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My kitten's red, sore bottom from licking: How to heal & regrow hair?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed

My kitten got diarrhea and it cleared up but now has a sore and red bottom and bit of her tail that she keeps licking and I feel the need to stop her because it looks red although she shows no signs of pain other than the licking. Is there anything I can put on her bottom to bring the missing hair and bring the natural color back?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on August 2nd, 2019

An Elizabethan (cone) collar to stop Lily from licking is a good first step as that will stop the irritation and spread of any bacteria from her tongue. Keeping the sore spot clean and dry with a washcloth or pet wipe can also help it to heal and clear up with less irritation. Hair coming back can take a bit longer if it's been licked bald. If the area doesn't heal even with home care, or worsens, a vet visit is best to check the spot, and treat it for any infection, etc.

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    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on

    The hair will regrow in its own time. You should have Lily wear an e-collar until the skin heals, though, since the licking will delay healing and can spread infection. You can apply a thin layer of Neosporin to the irritated areas once she is wearing an e-collar.

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