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My cat has a red, bleeding, hairless patch on its back. What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | 10 lbs

Hi, My cat has a round patch on its back that is red bleeding and losing hair rapidly. the skin underneath looks dry. I am not sure what to do because our vet is closed for the day.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on October 25th, 2019

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Ares. Poor boy! Apply gentle pressure to stop the bleeding. Wash the wound with warm water and antiseptic soap. To keep him from licking at it, you can put an Ecollar on him. You can get one at a pet store or make one at home. Keep the wound clean and dry, and monitor it for signs of infection. If you see redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, or pus, then it is infected and he will need to see the vet for antibiotics to treat it. I hope this helps!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 8th, 2017

    It's good that he is going to the vet, because I am suspicious that something under the skin is causing this wound. The vet will be able to explore it further and provide the most appropriate treatment to get this to heal. For now, try to keep the wound clean by flushing it with warm water for five minutes twice a day. Do not apply any soaps or antiseptics to the wound, because this can actually make things worse. Nothing else needs to be done until you see the vet (hopefully within the next day or two). I hope that helps and he gets better soon.

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