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My kitten has a flaky chin spot with hair loss. Is it an emergency?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 1 month and 11 days old | 1.5 lbs

5.5 week old foster kitten has a flaky spot on chin. The hair fell right off when lightly rubbed. She’s in good spirits and I’ve found no spots on her siblings of mom. I’m taking her to the vet in the morning. I’m just wondering if she needs to be seen in the ER tonight.

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1 Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 23rd, 2024

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Key and for providing a picture, it's helpful. No, I don't think she needs to see the ER vet tonight, tomorrow will be fine as long as she is eating, drinking, behaving normally, and it's excessively rubbing at the area. I do wonder if she may have ringworm; that's highly contagious and if she does have it, her siblings and mom will also have to be treated. You would need to check out for spots of it on yourself, as it's contagious to humans too. Take her into the vet in the morning. I hope this helps!

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