Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

New kitten has dry skin, crusty patches, and fur loss. Is it ringworm?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 2 months and 26 days old

I just recently adopted a kitten and I have noticed some dry patches with crust and flakes on the shaft of the hairs on his head and near the end of his tail. There was also a thick layer of dead skin that took away a patch of fur on tail part. He isnt scratching a lot either that would be concerning. He has a small lump on his head too

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on September 22nd, 2017

Dovahklin may have ringworm. This skin infection is common in kittens. It's a fungal infection that can be treated with medicated baths and a cat safe topical medication from your veterinarian. Please take him in for an exam. They will look at the skin and confirm the diagnosis by a skin scraping or black light. Then they can prescribe an appropriate medication. Cats are very sensitive to drugs so never give human medication to a cat. With treatment this should clear up fairly quickly. Also as the kitten gets older and their immune system matures they are more able to fight infections such as this. If it's ringworm you can get it so please wash your hand after handling him. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Dovahklin.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    My biggest suspicion would be ringworm(a fungal skin infection). It is rather common to see in shelters and causes these crusty, non- Itchy lesions with hair loss. This can be corrected with treatment, but it usually takes a few weeks. I would call the shelter you adopted him from and schedule an appointment with their vet. They usually will see the cat at no charge if brought back within two weeks. Also, be sure to wash your hands after touching Dovahkiin, because ringworm is contagious to people as well. For now, you can give a bath with an antifungal shampoo labeled for cats (can find this at the pet store). You can also apply an antifungal cream to the lesions every day. I hope that helps and this condition clears up soon.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?
Adopted a pet not eating hay? Dr. Stafford, a certified vet, offers expert guidance on encouraging hay consumption, including adjusting pellets and trying fresh types.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet keeps scratching its ear. What's causing this problem?
Is your pet scratching their ear often? A certified Petco veterinarian explains common causes like otitis or infection and how to identify the problem.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu has a white bump in its fur. Should I take my pet to the vet?
Worried about your pet degu's white pustule? A certified vet discusses this potential skin infection, explains why not to pop it, and guides your next steps.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My guinea pig has a growing lump on its neck. Can it heal itself?
Guinea pig has a growing, hard neck lump? Worried about vet costs? A certified veterinarian advises on crucial steps for diagnosis and your pet's well-being.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet's ear mite treatment isn't working. What else could it be?
Pet still itching after treatment? A Petco vet clarifies it may not be ear mites. Discover effective solutions like Revolution or consulting an exotic vet.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored