My cat's skin is raw after cutting matted hair. Should I see a vet?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Harley. Poor girl. I agree, it does look a bit raw. Typically this isn't an emergency, but if it's really bothering her, causing her pain (signs of pain can include lethargy and loss of appetite), and/or appears infected, then I would have her seen by an ER vet. Otherwise, you can take her in over the weekend or Monday. I hope this helps!

She could have irritated skin and possibly a skin infection from the hair mat. You could clean the area with an antispetic wound cleaner and apply an OTC antibiotic cream and see if that helps. Otherwise, she should be examined by a vet for treatment. She may need an oral antibiotic and anti-inflammatory to treat.

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Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I think it would heal better and quicker if you did take her to the Vet. Clipping the fur in the area to evaluate it better and allow it to dry out would be best. Honey likely will need an antibiotic or a topical cream. If she is scratching she may need something to relieve the itch. Also check for fleas since she goes outside. It could be an allergy, in cats they can develop red plaques on their face, neck and belly with food and environmental allergies. I hope this helps and I wish Honey a speedy recovery!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Sparkey! If you can post a picture that would really help! If the wound is full thickness a few stitches may be needed. A vet exam is likely the best thing for him. Otherwise I would get an E-collar and have him wear it to prevent licking until the area has healed. You can clean it was water and a mild soap daily and apply a topical triple antibiotic cream as well. I wish Sparkey a speedy recovery!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Lily. Poor girl! Yes I would get those matts shaved out, they will be painful to her. I'd also recommend having her seen by a vet. She's stopped grooming herself for a reason, and it could be it's painful for her to groom. Arthritis is common in senior cats. A chronic illness, such as diabetes and kidney disease, could sap a cat's energy and lead them to not grooming. Both of those are common in senior cats. I recommend having her seen by a vet this week, and getting her a geriatric blood panel and urinalysis. I hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Harley! If she is eating, active, not limping and the wound isn’t deep and only superficial you can just watch her for any changes. Be sure she doesn’t excessively lick the wound. You can always post a picture for us to look at. I wish you the best!