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

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 4 months and 6 days old | 7 lbs

My four-month-old kitten is experiencing the facial alopecia (thin hair above eyes) that I just read about, but he has also just recently lost all of the long, white whisker-like hairs above his left eye, similar to a person’s eyebrows. There is also a concern that he might have tapeworms, but he got his deworming medication a few days ago along with his booster shots. He is my baby and I worry too much about him, but the whisker-eyebrows are a concerning shock. Is he okay? Increased sleep.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Jessica Keay, DVM

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 7th, 2017

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.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 7th, 2017

    As Minnow is a youngster he may have ringworm, a fungal infection causing the hair loss. I recommend taking him for a veterinary exam. They can do tests to check for a fungal, yeast or bacterial infection, and they will check for mites also. As this is around his face they may recommend pills rather than a topical product. Especially since you now think he is lethargic I would bring him in soon before the hair loss worsens. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Minnow.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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