Expert: Jessica - 9/21/2010

Question
We have found 3 approx 4 wk old kittens.  All three are missing most if not all of the fur on their tails.  The skin on their tails looks cracked in places.  They seem very healthy otherwise.  What can it be?  How do we treat it?  Is it contagious to our own cats? We want to treat this so that these kittens can find good homes and not be euthanized.  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Barbara,

It's not possible for me to say what the kitties are suffering - this will require a physical exam.  

For fur loss to be isolated to the tails on all three kittens is curious.  There is a possibility that it could have been due to a behavioral issue with the mother, that she was constantly grooming them along the tails.  I have seen this happen in one litter.

But there are definitely skin conditions that can be contagious to your other cats.  Ringworm is a fungal infection (not a worm, as the name would seem to imply), that causes patchy hair loss and scaly, crusty skin.  The spores can drop off in flakes of skin and become infectious to other animals.  Fortunately, it is treatable with an anti-fungal cream and/or shampoo.

The kittens could also be suffering from mites (mange).  Mange tends to be found on the feet and head most often, but tails can be affected, too.  The skin becomes scabby, crusty and bald.  Healthy adult cats are rather resistant to mange, but it could be possible for it to spread if the kittens are sharing bedding with them.  Mange is usually treated with medications used to treat fleas.  This will need to be done carefully in kittens this young, under the direct supervision of a vet.

Sadly, there may even be a possibility someone had dipped their tails in a toxin that caused them chemical burns.  You never quite know what abandoned kittens have been through!

A vet needs to look at the kittens to determine what the kittens appear to be suffering from and the best treatment.  Thankfully, most skin ailments are completely treatable, and the kittens shouldn’t need to be put to sleep at all.

Best wishes!

Jessica