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My cat has a red, wet bald patch on her back. Is it ringworm?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | British Shorthair | Female | spayed | 10 years and 1 month old | 11 lbs

My cat (10yrs) has a bald patch on her upper back (lower neck), the size of a thumb finger and it’s only getting redder. Her red exposed skin also appears wet. what could this be? She’s not on any medication and I’ve searched for fleas

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 18th, 2017

This could either be a ringworm infection or a hotspot (infected area of the skin usually due to fleas or any trauma to the skin). It’s hard to say for sure without seeing the area. You can try to repost with a picture of the skin lesion so that we can give you a more accurate assessment. Ringworm is tested and treated through your vet, and severe hot spots are treated with antibiotics through your vet as well. Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and we look forward to your repost with a picture attached if you need further assistance.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on January 22nd, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! While this could certainly be ringworm, this could also be just a superficial bacterial infection for instance. I recommend that you have Marsh evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. To know if this is ringworm or not your veterinarian would have to do a culture. In the meantime, wear gloves when coming in contact with this lesion as that can transmitted to humans. Good luck!

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