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Why is my kitten losing hair on its neck from mom picking it up?
Updated on September 23, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | unspayed | 19 days old | 1lb
My cat had kittens premature 3 weeks ago. One survived and is growing well and nursing. It just opened its eyes and is trying to walk. My question is about its hair. This is the first time the mother has had a baby she picks up by the neck and she's always picking her up and moving her. But a spot on the neck has lost hair and looks matted. Should I be concerned? Do anything?
1 Answer
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 17, 2017
Hello, & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I would clean the area daily with just some warm water, & perhaps comb out the hair with a very fine comb, such as a flea comb. I can not tell if she is causing trauma to the skin, but watch carefully if the area seems to be getting worse. You may have to separate the kitten from her mother once she starts to eat a bit on her own ( at about 4 weeks of age ) for periods of time to give the skin a chance to start to heal. Take care.
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