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My kitten has hair loss around its bottom, is it a diaper rash?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | 28 days old

I have 3 foster kittens that are showing some hairloss around their private areas. When I first got them it was just red and raw, but now that it's healing some they've lost some hair. Could it have been something similar to a kitten version of a diaper rash? They hadn't been cleaned in a while and had been just crawling around in their own excrement before I got them and I think it irritated their skin. They have a check up in a week, they seem to otherwise be thriving.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Kevin Sanada, DVM

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 6th, 2017

Yes, this is similar to a diaper rash - where the skin gets irritated by the filth and sometimes infected. The fact that it's not as red anymore is a good sign that it's healing. The hair loss is not too concerning right now, because this will often happen when the old skin and hair grows out after being damaged and new skin and hair is growing in.

I recommend keeping this area clean by just flushing with cool water once a day. Gently wipe away any debris and pat dry after flushing. Avoid scrubbing, or putting any ointments, soaps, or antiseptics on this area, because this can actually irritate the skin and delay healing.

I hope that helps and all is well with the kittens.
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