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My kitten has scaly skin, fur clumps, bald spots. What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Persian | Female | unspayed | 3 months and 22 days old | 1.5 lbs

I have a 16 wk old persian weighing 1.5 lbs, mom weighs 4.5 lbs. She's active and eating/drinking great. No scratching or redness but has multiple small areas that feel scaly throughout her sides/back and above her tail. It appears the fur is clumped together at the base with something white. She had 3 dead fleas on her and ear mites when I got her 3 days ago. I treated her and gave a bath. No change. She also has 2 bald spots on her nose where fur allegedly just came out when they cleaned her.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on December 12th, 2016

If Tupelo had a flea infestation recently it's possible she is still healing from the flea bites. There may also be a secondary infection of the skin if she was itching or scratching a lot from the mites and fleas. If the area isn't clearing up, or appears to be worsening, having a vet take a look and take a potential sample of the skin is best. They may recommend antibiotics or a medicated shampoo to help the area heal.

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    You should take jher to your veterinarian tomorrow. She could have ringworm or another fungal infection, which is quite common in catteries. I am very suspicious of "the fur came out when they cleaned her". Kittens should not have to be cleaned and they should also not have any ear mites. Also , in my opinion 1.5 lbs for a 16 week old kitten is about 1/2 the weight she should have. Granted there are smaller lighter lines, but either the kitten is younger than 16 weeks or too light. I may be wrong, but your vet can tell you that upon a hands-on exam. Please do not wait taking her to the vet.

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