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Why is my 12-year-old cat losing fur with black skin on her leg?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 12 years and 7 months old | 8 lbs

a couple of weeks agoI noticed a patch of fur missing on the foreleg of my 12 yr old female cat, I assumed she had maybe been in a fight with another cat. How ever I noticed today that there is a black discoloration of the skin which I hadnt noticed before. Any ideas?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Bobbi Musgrove, DVM

Answered By Bobbi Musgrove, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 21st, 2017

It sounds like Willow's skin sustained enough trauma to cause the skin to die and the black area is no longer vital or alive. This can happen with cat bite wounds that develop infection underneath the skin, called an abscess. If there is a foul odor present or any drainage apparent,Willow likely needs to see you veterinarian to have the wound valuated and likely started on antibiotics.
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