My indoor cat has a skin problem. Is it stress, allergies, or licking?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed
Hi, we have 5 cats and one of them has developed a skin problem. I've uploaded 2 photos. Do you have any ideas what it might be? The other cats are all fine. She doesn't seem to be in pain at all and if anything is friendlier than normal (she's normally more or less feral). She's an indoor cat and we've not seen any blood anywhere. Just back from a 1 week holiday, though someone was looking after them.
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on September 3rd, 2017
Mimi is beautiful! It looks like self trauma- like she licked herself raw. It could have been from the stress of you being out of town. There could also be an underlying allergy. Since it looks like it is healing, I would keep it clean and dry. If there is discharge, if it starts to look worse, or she won't leave it alone, I would take her to the vet. Kisses to Mimi!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on February 17th, 2018
Your cat is gorgeous! Without seeing her in person or knowing that the skin disease looks like, my best advice is to take her into a vet first thing in the morning. The only way to bring her back to normal is have the cause of the skin disease diagnosed so it can be treated correctly. I would take her into the vet on Monday. Good luck, I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on April 30th, 2019
This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria or fungal). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics or antifungal meds (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection can be possibly started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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