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My cat has clumpy, itchy, tender fur on her back. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Bengal | Female | spayed | 3 years and 3 months old | 20 lbs

My 3 r old cat has developed a skin/fur issue running straight across her back. Clumpy fur, itching and tender in certain spots. I have been cleaning the surface and applying a cream. The reason for the on-line visit is due to an incident that happened a week ago. I had an appt with our vet and due to Covid they wouldn't allow anyone in. A kid came out to get my cat and dropped her, 9 hours I spent looking for her in an over-grown wooded lot until 3 am. She was traumatized, so was I

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on November 8th, 2020

I'm so sorry you and your cat went through that, sadly accidents happen but you got her back and that's the main thing. However, there is no way to know for sure what is going on with her skin without an exam. You may be able to collect some of the crusty flaky clumps for your vet to examine without taking her in, call and ask if that is something they would be willing to do. You might also consider getting her a stronger more secure cat carrier, that way if she were accidentally dropped again she would at least still be contained and unable to run away and hide. The skin could be affected by a yeast infection, bacterial skin infection, there are a number of possibilities and treatment vary from condition to condition. Or, if there is a feline-only veterinarian in your area, they might be better trained to handle your cat without further stress.

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