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Why is my new kitten's skin peeling near its mouth and under tail?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 1 month and 18 days old

Hi there, we have a new kitten and I started seeing around his mouth its peeling, I first thought it was old food but I also noticed it under his tail. What can it be and what must i do? Thank you

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rosemary Barber, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 28th, 2017

Hello! This is the type of thing that I think would warrant a trip to see your vet, especially if the areas look red, or sore, of if there is a discharge associated with the peeling skin. You could try gently washing the areas with warm water, to be sure it isn't just some sort of substance that has gotten stuck to his skin first, though! Your vet could also examine Toby, and talk about first vaccines, deworming etc. Best of luck!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Darvishian
Veterinarian
Published on August 9th, 2017
Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to see that you are experiencing a problem. The pictures are a little blurry but a few things come to mind especially in an 8 wk old kitten. Ringworm which is a fungal infection is commonly seen on the head and tail of kittens. Other causes include intestinal parasites/nutritional problems, bacterial skin infections, fleas or other external parasites, etc. Your vet should be consulted especially since ringworm is contagious to other animals that have direct or indirect contact and Humans. It's considered a zoonotic disease because it can pass between animals and people. Your vet can do an evaluation and then advise some tests to diagnose the problem (Wood's lamp exam, fungal culture, fecal exam, skin scrape, etc.) Once a diagnosis is made or even before if waiting for test results, they can formulate a sound treatment plan to address what is causing the problem or what is suspected of causing it. Good luck with the kitten.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 31st, 2018
Hello, sorry to hear about Hope. It looks like she does indeed have a bit of skin irritation in her inguinal region. This could be attributed to laying in her urine while in the crate. Although, other causes may include ringworm or fleas. I would recommmend that you monitor the area for any redness of the skin, itchiness, or discharge.

If the area is getting worse, then she should be evaluated by a veterinarian to obtain any necessary medications. Hope this helps and best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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