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Why is my cat pulling fur, balding, and getting red skin bumps?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Longhair | Female | spayed | 7 lbs

My cat keeps pulling her fur out on her back/ sides and it’s gotten worse. She’s balding and now has red bumps on her skin. Is there any cream I can get for her?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Amber Da Silva, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 28th, 2017

It sounds like Princess is itchy and that is why she is pulling her fur out. She could have allergies or parasites (like mites or fleas). The red bumps on the skin could be infection. This very commonly happens secondary to the chewing and scratching. While you can try to treat topically with a gentle antiseptic like Hibiclens (available at most drug stores) and a triple antibiotic ointment, she will most likely need oral medications if it is widespread. Make sure that you put a cone on her if you are going to use topical medications so she can't lick them off. I would recommend taking her to your veterinarian for an exam and skin scraping. The vet will take a sample from the surface of her skin and look at it under the microscope to see if she has parasites, or infection with yeast or bacteria. The veterinarian can then prescribe the best treatment for exactly what is causing the problem.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 23rd, 2017

    Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. It appears as though Harley may be dealing with a skin infection or allergy and has worsened this by scratching at the area. I would recommend bathing her with a shampoo such as Douxo PS Chlorhexidine combination shampoo and bathe twice weekly until resolved. I would also recommend using a spray such as malacetic conditioning spray and apply to the affected area twice daily until resolved. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further. Both above mentioned products can be found online quite easily.

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