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My indoor cat is licking a skin lesion. What's wrong with her?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | spayed

Just noticed this on my female adult cat. She is an indoor cat and there are no other animals in our home. I’m unable to take her to vet because I have no money. I feel terrible.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Daniela Jessen, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 12th, 2019

Hi,
I think one of the first conditions to rule out here would be eosinophilic granuloma complex (EGC) which refers to a group of inflammatory skin problems in cats. The skin lesion on the picture may be an eosinophilic plaque. Common sites are the hind legs and the stomach. The lesions can be large and may be itchy, and the cat may frequently tries to licks and even bites at the affected site which can make it worse. Most cases of ECG are due to allergies ( fleas /food/ atopy=environmental). Flea control is very important in the treatment. Most cases respond well to medical treatment with corticosteroids (prednisolone commonly) and antibiotic if infected. She will need to be checked by a vet to confirm and to be treated. Hope this helps

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 13th, 2016
This unfortunately can be a chronic condition but most cases respond well to treatment with various medications. Some cats also seem to have an underlying allergy to foods or other things in the environment and switching to a prescription hypoallergenic diet is often enough to keep lesions in remission. Good flea control is important as well if there are fleas in your area. Talk to your veterinarian about what changes you can make at home in addition to medications.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on August 10th, 2017
Eosinophilic granulomas are often a type of allergic reaction. The main groups of allergies in pets are food, fleas, or environmental. Make sure that Honey is on a good flea preventative, even if she never goes outside. You can try a limited ingredient cat food that does not contain a "typical" source of protein, like chicken, beef, or lamb. You can look for things like duck, buffalo, salmon, kangaroo, etc. Feed only that 1 cat for for 3 weeks and see if the granuloma appears to look better. You can discuss use of anti-histamines or steroids with your veterinarian. You can also try alternative medical therapies like acupuncture to stimulate the immune system.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My cat has eczema-like rash on leg, keeps licking. What to do?

Hi and thanks for using PetCoach! Sorry to hear about Darby. Definitely looks like an angry lesion that itches a lot. Not 100% sure what this is but it looks like part of the Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex. Here is a link- http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/Health_Information/eosinophilic.cfm Otherwise this could be a bacterial skin infection, a skin mite infection, external parasite problem (fleas, ticks, etc), allergic reaction, among other things. You should take Darby to your vet and let them examine her. Your vet will gather a detailed history and evaluate Darby. They will then propose a diagnostic/treatment plan based on their clinical findings. Possible tests include skin scrape, skin cytology, etc. Treatment could include antibiotics, anti-itch medicines, an Elizabethan collar to prevent licking, etc. The licking has to be stopped or this will never heal. Cats tongues, as you probably know are very rough and will continually irritate the area when she licks it. Good luck

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