What's Causing Your Cat's Hot Spots?
Posted on: 26 August 2015
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If your cat is developing raw, red patches on his or her skin, these are known as hot spots. They can be very painful for a cat, and if not treated, they may become infected. Thus, it's important to identify and treat their underlying cause. Ask yourself these questions to help determine the source of your cat's ailment.
Are the spots perfectly round with scaly skin at their centers?
Round, scaly patches, often with a pimple-like lesion at their center, are often caused by ringworm. These lesions typically appear on the head, ears, and front legs. Ringworm can be spread from animal to animal – even through sheets, toys, and other items your cat comes into contact with. It's a fungal infection, in spite of its name. If your cat is diagnosed with ringworm, your vet will likely treat it with a topical or oral antifungal drug.
Does your cat show signs of fleas?
Some cats are highly allergic to fleas, and they develop painful, itchy spots when bitten. This condition is known as flea allergy dermatitis. Signs of fleas to look for include:
- The presence of black-brown, wingless bugs that measure about 2.5 mm in length on your cat's skin. (Look for them behind the ears and on the stomach.)
- Red spots on fabric after a cat gets up.
- Pepper-like specks on your cat's fur. These are flea feces.
If you think your cat may have fleas, your vet will prescribe an insecticide to get rid of the fleas. An antihistamine medication will help with the itching, and a topical antibiotic will help prevent the hot spots from becoming infected.
Have there been stressful changes in your cat's life lately?
Cats who are under stress sometimes over-groom themselves. This may lead to the formation of red, irritated patches on their skin. If you have recently brought home a new pet, moved your cat's food or litter box to a less appealing location, or moved to a new home, your cat may be stressed.
If you're able to identify a possible source of your cat's stress, work to alleviate it. This is easier in some situations than in others. In the case of a new pet, your cat may just need some time to get used to it. If you've moved to a new home, make sure it's set up so that your cat can access high spaces and has plenty of places to hide.
In the meantime, your vet may be able to prescribe an antidepressant to help keep your cat at ease. An antibacterial cream may help encourage the hot spots to heal.
If you're not able to identify the cause of your cat's hot spots, seek vet assistance, from a vet like Abri Animal Hospital. These spots are painful, and you don't want your cat to suffer any more than is necessary.