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Why is my cat's neck red, missing fur, and making her uncomfortable?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | unspayed | 20 lbs

My cat has a patch of fur missing from the back of her neck, there is now a red patch and she cant get comfortable

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 31st, 2017

That looks like an area of a moist bacterial infection. It may have initially been caused by fleas, allergies, an allergic reaction to something she came in contact with at that spot on her skin, a small superficial wound, etc. It is probably uncomfortable and very itchy. It would be best to have your veterinarian examine her to see if any underlying cause can be identified and to also prescribe a treatment regiment of antibiotics and possible an anti-itch medication.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on December 19th, 2017

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If it is not itchy, it could be due to ringworm for example though it is unusual that they have been resolving on their own. Alternatively, another possibility is that this could be due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

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