Why do cats have bald spots in front of their ears?

[admin]

Is there an evolutionary reason why cats have sparse fur near their ears?

Why do cats have bald spots in front of their ears? : Read more

 

[Dave1120]

Is there an evolutionary reason why cats have sparse fur near their ears?

Why do cats have bald spots in front of their ears? : Read more

a real simple one, and it goes for all mammals

Bugs can nest at the root of Hairs, the less hair in an area surrounded by thick hair will not look like a safe nesting area for such a bug

Bugs laying eggs in ears is often fatal when they hatch and feed, and the lack of hair can be useful in their hearing as well, giving them a little advantage in hearing at what they aim the bald spot at while muffling side noise

 

[TOP DOG1]

It seems obvious to me that the fur blocks sound waves.

 

[Starfrog Darian]

People are paid for this@? I want a job where we point out the obvious unsaid, and call it science!

 

[artistiklove]

I always just *assumed* the lack of hair was to help them hear small prey. That, or to help them cool off a little better. But mostly the hearing thing. 🤔

 

[Kehkou]

a real simple one, and it goes for all mammals

Bugs can nest at the root of Hairs, the less hair in an area surrounded by thick hair will not look like a safe nesting area for such a bug

Bugs laying eggs in ears is often fatal when they hatch and feed, and the lack of hair can be useful in their hearing as well, giving them a little advantage in hearing at what they aim the bald spot at while muffling side noise

But why then would panthers, being a bigger target for parasites, lack bald spots?

 

[Chikonladie]

Those bald spots can be mistaken for eyes at times, especially amongst dark fur. I'm thinking of insects whose color pattern is designed to look like eyes. This could explain why larger cat species don't have bald spots... they don't have predators!

 

[Chikonladie]

But why then would panthers, being a bigger target for parasites, lack bald spots?

I just posted a reply that could explain it. The spots look like eyes to a predator, allowing a small cat to sleep more safely. Big cats don't have predators.