorly healing wounds or constant infections, in addition to examinations should also include the control of the feed.

Bald spots on the cat’s nose: always a warning sign

When bald spots appear on your cat’s nose, it should always be taken seriously.

Whether it is a contagious fungus, malnutrition, parasites or itching due to an allergy – at first glance, the cause is not always immediately obvious.

However, the punctual loss of fur hair indicates a problem that needs your attention.

Therefore, consult a veterinarian at an early stage to enable a quick treatment.