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Why is my cat scratching bald spots? What's the cause and treatment?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Maine Coon | Male | neutered | 13 lbs

My cat is scratching himself making bald irritated spots and need to know what to do and what is causing this.

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on October 8th, 2018

Poor Ollie sounds itchy! This itching can be caused by fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If he isn't up to date on his flea treatment, I can give you one for him. First, I would give him Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash his bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. If he is up to date on his flea treatment, I recommend taking him into the vet for an exam today or tomorrow. The vet can do blood tests, skin scrapings, and use a Wood's lamp to diagnose allergies, mites, and ringworm. Once the cause of the itching is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment. Best of luck!

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    Answered By Jennifer Ladd, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    One of the most common and easiest things to treat for in conditions as you describe is fleas. There are many great prescription medications, oral and topical, that will kill fleas and help prevent reinfestation. I would recommend using this monthly. Also, if there are fleas present they can be tough to get rid of in your house so you need to be diligent about cleaning for several months to get all the life stages. I cannot say for certain this is what is bother Ollie, but it is where I would start.

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    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 27th, 2019

    Meow sounds itchy. This itching could be caused by fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If he isn't up to date on his flea treatment, I can give you one for him. First, I would give him Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash his bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. If he is up to date on his flea treatment, I recommend taking him into the vet for an exam today or tomorrow. The vet can do blood tests, skin scrapings, and use a Wood's lamp to diagnose allergies, mites, and ringworm. Once the cause of the itching is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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