We adopted 2 cats 10 months ago from the Animal Rescue Center. One cat was 5 months old at the time. He is a black and white, medium length haired cat. When we got him, the hair on his abdomen was like someone had shaved him. The ARC didn't have any back ground information on him but did say that the cat was neutered and was probably shaved at that time. Since quite a bit of hair was "shaved", I am assuming that he was probably quite matted and perhaps was shaved for this reason. Issue... Ten months later and none of the hair has grown back. It hasn't even started to grow. He doesn't appear ill nor does it appear to bother him. I am starting to wonder though... how long does it take for cat hair to grow back? Is it possible that it was never shaven and this is some sort of birth defect and the hair will never grow back in? These are the first cats that I have ever owned as I owned a dog for 12 years prior to this. Does anyone know if it is normal for cat hair to take 10+ months to start to grow? It's not a problem, but he does look rather 'odd' - big black and white cat with 'jiggly' pink belly... Thanks in advance for your input

Definitely a condition of some sort.

That's way too long to not see any hair growth.

As for me, I usually base whether to take my cats to the vet on their "feedback" as to whether it bothers them or not... so I'd probably not take them in.

... but if it bothers you I'll bet a local vet will be helpful over the phone. Describe the issue and ask "should I be concerned?"

I'm thinking no concern.

I am not certain of why it has not grown back yet either or maybe he/she never had full hair there, but since this is the first time for you with cats, check out site below (there are many more) to learn a little more about your new 'family' members. Labman probably come along with an explanation soon, so be patient.

http://www.sniksnak.com

The picture is of my 'main man' and his name is Larry. He's more lapdog than any cat I've ever had and right now I take care of 5 total, but he's the only 'insider'.