Why is the cat's sides bald? - briefly
The bald patches on a cat's sides are often due to allergic reactions or skin infections that cause hair loss. These conditions typically result from flea bites or other irritants that trigger an immune response.
Why is the cat's sides bald? - in detail
The bald patches on a cat's sides, often referred to as "furniture marks" or "kitty cushions," are a result of a combination of factors. Firstly, cats are meticulous groomers and will spend a significant portion of their day licking and cleaning themselves. When they lie down, especially on surfaces that provide comfort and warmth such as sofas, beds, or even the floor, the pressure from their body weight can prevent hair growth in those areas. This is similar to how human hair might thin or stop growing in places where it is consistently rubbed or pressed against a surface.
Additionally, cats have sweat glands in these bald patches that help regulate their body temperature. When they lie down on a cool surface, the sweat can be released more easily and evaporate quickly, providing a cooling effect. This adaptation allows cats to maintain their core body temperature efficiently, particularly important for indoor cats who might not have access to the same environmental temperature variations as outdoor cats.
Lastly, these bald patches can also serve as a form of scent marking. Cats have scent glands in various parts of their body, including the sides and flanks. When they rub against surfaces or other cats, they leave behind pheromones that communicate information about their identity, health, and reproductive status. The bald patches can make these scent marks more prominent and effective.
In summary, the bald patches on a cat's sides are a natural part of their physiology and behavior, serving multiple purposes related to comfort, temperature regulation, and communication.