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Why are my cat's bald spots on its cheek and paw not healing?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 4 months and 15 days old | 5 lbs

we have a cat with focal and hyperkeratotic alopecic patches on Left cheek, right paw, back of neck. It has been a week, and some hair starts to grow back. But the bold spot is still a present and visible.

1 Answer

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Answered By Elva Ma DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 16th, 2017

Hello, and thank you for your question. There are a few possible causes for alopecia in a young cat. Ringworm is a fungal infection that is highly contagious and difficult to treat. It is possible he acquired it before you adopted him. Other possibilities include demodex skin mites, fleas, or skin allergies. I would have Dayton assessed by a veterinarian, who can perform a skin scraping and fungal test to confirm the diagnosis, and prescribe appropriate medications from there. I hope this helps, and that Dayton is feeling better soon!

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