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Why is my cat licking herself raw, causing painful skin sores?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 10 lbs

Cat has sores by licking until raw

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 1st, 2018

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Licking until raw is a sign of irritation. This irritation can be due to fleas, other skin parasites, and sometimes other diseases such as tumors, intestinal pain if it on the stomach, or just a simple skin infection. I would recommend a visit to your vet for pain medications and antibiotics, and you will also need an E-collar to stop the self-trauma that is making it worse. Best of luck with Jackson!

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    Answered By Maria DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 17th, 2019

    These lesions are most likely caused by Farrah licking. The reason for her licking could be a few. She may have fleas, she may have allergies or it can be OCD. I recommend getting her skin evaluated and potentially getting antibiotics. I recommend a ecollar on her also. I would also recommend flea prevention even if she is indoors. This is where I would start with treatment. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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