Kitten going bald.

A friend of mine has two kittens ~6 weeks old.  Both are eating fine and active.  One looks great and has a beautiful coat, and the other one is going bald.  Both are playful kittens.  What all could cause this all over balding on just the one of them?  

[Me967]

Thought I would add they went to the vet, she will not get the results back from the skin test for 2 weeks yet.  Just thought I would ask you all in advance just in case the skin test is negative on what else it could be, or advise for her on what to ask her vet.  Thank you all in advance.  :-)

[LindaTX]

The only thing I can offer is ....a year ago we had a littler of kittens born to a feral mother. The 5 kittens were actually born at the Vet's because we were out of town.  We brought them home along with the mother at  one week.  One of the 5 had thin hair in the top of her head with tiny bumps under the skin.  All the rest were fine. So took her back to the Vet's and he said sometimes they are born with this. He gave her a shot of antibiotics and 2 wks later there was no sign of the little bumps and her hair was growing back nicely.  It wasn't fungal, like ringworm.  Whatever it was it did clear up with antibiotics.

[zodiacqueen]

Here's another thought......maybe the kittens need to be fed separately, if they aren't already.  If both kittens are being fed together, maybe the balding one isn't getting enough food because the other one is eating her food, too.

[PrettyKitty1]

Bold as in completely hairless or is it just certain areas? It could be caused by rough play. My younger cat had bold spots when he was a kitten because he wouldn't stop playing with my older cat. They can do a lot of unintentional damage with their back legs during playtime.

[Me967]

Thank you all so much for your input.  As per pretty kitty the one is going bald everywhere except the head.  It's not just from playing.  Something is wrong?  Time will tell I guess.  Sigh.

[nancyjac]

Have they been tested for FeLV and FIV?  Any immune disease can cause hair loss.  Do they have fleas?  A flea allergy can cause hair loss.

[LindaTX]

That kind of baldness is something I've never heard of....maybe it has some of those "hairless cat" genes...can't think of the name of the breed.  Or maybe it's thyroid  or pituitary hormones are are unbalanced or there is a tumor in that area.  Other than being genetic or hormonal....I can't think of anything else it could be.  No itching or "hot spots" right?

[aligator79]

My kitten Lucy had ringworm on the tip of her tail and was going bald there.  Was kinda cute but not fun to treat.  The vet did a skin sample then held her tail under a black light.  When it glowed they knew it was at least ringworm.  Ugh  Poor baby.

[PrettyKitty1]

Is the kitten scratching? Does the kitten seem uncomfortable? That is definitely not from playing! Something is definitely wrong with the little one and it could be anything from lack of certain nutrients to some immune deficiency. A trip to the vet, or maybe seeking a second opinion would not hurt. Good Luck!

Keep us posted.

[Me967]

Thank you all for your comments.  The vet did a skin scrape and checked them over.  I'm not sure what all they did at the appointment.  She's not totally clear on what all they done....Just that she wouldn't know anything for two weeks concerning results, and until then the kitten wears a little sweater.  (In which I'm not sure why....I would think a sweater would make it worse personally)  
I don't know much of anything else.  Sorry.  I'm leaning toward immune issues too.  Not sure.  Will keep you all posted when I find out.  Hopefully the mystery will be reviled soon.  Poor little tike.  Thank you all for your input.  HUGS