Why is my cat scratching bald spots? What's the cause and treatment?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Jennifer Ladd, DVM

  Veterinarian

  One of the most common and easiest things to treat for in conditions as you describe is fleas. There are many great prescription medications, oral and topical, that will kill fleas and help prevent reinfestation. I would recommend using this monthly. Also, if there are fleas present they can be tough to get rid of in your house so you need to be diligent about cleaning for several months to get all the life stages. I cannot say for certain this is what is bother Ollie, but it is where I would start.

  

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• Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on October 27th, 2019

  Meow sounds itchy. This itching could be caused by fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If he isn't up to date on his flea treatment, I can give you one for him. First, I would give him Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash his bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. If he is up to date on his flea treatment, I recommend taking him into the vet for an exam today or tomorrow. The vet can do blood tests, skin scrapings, and use a Wood's lamp to diagnose allergies, mites, and ringworm. Once the cause of the itching is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment.
  

  

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• Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on January 26th, 2017

  These little black dots on Boo Boo could be flea dirt, which is flea poop. This, plus him pulling off his hair, are signs he has fleas. You don't have to take him to the vet yet, I can give you a flea treatment program for him. First, I would give him Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash his bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home.
  
  If Boo Boo is up to date on his flea treatments, then I would have him seen by a vet to diagnose what is causing his symptoms, which can include allergies.

  

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• Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on September 17th, 2017

  Fleas could be the cause of this and even see the typical-appearing flea dirt on the skin. I cannot be certain without examining Mr. T though, so I cannot diagnose him with any condition based on this.
  
  However, it's totally safe to treat for fleas as long as you buy flea products that are labeled for cats from the pet store. I recommend first doing a good bath with a flea shampoo. This will help to wash away most of the fleas and help keep the skin from getting infected. Two days after the bath, you can apply a spot-on treatment like Frontline, which will kill the rest of the fleas and keep them off for a month. It will be best for you to do this every month if there is a lot of fleas in your area. Here is a link to a short article that may help: https://www.petcoach.co/article/the-best-flea-prevention-plan-for-your-cat/
  
  You can also apply a triple antibiotic ointment to those sores on the head. You need to this daily for it to be effective though. Clean these areas with water (no soaps or antiseptics) prior to applying the ointment. Don't apply the ointment to places that can be licked.
  
  If Mr.T is not getting better within two weeks after doing all of these treatments, then you should take him to the vet for a good evaluation, diagnosis and treatment plan for his conditions.
  
  I hope that helps and Mr. T gets better soon.

  

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