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Why is my cat licking his back raw, causing bumps and hair loss?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 1 year and 5 months old | 8 lbs

My cat has bumps and licked his fur in patches on his back side. What is the best thing to give him to get him to stop and look like a pretty cat again? I cant even talk his back because its sensitive from him licking it. I want to be able to cuddle him again.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jacqueline Nobles, DVM, DACVECC

Veterinarian, Board-Certified Emergency/Critical Care Specialist

Published on December 28th, 2016

Poor Nightmare! Based on the hair loss, licking and location, I suspect he may have a flea allergy. In my opinion, the best flea prevention is Revolution for cats. It can be purchased at your veterinarian and applied to the skin every month to prevent fleas. In order to prevent him from licking the area so it can heal, Nightmare needs to wear a cone for probably a week. He should be a pretty Nightmare is just a few weeks!

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on

    Poor Nightmare! There are a number of different skin problems that could bumps and excessive licking with hair loss. The most common possibilities would include allergies, fleas, a bacterial or fungal skin infection, or skin mites (mange). Treatment will depend on what the underlying problem is, so I would recommend having him examined by a vet as soon as you are able to - he/she can do some simple skin tests if needed to help diagnose the problem and get him started on appropriate medication to treat it.

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