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Why is my cat losing hair and has red spots on its lower back?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 5 lbs

My cat has a skin rash, red spots on its lower back towards its tail. And some fur loss. What can it be?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on September 5th, 2017

This looks like flea bite allergic dermatitis. Cats chew and overgroom at the base of their tail and lower back when they have fleas or an itchy flea bite. You can treat Rizer with a topical such as Advantage that will kill the fleas. Also combing with a flea comb will remove them and help get rid of the dead fur so new fur will grow in. If you find fleas then make sure you treat all the animals and the house. The skin should heal up and fur grow back in several weeks. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Rizer.

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on December 12th, 2016

    Red bumps can indicate an allergic reaction, and some parasites such as fleas LOVE to bite along the neck and tail base. Checking for parasites is a good first step, as well as treating for them. Even if you treated recently, if the fleas have bitten it can take some time to resolve. Other causes can include allergies to other things in the environment or in food, and bacterial or fungal infections. If the area is not healing on its own after a day or so, becomes bothersome to Midnight, or spreads, it is best to schedule a vet visit to find the underlying cause. If Midnight becomes itchy, you can use an Elizabethan (cone) collar or old T-shirt to stop her from scratching until you can get to the vet.

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on December 14th, 2016

    There are a number of skin problems that can cause scabby red spots with hair loss like this. The most common possibilities would include allergies (food allergies, or an allergy to something in the environment), fleas, or a bacterial or fungal skin infection. If Electra isn't already on a good quality monthly flea control medication like Revolution or Advantage Multi, this is the first thing that I would suggest doing. If you're positive that she doesn't have fleas, then I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam as soon as you are able to - she will likely need prescription medication such as antibiotics and/or a short-term steroid to treat the problem effectively.

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    Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 25th, 2018

    Many cats are allergic to flea bites and will scratch intensely in response to fleas. This excessive itching can damage the skin, which can result in the formation of a bacterial skin infection, which only worsens the itching. Skin infections in cats can look like red bumps with little scabs. From your description, a flea allergy with a secondary skin infection sounds like the most likely concern for Django. Flea collars and baths will not work well (if at all) to treat fleas. Instead, I would recommend using a high quality topical flea preventative on a regular basis, such as Advantage or Bravecto (which is prescription-based). I also recommend taking Django to his vet for further evaluation of his skin because skin infections require treatment with oral antibiotics, and oftentimes medication used to control the itch is also necessary. Also bear in mind that cats can acquire tapeworms from eating infected fleas during normal grooming behavior, so it is also worth discussing proper deworming for tapeworms with Django's vet. I hope this helps and that all goes well!

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