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Why does my cat have a hairless patch and dried blood on her neck?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat is four and a white hairless patch has appeared the back of her neck, she also has what looks like dried flakes of blood there, what could this be? She also love rubbing her chin on the scratching post to the point of dribbling and sometime it appearing red, is this a problem? Also do you think she's lost hair by her ears, is this a problem, she has blond hair there so i can't tell if its hair loss

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on May 30th, 2019

Hair loss is that area could be a few things. If you are using a topical flea medication and applying it there, that could be the cause. Cats can also get skin mites, allergies or ringworm (which humans can get), or an injury. Could the dried blood be from her scratching with her hind paw? From the photos, I don't appreciate any hair loss around the ears.
Minor wounds can often heal on their own. Monitor the lesion closely, if it doesn't begin healing within a week or if it starts looking worse, have her examined by the veterinarian. Also make sure she is not scratching at the area. Best of luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 7th, 2016
It sounds like she has a hot spot (moist dermatitis) which can be caused by an allergy, parasite, infection, etc. You could give her a bath with a medicated shampoo and see if that helps but she probably needs an antibiotic, anti-histamine, and/or a corticosteroid to help treat the lesion. Your vet can prescribe medications to help.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jeffrey Milner
Veterinarian
Published on July 10th, 2017
Hi, if your cat has been outside the most likely reason for a skin problem is fleas and ear mites. Ears mites can cause itching, which will make the ears scab and bleed. You can purchase a remedy for this at a pet store, it is a liquid you put in the ear canal. Sometimes cats can have flea allergies so even one flea bite can cause their skin to flare up. She should be on a monthly preventative for fleas. Unfortunately, natural treatments don't work very well for flea prevention once the animal already has a problem. I recommend a high quality veterinary endorsed product like a seresto collar or frontline, advantix or vectra. Some natural remedies work well for pets that don't have severe skin issues or do not spend much time outside. There are shampoo products at pet stores that have natural ingredients, or sprays, that will help soothe his skin while you are treating him. Good luck, i hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My cat keeps losing fur on its neck. What could be the cause?

[Hair loss](https://www.petcoach.co/article/causes-of-hair-loss-alopecia-in-cats/) can be caused by allergies or infection of the skin, and in severe cases by metabolic issues. Chronic stress or excessive licking of an area can also lead to hair loss in just one particular place. Preventing your cat from licking and chewing at the area with the use of a T-shirt or Elizabethan collar (cone) may help. Examine the area for redness,parasites, bleeding, bruising or discharge. If you see a target-like or red "ring" of irritation, it may indicate a fungal infection called [ringworm](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/ringworm/), which can be easily spread to other people and pets so should be handled carefully. If you do see anything suspicious, consider an exam with your veterinarian for a definitive diagnosis and treatment. Hair regrowth may take a few months depending on how much hair is lost as well as the underlying cause.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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Why is my cat lethargic with a growing red hairless spot on her neck?

Poor cat! If the wound is growing in size, it's time to go to your vet. Problems such as allergies to parasite bites, fungal infections such as ringworm, infections of the skin, abscesses/sores etc can all be potential causes which is why a vet visit is needed to determine the cause, provide treatment such as pain meds and antibiotics, etc. Until you can get to your vet, keeping the area clean and dry may help as well as preventing your cat from licking, but if he is acting ill and hiding away he is likely already painful or worsening so needs care.

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My cat's old neck hair loss patch is now bigger and bleeding. Why?

Poor Ozzie! Since the area is changing without any obvious cause, I recommend to have him checked by his veterinarian. It’s unusual for a quiet lesion to suddenly flare up. It’s possible this is coincidental however and your veterinarian may be suspicious of something like fleas or allergies. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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Why does my cat have sores, hair loss, and tiny things on its neck?

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Why does my outdoor cat have a small patch of missing fur on his head?

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There is a variety of reasons that can explain alopecia or hair loss. The causes can easily be differentiated by the clinical signs associated with it and the physical exam findings. If Freckles is only showing some hair loss without scratching or overgrooming then it could conditions such as alopecia areata that can affect cats and usually resolves on its own. If there is evidence of scratching and you start noticing some redness or irritation associated with it, then other conditions such as allergies are possible. If you notice him overgrooming himself in that area then it could be something like psychogenic alopecia which is more of a behavioral issue. I think that since he is not having overt clinical signs and it is mostly hair loss, I think it is possibly transient and could resolve on its own. You can monitor this closely and if it does not resolve or it worsens then have him examined by your veterinarian. Good luck!

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My cat's neck has a red, flaky, bleeding spot. What could it be?

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Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my cat losing hair on her neck, but her skin looks fine?

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There is a variety of reasons that can explain alopecia or hair loss. The causes can easily be differentiated by the clinical signs associated with it and the physical exam findings. If Wendy is only showing some hair loss without scratching or overgrooming then it could conditions such as alopecia areata that can affect cats and usually resolves on its own. If there is evidence of scratching and you start noticing some redness or irritation associated with it, then other conditions such as allergies are possible. If you notice her overgrooming herself in that area then it could be something like psychogenic alopecia which is more of a behavioral issue. I think that since she is not having overt clinical signs and it is mostly hair loss, I think it is possibly transient and could resolve on its own. You can monitor this closely and if it does not resolve or it worsens then have her examined by your veterinarian. Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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