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.
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
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!
16Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on September 8th, 2017
Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. From the picture and your description, I would suspect this to be an infected wound that is not responding to the antibiotics or an abscess. It can take time to heal and may take more than a few days. If you feel it is worsening, I would have Cocos wound rechecked. I would consider culturing this to ensure the antibiotic you are using is the most effective. If it is an abscess, he may need to be sedated and have the wound cut open and drained. I hope this helps! Please feel free to contact me with any further questions or concerns you may have. I am also available via consultation if needed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on March 6th, 2019
Hi, and thanks for your question. Even though a picture would help to understand better the underlying cause, generally speaking this presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking/scratching (if any). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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