Chemotherapy

• Cats with cancer may undergo chemotherapy for treatment. Chemotherapy can cause streaky hair loss. In some cases, the cat may also lose their whiskers. Fortunately, hair will grow back after chemotherapy although it may be a different texture or color.
  
  

Demodectic Mange

• Another cause of hair loss is demodectic mange. This is caused by an infection in cats with a compromised of deficient immune system. Some of the most common symptoms of the infection include hair loss, scaly skin, and redness.
  
  

Considerations

• Some cats literally pull their hair out, which causes streaky hair loss. Veterinarian Arnold Plotnik explains on ManhattanCats.com that cats commonly pull out their hair because of an allergic reaction to fleabites. This is especially true of hair around the base of the tail. Cats also may pull out their hair because of anxiety, stress, nervousness or fear. This condition is called "psychogenic" alopecia.
  
  

Cushings

• Cushing's disease causes a cat to lose hair in a symmetrical pattern along each side of their body. Cushing's is caused by an overproduction of steroids. Fortunately, it's an uncommon disease in cats.
  
  

Treatment

• Cats suffering from hair loss should see a veterinarian. A number of treatment methods can stop hair loss. Some of these include a change in diet, antihistamines, and shampoos. In severe cases, steroids or retinoids may be required.