Why is my cat licking a bald spot with crust? Should I see a vet?

It may be a contact allergy to something in the environment. I suggest you put an E-collar on him to stop the licking and apply this spray to the affected area. If after a week it is not better then take him to your vet for an exam. ( https://www.amazon.com/Pet-Cute-Comfy-Cone-Water-Resistant/dp/B01M9I7NGK/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=cat+soft+e+collar&qid=1580747169&sr=8-2 ) ( https://www.amazon.com/Vetericyn-Plus-Feline-Wound-Skin/dp/B01M28PQLR/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=vetericyn+cat&qid=1580747200&sr=8-8 )

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria but fungal infections are possible as well). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (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 (if any). 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. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

It's good that the area has stopped bleeding. I would keep an eye on it for now. I would gently clean the wound with warm water and antiseptic soap. Keep the wound clean and dry, and monitor it for signs of infection. If you see redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, or pus, then it is infected and Nick will need to see the vet for antibiotics to treat it. I hope this helps!

An Elizabethan (cone) collar to stop Lily from licking is a good first step as that will stop the irritation and spread of any bacteria from her tongue. Keeping the sore spot clean and dry with a washcloth or pet wipe can also help it to heal and clear up with less irritation. Hair coming back can take a bit longer if it's been licked bald. If the area doesn't heal even with home care, or worsens, a vet visit is best to check the spot, and treat it for any infection, etc.

Poor Izzy! Most likely she has caused that wound herself from scratching. I would make sure she is on a flea preventive such as Frontline, Advantage or Revolution as that would be a good reason for why she is so itchy. Allergies would be another possibility but less likely given that she is still a kitten. Cats typically heal very quickly but if the wound is not getting better on I would take her to the vet as she may need antibiotics. Good luck!

Two things you didn't mention: Was Mikimoto-san tested at all for thyroid issues or other metabolic issues? Sometimes thyroid and other issues can present with changes in weight, eating habits, hair loss and more. A full blood panel if you haven't had one done already can help. The other thing to look for is stress over-grooming. Cats can start obsessively licking as a result of stress, and the behavior can become a habit that continues even after the stressor is removed. Making sure Miki-san has his own place to relax, eat, drink, use litter and more can help reduce stress as well as using pheromone diffusing plug-ins or collars. If the stress has been removed but the licking continues, you may need to break the habit by placing an Elizabethan (cone) collar or T-shirt on him to prevent licking until he doesn't feel the urge to continue.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Casper. I recommend that that he sees a veterinarian. He will likely need to have the hair shaved to better evaluate under area. He could have an infection, a wound or be experiencing an allergy. In the meantime, place an E-collar on him to prevent any further self trauma. Based on his exam findings, his veterinarian will prescribe medication to help him feel better. I hope this information helps!