Why does my indoor cat have red/brown spots or a rash on her tail?

Question

Hello, I have a 8-year-old spayed female cat. She recently a few weeks ago got a "rash" on her tail. It looks similar to microscopic red/brown blood clots. I washed her tail with warm water several times and the "dots" seem to stay. She is an indoor only cat. She shares the apartment with another female cat. The other female cat does not have anything similar on her skin. We took her to the vet a month and half ago and she checked out as healthy. I trimmed the fur around the area before wash. Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 8 years and 1 month old | 11 lbs

Ann Dion, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello. I am sorry that Kiki has this rash. It is hard to tell from the photo however there are a few things I would try. Firstly, get a wet paper towel and pick up some of the dots. If they dissolve red then they are flea dirt (flea poop) and the problem is fleas. If they just remain black then they are just dirt present (less likely with an indoor cat). If they don't come off the skin or dissolve then it could be that she has skin allergies, or could be an endocrine disease. At this point I would be checking her bloodwork to see if she has hyperthyroidism. Also, is she excessively chewing or licking, because if she is I would be more suspicious of a skin allergy. This could be flea allergy dermatitis, so you wouldn't see fleas but just one bite could get her. IF you are in a high flea density area you could be bringing some in on your clothes that are biting her. Also, I would have her anal glands checked. I hope this helps, and that she feels better soon. Good luck with Kiki.

Why does my indoor cat have red/brown spots or a rash on her tail?

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