Why does my cat have a hard fur clump stuck to its back skin?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly normal. However, it is too difficult to know that just based on this picture as it is a bit blurry. I would recommend you consider sending another picture so that this can be looked at more closely. We are looking forward to hearing from you again. Best of luck!

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. From the photo there does not appear to be any bald spots, however, it is not a very close up view. Honestly, unless there are bald spots and/or she is scratching the area I would not be too concerned. If the problem persists though (like for a few months) then you should take her to your vet for an exam. Some reasons there could be changes in the hair coat: 1. Diet - the special diet she is eating may be causing some nutrient imbalance. You should talk to your vet about putting her on a supplement for her coat (like fish oils) as this may help. 2. Skin Allergies - even if she has never had any symptoms of allergies before, they can develop over time. If this was the case though, I would expect hair loss and/or scratching, redness of the skin, etc. If you are not seeing any of that then this is not as likely to be the problem. 3. Fleas - again, I would expect hair loss and scratching. If you are not noticing that, then this is also not very likely to be the problem. 4. Stress - even if you don't think your cat is stressed, she could be. Try to see if you could think of anything that could be causing stress like visiting family, stray cats hanging around outside, you got a new pet, new furniture, etc.... 5. Thyroid disease- either a low or high thyroid can cause problems with the hair coat. Your vet can do a blood test to check for this. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The scab can be a mass, matted fur, infection, or chronic wound. It is difficult to say exactly what it may be without a photo. If Twilight allows, you can use an electric clipper to remove the fur around the area to keep it clean and get a better look. If you think that the area is increasing in size, starts bleeding, or is causing discomfort, I recommend having Twilight seen by a vet. I hope this helps and that all is well!

Hi, matted hair is common in domestic medium- and long-haired cats, especially in areas that are difficult to groom. Its unusual for fur to clump or become matted in a short-haired cat, though. This makes me wonder if there might be a wound or infection hidden beneath the clumped fur, that would be making the hairs stick together. If Tommy allows you to, I recommend seeing if you can brush his fur to relieve the clumping. If you can't, there is likely some sort of dried matter or discharge causing the clumping and I'd bring him in to the vet to determine the source of the problem. Similarly, if Tommy is sensitive or won't let you touch those areas, I'd be concerned about a problem on his skin, and recommend having him seen by a vet. Hope this helps!

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. From the picture it looks as though it Mau be a cyst that ruptured and dried on the fur. I would have this examined by a veterinarian to ensure there is no infection and to help give you a better answer after physically examining ming to give you the appropriate treatment recommendations. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You may be referring to a focal infection. However, it is not possible to know this just based on a description or a picture. This would require an actual examination of the area to see what may be wrong so that therapy can be recommended. If this continues, I recommend that you have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Best of luck!

It is hard to see what those are in the photos. My best guess is that those are some type of cocklebur. I would not be worried about this at all. Just remove them when you see them. If you want to post again with a better photo we may be able to help you more.