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My cat has a red, hairless, dry patch on her stomach. What is it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 7 lbs

My cat has a hairless patch on her stomach that is red and has some yellowish dry spots. What could this be?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on January 28th, 2018

This is a little spot of wet dermatitis, a superficial infection of the skin. It will usually settle if you can stop her licking at it and bathe it daily with hibi scrub. If it starts to spread or worsen you will need to go to the vet for medication.

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3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 15th, 2018

    Even though a picture would help to understand better the underlying cause, 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 may be 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.

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