Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My cat is losing whiskers. Is this normal, or should I be worried?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | 3 years and 10 months old | 14.6 lbs

My cat has lost 4 whiskers over the past 2 weeks. Should I be concerned?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on March 12th, 2019

If everything else looks normal in the area, its probably fine to monitor. Sometimes the hair cycle can sync up. As long as the whiskers are regrowing, this is normal. If you see lesions on the skin, this could indicate pathology and DMX should see his veterinarian. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 2nd, 2017
Hello and thank you for using Pet Coach to address your concern. I would not be alarmed by this as whiskers will fall out and new whiskers will replace them. Unless all of the whiskers fall out and there is hair loss or raised bumps around the area, I would just monitor for now, especially if all else is normal with Ivanhoe. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 28th, 2016
It sounds like he should be examined by a vet to determine the cause. Your vet can run labwork, if needed, to help diagnose and then determine the best way to treat. He could have an infection, parasite, metabolic/endocrine disease, etc.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on December 16th, 2017
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Nikki! She is super cute.

Her whisker loss isn’t very noticeable to me, but you see her everyday. Whiskers are specialized hairs and do have a normal shedding cycle. If she is losing them rapidly and abnormally it can be a sign of an underlying health condition. Things like: bacterial or fungal skin infection (ringworm), trauma and breaking of the whiskers from fighting or rubbing, feline acne, mites, immune conditions and metabolic conditions.

I recommend an good exam by your Vet and full senior bloodwork.

I hope this helps and I wish Nikki the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Why is my cat shedding whiskers? Is it normal or a health concern?

Cats normally shed whiskers just like they shed their other fur. So, it is normal to occasionally find whiskers, but it is a little weird to find 3 whiskers in 3 days. If there are areas in her whiskers that are appearing bare or thin or any other areas of hair loss, then I would recommend having your veterinarian examine her. If everything looks fine around her whiskers, then it might just be a fluke that you have found 3 whiskers so close together and you may not see any more for a while. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and answered your question. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why are my black cat's whiskers turning white? Is it normal?

This is likely an age related change and nothing to worry about. Some animals can develop white hair or whiskers prematurely at a younger age even. Regardless, it is typically something that is not concerning. Maintain her annual exam and get her blood tested each year as a preventive screening. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 4-month-old kitten is losing eyebrow whiskers and sleeping more. Is he okay?

I am sorry to hear about your kitten! From the photos you show, the thinned hair in the areas in front of the ears can be a normal variation. If you notice any redness/bumps/scabs on the area or the hair thins so much that there are bald spots then this would be concerning and we would worry about things such as external parasites, ringworm (a fungal infection), bacterial infection. We may also worry about infection inside the ears from bacteria, yeast, or mites, if the kitten is rubbing/scratching at the ears there thereby rubbing the area in front of the ears as a result causing damage to the skin. If there are other pets or small children in the house I would wonder if the longer whiskers were removed from play with them, or if the kitten goes outdoors. I would, however, recommend an examination if your kitten is acting lethargic. This is a very vague symptoms so there could be a multitude of causes and a physical exam may better help the vet determine the possible cause of lethargy.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's whiskers are short and sparse. Should I be concerned?

Hi there. All pets have different lengths of hair and different ways in which their hair follicles function, just like people. Oscar's whiskers are normal for him, so nothing to worry about. I hope that helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat's whisker area is swollen. Should I wait or see the vet?

This type of swelling could be something fairly simple and harmless such as an ingrown hair or an insect bite, or something more serious such as a localized infection or even a skin tumor of some kind. If the swelling doesn't seem to be bothering her and she is acting normal otherwise, you could wait to see if it goes away on its own within the next week or two. If it doesn't, or if it gets larger or becomes itchy or painful, then I would recommend having her examined by a vet to determine what it is - he/she may prescribe antibiotics or short-term oral steroids to treat the swelling, or may do a simple test called a fine needle aspirate to diagnose the problem if it appears to be a growth of some kind.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Is it normal for a ginger cat's whiskers to turn black as they age?

As cats age their color can change. I wouldn't be too concerned about this. When you go into the veterinarian for your well visit you can show your veterinarian but I wouldn't be concerned. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my kitten losing facial hair, whiskers, and has ear discharge?

Hello. Unfortunately, your pictures never came through, but this might be something best left to a hands on examination with a veterinarian. Hair loss could be from the burn, but it can also be due to a bacterial infection, mange mites ( demodex ), or even ringworm, which is contagious to people. More than likely, she lost the whiskers also to the burn. I do not think you trimming them caused the disappearance. If the follicle (root) was not damaged, the whiskers should grow back. And the brown discharge in the ears may just be extra ear wax & dirt, or a sign of an infection or even ear mites. So, you have several reasons to take Sofia into a veterinarian. Everything can be sorted out pretty quickly, & if she needs any medications or treatments, the right ones will be sent home. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share