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Kitten losing hair around eye, could it be ringworm? What's the fix?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 1.6 lbs

I think my kitten (7-8 weeks old) may have ringworms. She has a zone of hairloss between the eye and the ear, and it is a 1/4 circle shape. What should I use to treat her?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on June 24th, 2017

It would be best to bring Cata into your vet to confirm the ringworm (they can look at it under a special light to confirm it) and get a medicated shampoo or oral medication to treat it with. As ringworm is contagious to other pets and people, it is best to keep Cata isolated from other pets and to thoroughly wash hands/change clothing after handling the affected area. Keeping Cata from scratching at it with the use of an Elizabethan (cone) collar can also help prevent the spread to the rest of her body.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on December 27th, 2017
That is very suspicious for ringworm. When it is around the eye topical medication can be dangerous to use. I would recommend that they see tour veterinarian soon and discuss oral antifungal medications to try and rid the problem and stop the spread back and forth. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on January 20th, 2020
I would be worried this is ringworm (which can spread to humans) or a bacterial infection. I recommend to have Amalia examined by her veterinarian who may want to test for ringworm. I hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lauren Jones VMD
Veterinarian
Published on June 12th, 2017
Yes, ringworm is a possibility, particularly since several kittens are experiencing similar issues. Your vet will be able to perform a fungal culture to determine if ringworm is present and then discuss medications or topical dips needed to treat this condition.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Emily, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 19th, 2017
This lesion looks very suspicious for ringworm. This is a type a fungal infection that is not uncommon and kittens and can be passed to people and other pets. To diagnose it requires something like a DTM culture or sometimes a special black light.

Because treatment to clear ringworm can take a while (weeks to months) and sometimes require oral and topical medication I recommend contacting Nubbs's veterinarian about what testing they would want to do or if they would have you start applying a medication topically now. Unfortunately legally we are not allowed to advise any medication at this time via Internet consultation.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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