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My cat has bald spots & scabs. What food helps with allergies?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | spayed | 4 years and 11 months old

what kind of food should i buy my cat? i want to see if she has allergies or if it is a behavioral problem from her loosing one of her legs she has a bald line on her back and her stomach looks shaved and her back legs or do i have to make the food homemade. she is already very picky and she is leaving scabs on her back

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Maria DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 18th, 2018

The first thing I would do with Bonnie is put a flea prevention on her. Even if she doesn't go outside and you do not see fleas she can be very allergic to them. The reason I jump to this first is the two locations for fleas to go are at the base of the tail and the belly. Cats typically you cannot see the fleas or flea dirt since they groom so much so you will just see hairloss and sometimes scabs. If she has scabs or she is licking a lot, a veterinarian can give medication to make her feel more comfortable. If this does not help then I would pick a salmon based formula food and gradually wean her onto it. It can take up to 12 weeks for a food to help. If either of these doesn't work then it is most likely behavioral and your veterinarian can prescribe medication. If this is a new thing then it is more likely a flea jumped on her at one point creating an allergic reaction. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 12th, 2017

    I am so sorry to hear that Romeo is having such a hard time with what sounds like his case of moist dermatitis or "hot spot". Hot spots can be very difficult to heal, and take a long time. The keys to a successful healing process are; A clipped area around the sore Cleaning the sore with a vet prescribed antiseptic Leaving the sore open to dry out (as the moisture promotes bacterial growth) Antibacterial/ hydrocortisone spray prescribed from the vet for healing An e-collar to prevent Romeo from scratching or biting at the hot spot and making it worse Measure the hot spot with a ruler, and compare in a few days time to make sure that it is reducing in size. If you feel like Romeo is not healing well, I would suggest a trip to the vet, or call and discuss the possibility for a prescription. Oral antibiotics and/ or a steroid injection may help to jumpstart the healing process. In case it is his food causing skin issues, I would consider switching to a hypoallergenic diet such as this one; http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=32103 I know hot spots can be very frustrating for you as a pet parent and for Romeo. I sincerely hope it starts to heal soon. Warmest regards to you both.

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