Is Red Skin Under Cat's Bald Eyebrows Normal?

Have you ever noticed something quite surprising about cute little kittens? They might be young, but some of them seem to be experiencing an early case of "balding"!

It's not uncommon to see that the fur above a cat's eyes tends to thin out over time, especially when viewed from the side. It can give the impression that the cat is on the brink of baldness.

Rest assured, this kind of "balding" is quite common in the feline world. There's no need to worry.

Why Do Cats Experience Bald Spots on Their Foreheads?

Cats have scent glands on their foreheads, which produce a special type of sebum with a distinctive odor. They typically use this sebum to mark their territory.

Their method of marking territory? A whole lot of rubbing—rub, rub, rub!

Over time, this rubbing can lead to the loss of fur, especially on the forehead. As cats age, their foreheads can become more bald.

What's Behind the Bald Spot + Skin Lesion Combination?

If a cat's forehead is not only bald but also shows redness, bumps, dandruff, or other unusual symptoms, it's time to take notice.

Here are some common causes:

1. Mosquito Bites: With less fur, this area is more susceptible to bites from mosquitoes and other tiny insects, leading to bumps or red skin that usually resolves on its own within 2 to 3 days.

2. Bacterial Infections: Secondary infections due to wounds, unclean skin, or excessive sebum production.

3. Fungal Infections: Commonly caused by Microsporum canis, which can lead to hair loss, itching, and symptoms like dandruff, red spots, and crusts.

4. Mites: Such as ear mites, scabies mites, and demodex mites.

5. Allergies: Reactions to food, dust mites, pollen, medications, or other substances.

6. Psychogenic Alopecia: Some cats may excessively groom themselves due to boredom, stress, anxiety, or other factors.

How to Address the Issue:

When you notice a bald spot on your cat's forehead with red skin, it's best to visit a veterinarian immediately to determine the exact cause.

For those who can't see a vet right away, here are some steps you can take:

1. Check for Ringworm

Use a Wood's lamp to examine the bald spot above your cat's eyes. If you notice a green fluorescence, it might be ringworm. Try using iodine to disinfect the area and apply Dasatinib (Ketoconazole Cream) twice or three times a day for 5 to 7 days. If the condition improves, continue the treatment until the symptoms are completely gone.

2. Check for Ear Mites

Inspect your cat's ear canal for brownish waxy secretions, which are often a sign of ear mites. Use Ear Cleanse (Pet Ear Cleaning Solution) to clean the ears and apply Hydrocortisone Cream (Triamcinolone Cream) twice a day. Also, use deworming medication containing pyriproxyfen, selamectin, or ivermectin to deworm your cat. Treat once every two weeks during the treatment period and then once every 1 to 2 months for prevention.

3. Treat for Bacterial Infections

If there are no abnormalities in your cat's ear canal and the Wood's lamp test does not show fluorescence, consider using some antibacterial sprays or ointments. Examples include Propantheline Spray, erythromycin ointment, mupirocin ointment, and Calcipotriol Cream (Calcipotriol Cream).

4. Identify Allergens

Dermatological conditions like fungal, bacterial, or mite infections often present with symptoms like itching, hair loss, and dandruff. If your cat suddenly shows these symptoms, it could be due to an allergy or injury.

Take a look at what your cat has been exposed to recently, especially new items like food, toys, or shampoos. If you identify any suspicious substances, remove them immediately to prevent your cat from coming into contact with them again.

Important Note: During treatment, make sure to fit your cat with an Elizabethan collar to prevent it from scratching the affected skin. Additionally, if there is no improvement in your cat's skin after a week of continuous treatment, be sure to seek veterinary care promptly.