Effective Treatment for Feline Ringworm in Kitten Puppi

When kittens contract ringworm, it's often referred to as "milk scab," a condition that predominantly affects cats aged between 1 to 3 months. Due to their weakened immune systems in early life, combined with the moist environment around the nipples of the mother cat, kittens can get milk stains on their bodies while nursing, which can lead to bacterial and fungal infections, causing ringworm. So, what should you do if your kitten has ringworm? Don't worry; this is a very common issue, and in some cases, it may not even require medication.

Part 1: Causes of Milk Scab in Kittens

The primary reasons for kittens developing milk scab are as follows:

Firstly, kittens are born with a weak immune system, relying entirely on their mother's milk for all their immunoglobulins. As they grow older, their immune systems strengthen, reducing the likelihood of infection.

Secondly, milk scab often appears on the front paws and around the mouth of kittens, as they compete for nipples and step on milk during feeding. Some milk can溢出 onto the kitten's face, neck, and chin, and even stick to their paw pads. If not cleaned promptly, the prolonged moisture can lead to fungal growth.

In addition, the mother cat's nipples can also be contaminated with milk, which, when it decomposes, becomes a source of nutrients for bacteria, creating a warm and moist environment that directly contributes to the development of milk scab in kittens.

Part 2: Symptoms of Milk Scab in Kittens

The initial symptoms of milk scab in kittens are quite similar to those in adult cats with ringworm, mainly hair loss, scab formation, and irregular ringworm spots, with possible itching.

Part 3: How to Treat Milk Scab in Kittens?

1. Early Milk Scab in Kittens:

For kittens aged 02 months with milk scab, medication is generally not needed. Proper care and boosting their immunity are sufficient.

Firstly, regularly wipe your kitten's mouth, and if the mother cat is nursing, clean her nipples and surroundings as well. Use physiological saline or petspecific wet wipes, and after cleaning, use a dry paper towel to remove excess moisture, keeping the skin dry.

Secondly, regularly change the urine pads in the kitten's bed and check if the water bowl has been overturned, ensuring a dry and clean environment.

Lastly, provide your kitten with adequate nutrition by feeding them some Supervet (a vitamin B complex solution) and Antitriol (IgY antibody factor) to enhance their immune system.

2. Severe Milk Scab in Kittens:

If the ringworm spreads to other parts of the kitten's body and does not improve over a long period, you can use some topical sprays or ointments for treatment, such as Pipute (terbinafine hydrochloride spray) or Dashe Ning (ketоконазол ointment), applied 23 times a day. These are broadspectrum antifungal medications that are effective in treating ringworm.

Caution:

① Disinfect the area with iodine before use;

② Do not apply medication around the mouth, as even absorbed medication can leave a small residue, potentially causing chronic poisoning in kittens;

③ Supplement the kitten with vitamins during treatment to boost their immunity;

④ To prevent the kitten from licking the medication, you can create a simple Elizabethan collar using cardboard.

Milk scab in kittens is a very common skin condition. Early detection and prevention, as well as timely treatment, can be quite costeffective, although it may take some time. We hope that cat owners do not give up easily. Once the kitten's milk scab has healed, it is almost never复发, so you can rest assured.