Crusty Rashes On Kitten Skin.

[Neo815]

Hello friends,

I found a 5 to 6 weeks old kitten a few days ago. He had crusty rashes on his scruff and back. The vet only cleaned them with a lotion and gave him some vitamin drops. The vet was not showing any interest in the kitten. He also gave the kitten 2 injections and cleaned his rashes with some lotion. He told me not to clean the kitten again. The kitten is not crying like he was on the first day. He plays with me and is very friendly. But I am worried about his skin condition. What causes crusty rashes in cats? The kitten doesn't scratch itself very often and is very calm.

 

[duckpond]

I dont know. did the vet give you any reason for the rash? Is there a different vet you could take the kitten to? In my opinion the vet should have at least told you what he thinks the problem is? I would at least try to contact this vet, ask what he thought the kittens skin problem was, but i would prefer to see someone different i think. Someone that cares about the kitten.

 

[Mamanyt1953]

Should you decide to seek another vet, and I might if it were me, these articles will help you with the process:

How To Choose The Best Veterinarian For My Cat?
Cat Vet Checkup - What To Expect
How To Talk To Your Vet

Also, if it is in your buget, and you want a feline specialist, this site has a search feather that will help you find one in your area:

AAFP | American Association of Feline Practitioners

Do call the vet and ask exactly what those scabs were from, and why that lotion was applied. If you don't get a good, clear answer, then consider a new vet. When and if your kitten is really sick, you want someone who will explain things to you, and whom you trust.

 

[catwoman707]

I can almost promise you this is mange.
What was once mainly found in dogs, cat mange/mites has become fairly common, especially in kittens and exactly as you described, scruff, neck, back. Does the skin seem thickened at all? Depending on how mild/bad it is you would eventually see the skin take on a tougher look and feel.
It's an easy fix, revolution flea treatment given once every 2 weeks, 3 times in a row and all gone
No clue why the vet didn't acknowledge this, as it only gets worse.

 

[Neo815]

I am petting the kitten. The kitten also sits on sofas and chairs. Is it contagious? Is Frontline spray useful for mange treatment?

I also feed a mother cat. She avoids this kitten at all cost. Is it because of his sickness? Do cats avoid infected cats? She literally runs away whenever she sees him.

Here are some pictures.

 

[catwoman707]

Kitten hasn't had it long, it's not bad.
No, the other cat wouldn't stay away because of those spots.
Frontline spray won't do anything. Need revolution, or a vet visit where she would get ivermectin, but revolution is cheaper way to go.
The mites are species specific and can't survive on dogs or humans.
They have their own.
Kitten looks sad.

 

[Neo815]

I have already taken him to the vet. He cleaned the area with Pyodine. I am from Pakistan and there are not a lot of vets here. Frontline is available here but I could not find Revolution. Are you sure this is mange? Isn't it common in cats? A vet would know about it.

I am handling the kitten with bare hands. Can I get a skin infection?

 

[Neo815]

Sorry I didn't read your full message before. Human's don't get infected by it.

 

[Neo815]

I am reading the symptoms like restlessness, intense itching, scratching and the kittens has none of these. He is not restless and he sleeps a lot. He also doesn't scratch very often.

 

[Furballsmom]

Hi! Are you able to find some goat milk for the kitten? It looks as though this kitten likes you.
Are you able to feed it some chicken?

 

[Neo815]

He was eating wet and dry food when I took him in. But for the last two days, he is not eating much. The Vet told me to give him milk mixed with water.

 

[Neo815]

This kitten sits on my lap and kneads a lot while he tries to shove his face between my legs. I am really confused by this gesture. I have to pick him up and put him away or he won't leave my lap.

 

[Furballsmom]

To clarify, use either no-lactose cow milk, Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR) or goat milk. If you use regular cow milk it will cause stomach upset.

Can you obtain some honey?

There are KMR recipes available on the internet.

Also, there are kitten glop recipes on the internet which could be very helpful.

I think he misses being able to nurse his mum.

 

[Neo815]

How can I stop him do this excessive kneading? Will he grow out of it?

 

[Furballsmom]

Do you have a sock you can stuff with a second sock, or soft toy you can put under his paws?
He'll likely grow out of it, yes.

 

[silkenpaw]

Is the kneading bothering you because the kitten is digging his claws into you? You can trim his nails with a pair of sharp scissors. Look on YouTube under “trim cat nails” for how to do it without hurting your kitty.

 

[Neo815]

He sits right on top of my crotch and starts his kneading ritual while shoving his face between my legs. It's not a comfortable position for me. I try to move him to my thighs but he returns back to the same spot.

 

[silkenpaw]

LOL, I understand!

 

[catwoman707]

All he is doing is searching for his mama's nipple to nurse on. It's nothing more. This is how they feed and feel nurtured.
Any spot he would do the same, an armpit, etc. They knead mama's tummy as they nurse so he's trying to replicate. Nothing to do with your crotch fortunately! )

 

[Neo815]

If a kitten is separated from his mother so early, does it have any negative effects on him? A kitten needs 2 months to learn every skill from his mother. I have read that the separated cats bite more harshly even when playing because they don't learn to play from their mother.