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My cat keeps licking a spot raw, what's causing it and what to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 13 lbs

My cat has been licking this area for months and it’s slowly getting worse...I will put spray on it and he will just lick the spray off. I tried to put a cone on him but he was able to slide out of it. My next resort is to try benedryl. This is what it looks like

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on September 26th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. This requires a veterinary evaluation as this will need therapy. Using the e-collar is a good idea to try to prevent further self trauma. You may also consider using a t shirt to cover the affected area and prevent further self trauma. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 31st, 2019

    Chronic skin issues for cats are caused several things including allergies to fleas, allergies to something in the environment, food allergy, over grooming due to stress or endocrine disease. Each one of these problems is detected and addressed differently and it sounds like your veterinarian is trying to rule out the cause. I recommend to discuss with your veterinarian your observations and what steps are next in regarding to hunting down the various causes. Parasites are often ruled out with an oral medication like Comfortis. Food allergy is best ruled out with a diet trial using a hydrolyzed protein. Endocrine diseases are detected with blood work. Environmental allergies are a little more difficult to detect but a response to therapy or a blood test can give an indication. Once you figure out and address the underlying cause, the issues should not come back. There are a couple things you can do at home and they can help but they may not address the underlying cause. You can try adding in an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for pets, this can help improve the skin health. You may also try changing her diet to something like Royal Canin or Nutro as they are aimed at skin health. Also protect the area from trauma by having Juanita wear an elizabethan collar at all times. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 18th, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Silvester! Those skin lesions are likely allergy related but could also be from fleas, ringworm or mites. I don't think it is behavioral. I would be sure he is on a good flea medication and I would change his diet. I would avoid all chicken diets and try a venison, all fish or duck. I would also recommend a vet visit this coming week to help those lesions heal. If they think it's appropriate they may give him antibiotics and/or steroids. I hope this helps and I wish Silvester the best!

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