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Why does my cat keep getting a bald spot on the back of his neck?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Longhair | Male | neutered | 1 year and 5 months old

My cat has a little bald spot on the back of his neck. He's had one before but we thought he just caught his fur on something. He's gotten another in almost the same spot so I'm wondering if it's something else's. He's not showing any signs of discomfort. He's perfectly normal behavior-wise.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 8th, 2017

I am sorry to hear about Newton! You don't mention if he is an indoor only cat or if there are other cats in the house. If there are other cats he interacts with, I wonder if they could be rough housing as this area could be an area that another cat is biting at playfully. Also, if you happen to use a topical flea preventative then we could be having an adverse skin reaction to the product if it is applied in this area. I would also look closely around your house at areas your kitty frequents to be sure there isn't some sharp object/corner that he could be injuring himself on. If none of these seem like possibly causes then a vet exam is warranted to check for signs of skin infection (bacterial or fungal such as ringworm) or allergies as a cause.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Hello and thank you for your post! From your pictures, it looks quite irritated in that area on his neck. It is difficult to give you an exact diagnosis but I would suspect either a rash due to contacting something irritating, ringworm (dermatophytosis), a skin infection or allergic skin disease or self induced from scratching at this area due to an insect bite. I would get him in to be seen by your vet because if this is ringworm, you could potentially contract it as well. Your vet can perform some additional tests on this area to rule some of the above out. Hope this helps and guides you in the right direction. Please feel free to contact me with any further concerns you may have. I am also available via consultation.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 24th, 2017
So sorry Steffy is having this issue. It is difficult to say what may be going on without a photo. Is there any way you can repost your question and include a photo or two?

Possibilities (without seeing a photo):

* injury
* ringworm
* skin mite
* allergy
* folliculitis
* injection site reaction (like from a vaccine)
* topical reaction to medication (like if you applied a flea medication to her in that area)

If it is just one small spot and it is not bothering her then I would just monitor it and see what happens. If it does not go away or gets worse then I would get her to your vet for an exam.

Hope this helps. Best wishes!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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