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Why is my cat licking a bald spot with red bumps? Is it stress?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Siamese | Female | spayed | 15 years and 11 months old | 8.5 lbs

My cat has licked a bald spot on her front leg. I noticed it since more people have moved in to our apartment complex that own dogs. She is high stressed about everything. Area is slightly red with raised yellow bumps that kind of look like acne. Any ideas on what it could be? Thank you! Patti Salsberry

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Veterinarian

Published on June 29th, 2018

Overgrooming and self trauma is very common response in cats following stressful changes in routine or environment. There are many things you can do for Angel including calming supplements such as zylkene or calm aid and diffusers such as feliway or comfort zone which can help her deal with the anxiety. In severe cases, prescription medications and E collars may be required also but these can be stressful in themselves for cats. Ensure she has safe, covered places to hide, indoor litter trays and try to leave a radio on to help cover the background noise

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 20th, 2021

    Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This bald spot can be caused by over-grooming / over-licking, which is usually due to stress in cats. Other possibilities are skin infection and skin allergies but in my opinion they are less likely in this case. I would suggest to get Ravioli checked by your local vets. They may want to takes scrapes of the bald area to make sure there is no bacterial or fungal infection. Stress-related overgrooming is usually treated with pheromone therapy ( for example Feliway) and / or calming down medications. Good luck

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