My cat has an itchy, red, irritated spot. Can I safely use cortisone?

In general this is not advisable since human products are not made to be ingested. Cat grooming themselves very frequently and thus are likely to get the product in their mouth. Most treatments for cats will be systemic. Otherwise the veterinarian will carry pet safe ointments and sprays. Most of these cats will also wear an Elizabethan collar to prevent licking. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

This is not likely to cause a problem, but not ideal either. Topical Benadryl is not very effective in dogs and cats, and of course cats notoriously lick off whatever you put on them. Consider using [Zymox spray](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/zymox-spray-with-5-hydrocortisone). You can pick it up from the local Petco. Place an e-collar (cone) on him/her for a couple of days. If the spot isn't improving after 3-4 days, have your cat evaluated by a veterinarian. Thanks for asking PetCoach!

You can use cortisine cream twice daily for a week as long as the skin around his anus is not raw/bleeding. I do recommend bringing Sampson back to your vet to have his anal glands expressed as cats usually do not drag their butts across the rug unless their anal glands are full/impacted. Anal gland issues happen more frequently in dogs than cats but can definitely occur in cats as well. After an anal gland expression, your vet can also prescribe a topical steroid/antibiotic/antifungal ointment such as Dermavet which would be much more effective than cortisone cream. An e-collar, fecal exam, probiotics, prescription intestinal diet, subcutaneous fluids for dehydration/possible pancreatitis and metronidazole may be indicated as well. Good luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would just try over the counter 1% hydrocortisone cream. It will help tremendously with itching and pain. Unfortunately, shaving (which is actually a great idea) does cause itching sometimes as the hair regrows. If that’s not helping, talk with your vet about other prescription options. Best of luck to you and Junior!

The second ingriedent in that is alcohol and that may burn on raw and inflamed sking. Cats are sensitive to most products over the counter, but cortisone cream is safe to place on the skin on the bad spots but just make sure she does not lick it all off. Depending on her temperment, you can always do a bath in baby shampoo as this can soothe their skin

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Pixie! It is ok if Pixie licks a little of it. It would be best to consider an E-collar to prevent all licking and to give the skin a chance to heal. I do recommend that if her skin isn't better in a few days that you have a Vet look at her. Hope this helps!

It sounds like Zumba is having a form of allergy. There are different form of steroids that can be prescribe and that can help but definitively this medication is the best to resolve the itch (I would continue with that). I would discuss it with your veterinarian, as long acting injections and minimal oral dosages are available. There is also a nice topical spray available, it's called Cortavance and you can get it at the vets.