Hair Loss on the Paws and Flaky Belly in Kittens

Dermatophytosis, commonly known as ringworm, causes hair loss on the paws and flaking skin on the belly in kittens and cats. Kittens catch ringworm more often than healthy adult cats because adult cats become immune to the fungus that causes ringworm, notes "Cat Wrangling Made Easy: Maintaining Peace and Sanity in Your Multicat Home." But Persians, elderly cats and cats with immunodeficiency problems are also at risk of getting ringworm.

  1. Causes

    • Round patches of hair loss due to ringworm often starts in the paws, but can also start in the face, ears and forelegs. Kittens usually first come into contact with ringworm spores in dirt, bedding or on the floor, which is why the paws are often the first body parts to lose hair. The hairless patches spread out over the body. Because of the hair loss, kittens suffer from hairballs. Ringworm gets its name from the red ring along the edge of hairless patches, but not all hairless patches caused by ringworm show red rings.

    Complications

    • Deprived of its protective layer of fur, skin becomes greasy or flaky, forming scabs. These crust-like scabs become itchy, so the kitten scratches and risks causing infection from opening up the skin. Ringworm spores, constantly stuck in the kitten's claws when it scratches, may cause nail infections, points out "Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook." Ringworm is highly contagious to all pets and even to people. Always wash hands after caring for a kitten infected with ringworm.

    Persian Kittens

    • Cat breeds most prone to catching ringworm are Persian cats or breeds with a large amount of Persian influence, such as the Himalayan. Kittens from breeders or catteries become infected more often than a kitten that lives as the only feline in the home. Persians may carry spores up to five years before they show symptoms, according to "Cat Wrangling Made Easy." Any kitten coming home from a cat show and exposure to many cats needs a ringworm check with a veterinarian in order to isolate the kitten and keep the infection from spreading.

    Hairless Kittens

    • Hairless cat breeds include the Sphynx

      Breeds of bald cats or mostly bald cats can produce kittens that are not hairless from nose to tail-tip, but hairless in patches. Bald cat breeds need bathing every week in order to avoid developing serious skin conditions like a flaky belly or sores. Bald cats also should avoid strong sunlight or heat, which may cause burns that can cause sores or skin flaking. Hairless cat breeds include the Sphynx, the Donskoy, or Don Hairless, and the Russian Peterbald. Bald kittens can still catch ringworm and can spread ringworm throughout a home. Take to a veterinarian for a positive diagnosis.