Why does my cat have a bald, bloody spot on his neck? Is it ringworm?

Hello, thank you for using PetCoach. This does not look like ringworm. It just looks like scratches or abrasions. If he is stray he most likely has fleas that is causing him to scratch that area. If he will let you apply medication you can use this product (linked below) on the affected area. Apply as many times as he will let you. Also, if you can get him treated for fleas that would nice. ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-cat-wound-and-skin-hydrogel-3-fl-oz-2659685 ) ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/advantage-ii-once-a-month-topical-small-cat-flea-treatment-6-mo-5-to-9-lbs-3036244 ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

This does not look like a natural shedding and it does look suspicious for ringworm but a cut or abrasion can sometimes be this same circular shape. As you probably know, ringworm is contagious to humans as well. Ringworm can generally be diagnosed by your veterinarian and I recommend to get your kitty checked out so that you know what you were dealing with. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This spot looks like ringworm to me. That is probably why your ointment is not working. I suggest you get Loki to the vet for an exam. They can give you a proper diagnosis and prescribe the correct medication.

Hello, and thank you for your question. Ringworm can be very stubborn to treat in cats and requires both oral medication and topical baths, often for several months until the ringworm is cleared from the cat and the environment. Unfortunately a benzalkonium chlorine spray will have no effect on ringworm. The only thing I could suggest at home would be a topical antibiotic cream that may help to treat any secondary bacterial infection. Besides that, I would highly advise seeing a veterinarian for more definitive treatment for the ringworm. I hope this helps, and that Smoky is feeling better soon!

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria or fungal infection). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics/antifungal meds (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 scratching. 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.

I am so sorry but the picture is too out of focus to see exactly what it is. It can be a bacterial infection but it absolutely can be ringworm. Your veterinarian will be able to let you know which one it most likely is and go over treatment options with you. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Yes, it could be. Animals don't get that distinct red ring from ringworm that people get. Ringworm is the number one skin problem in young cats so it is highly likely. I suggest you take him to a vet so you can get a proper diagnosis and then the appropriate treatment. Remember, ringworm is contagious, not only to other animals, but to people as well so be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling him. Hope this helps. Best wishes.