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My cat bites fur and smells yeasty. Is it anxiety or skin infection?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 7 lbs

My cat has been biting off her fur and she just got to growing it back when she started all over again. I think it's anxiety, she's never really liked people.. can I use nystatin cream on her skin due to a yeast smell?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 3rd, 2017

It sounds like your cat has a skin infection, most likely caused by allergies or fleas. The allergies can be from a protein in her food or to something in the environment, like grasses, pollens, dust, etc. The allergies cause a breakdown in the skin barrier and make the cat very itchy. The excessive itching and licking cause the skin infection. I would recommend taking Shasta in to see the vet so she can be started on some antibiotics to help clear up the skin and get on a good flea control. You may also ask about a medicated shampoo, these can help clear up the skin more quickly. I would also recommend discussing with your vet some options for medication to help control the allergy symptoms like Atopica or a course of steroids.

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    Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I forgot to mention - try to avoid the nystatin cream for now because 1) you can't be sure this is a fungal infection without seeing a vet and 2) you can may lick it off which could cause further problems. Best of luck.

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