How to help cat scratching, licking, bumps, bald spots before vet?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | spayed | 15 lbs
Our cat is scratching and licking a lot. We’ve noticed some bumps over the last couple weeks and a couple spots that are bald. Is there anything I can do to help until I can get an appointment with a vet?
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on May 15th, 2018
Poor Bany Girl! There are a few things you can try at home for her, but ultimately getting her into the vet for treatment is best. She may hate it, but you can try giving her an oatmeal bath. That may help soothe her skin, and temporarily relieve the itchiness. You can supplement her diet with fish oils containing omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids. These can help with skin inflammation. You can find some fish oil supplements for cats online or at a local pet store. Also encourage her to drink plenty of water, as dry skin can cause itchiness. Add water to her dry food, or mix in some canned food to get extra moisture into her diet. Give your vet a call to make an appointment for her in the next couple of days. Best of luck, I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on March 6th, 2017
You can try giving Ru a soothing bath in oatmeal, as that can help temporarily relieve itchiness in cats. Coconut oil won't help, and it's more likely that he will just lick it all off. Try the oatmeal baths, and have him seen by a vet either tomorrow or the next day.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on October 28th, 2017
It sounds like Princess is itchy and that is why she is pulling her fur out. She could have allergies or parasites (like mites or fleas). The red bumps on the skin could be infection. This very commonly happens secondary to the chewing and scratching. While you can try to treat topically with a gentle antiseptic like Hibiclens (available at most drug stores) and a triple antibiotic ointment, she will most likely need oral medications if it is widespread. Make sure that you put a cone on her if you are going to use topical medications so she can't lick them off. I would recommend taking her to your veterinarian for an exam and skin scraping. The vet will take a sample from the surface of her skin and look at it under the microscope to see if she has parasites, or infection with yeast or bacteria. The veterinarian can then prescribe the best treatment for exactly what is causing the problem.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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