Bald Spots and Freckles

[Jilliebean0606]

Hi everyone. I got my two cats, Baby and Salem, when they were six weeks old. At one of their first vet appointments I asked the doctor why they had bald spots over their eyes. She said that all kittens have them but that it was more noticeable on mine because they are black. She said it would grow in by the time they were a year.

Well, my cats turned one in March and are now almost a year and a half. Their bald spots still have not grown in. It is especially noticeable on the female, Baby. And most recently Baby also appears to have what looks like freckles on her bald spots. She didn't have these when she was younger. My question is, are bald spots normal? And will they ever grow in? My friends like to tease my kitties (in a joking manner of course) about their bald spots and they are beginning to develop some insecurities.

I attached a few pictures so you can see what I am talking about. Thanks!

[Traci]

While it isn't unusual for patchy areas in front of the ears (above eyes), it's alittle strange in your cats because their fur elsewhere appears nice and full and sleek. The freckles are pigmentation, and may also appear inside the mouth or on paw pads, belly, etc. (providing your vet isn't concerned with a skin affliction and ruled that out)

Are they true siblings? Did either have any skin conditions during development?

If your vet is confident they are not suffering a skin condition, don't fret, the loss of fur in this area isn't truly a concern. Remember that some cats excessively groom each other in this area or they groom themselves with their paws, etc.

Oh, and tell your friends to knock it off, your cats are beautiful

[Jilliebean0606]

Yes they are true siblings. And as far as I know, neither have had any skin conditions. They do tend to groom each other a lot so I suppose that could have something to do with it. They've always had the bald spots there so I don't even really notice it anymore. My boyfriend however likes to refer to them as their racing stripes

[kehorner]

My guys are all a little short on hair in that area too. Kind of like male pattern baldness in my house.

[Tina B and crew]

A few of my cats have the baldish spot too....I don't think it's uncommon. Even my frodo, who has very thick fur elsewhere has those and always has. Unless you see lots of scratching or sore spots or a change in hair thickness I wouldn't worry too much.

[Tambrey]

my 3 black ones all have a noticable thinning of the hair above the eyes...I have never been concerned by it becuase they are healthy otherwise...

beautiful cats, by the way!!!