My cat keeps licking a raw spot. Is it a hot spot or skin issue?

it is possible but it looks more like a hot spot from constant irritation and scratching. These usually start from a wound or trauma to the skin, they begin to lick and scratch to make it worse. The best thing to do is try to clip (no scissors) the hair to clean the skin with soap and water. From there you can apply cortisone cream and Neosporin until you can get him to the vet. He may need an e collar from a pet store to prevent further licking and grooming of the area.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Based on its appearance, that resembles a hot spot, or a moist-dermatitis brought about by licking. If it is at the base of the tail, this is a common place for cats to have a flea allergy/infection. I recommend having Baloo seen by a veterinarian who can perform a skin scrape test/cytology to see if there is evidence of secondary bacterial infection and/or other types of external parasites, such as fleas or mites. Baloo will need to wear an Elizabethan collar so that he does not continue to lick at this area and cause further trauma. He will also need to be on monthly topical flea and tick preventatives, purchased from your veterinarian. Flea and tick products that are available in food and pet stores are NOT effective OR safe for use on cats or dogs. I hope this is helpful!

Hello. That looks like a moist and sticky bacterial infection, but a proper diagnosis would come from a hands on examination with your veterinarian. It would be best to have him looked at ASAP, but in the meantime....the main goal is to clean the area and try to keep it dry. You can use some dish soap and water to gently clean the area, then wipe excess soap away and dry it . Do not rub or scrub the tissue very hard as it is probably uncomfortable. Your veterinarian will need to prescribe the appropriate antibiotic to eliminate the infection. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach

This doesn't look like a typical hot spot but the area is clearly bothering Riley. Be careful with the hydrocortisone cream. He may be licking it off, and the ingredients are not safe for him to ingest. I'd have him seen by a vet for this problem.

Thank you for your question about Oliver. I doubt it's a hot spot as you mentioned he has had it for some time. Some things like mite infections, on going allergies or even something like a eosinophilic granuloma can all have this type of appearance and history. While you can try an at home treatment, it may not work as certain conditions need medications in order to clear. If you want to try anything at home, you first need to protect the area from trauma (Oliver's tongue is very rough) by making Oliver wear and elizabethan collar at all times. Try to wash the area daily with an antibacterial hand soap (rinse it well) as long as Oliver tolerates it. Cats can strike out when they are stressed so make sure to not get bitten or scratched. Alternatively, you can get some pet cleansing wipes and clean the area daily. You can apply a small amount of coconut oil and rub it well into the skin-make sure Oliver does not lick at it. Coconut oil has some antibacterial proprieties and conditions the skin. This may help the wound to heal a little faster. If this does not help within a week, I recommend to take Oliver in to see his veterinarian. I hope this helps to point you in the right direction. Please feel free to post any further questions!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Licking until raw is a sign of irritation. This irritation can be due to fleas, other skin parasites, and sometimes other diseases such as tumors, intestinal pain if it on the stomach, or just a simple skin infection. I would recommend a visit to your vet for pain medications and antibiotics, and you will also need an E-collar to stop the self-trauma that is making it worse. Best of luck with Jackson!

It looks like Roxy has a small area of a skin infection. I recommend bringing her to a veterinarian. Here they can dispense antibiotics and potentially medication to help her stop licking or scratching (if she is). I hope Roxy feels better soon and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!