Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My cat has a severe wound, is thin, and losing hair. What to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered

How do I clean amd heal a large open wound on the back leg of my cat. Skin is missing and i can see flesh. He is also gottem very very thin how do i fatten him up? He also is losing his hair.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 20th, 2017

Hi there and thank you for your post! If the wound is superficial (shallow) then you can clean it with a dilute Betadine solution (dilute with saline until a light brown color). If there is any muscle or deeper structures visible, I would get copper to a vet to have this looked at to make sure it does not need additional medical attention. As for the weight, I would ensure that there are no problems causing the weight loss such as a systemic disease or infection. If there is no explanation for the weight liss, then you can try feeding more calories per day or buy a food higher in fat and protein. With the wound, weight loss and hair loss, I would have your vet take a look at him to figure out I'd these are all individual problems or if they are all related. I hope this helps guide you in the right. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Food & Nutrition

My cat has a wound and hair loss from food allergy. Topical solutions?

Poor guy. If this is a food allergy, then make sure to first off switch him back to his original food. Then you can try shaving the hair around the wound and cleaning it with Betadine diluted 50:50 with warm water. If the wound resembles a "hot spot" then you can try some over the counter hot spot spray from your local pet store. However if this wound is more like a puncture, then its best to get your local vet to treat this area appropriately.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat has a hair loss wound from scratching. Should I see a vet?

Hello. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is very hard to tell from the photo what is going on. It is uncommon for cats to get general wounds just by rubbing up against something or scratching themselves - usually a wound is due to direct trauma like a bite from another cat. If he goes outdoors this could very well be the case. This wound may turn into an infection (abscess). At this stage I would just monitor the wound. Do not put anything on it. If you notice any of these things then you need to get him to your vet ASAP. * swelling around the wound * discharge coming from the wound * wound is hot to the touch * Casey stops eating/drinking or becomes lethargic * vomiting or diarrhea Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat has a skin wound on his back. How can I treat it at home?

It is difficult to say what the wound is from. I suggest you clip the hair around it as short as possible (be very careful not to cut his skin). Then apply this wound spray gel 3-4 times per day. If no improvement after a couple days or it starts to look worse then you will need to get him to a vet. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-cat-wound-and-skin-hydrogel

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My cat has deep wounds, is hiding, and won't eat. What's wrong?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! These look like lacerations that are fairly large and deep. This is probably traumatic in nature. Even though a close examination is usually needed for confirmation, I would highly suspect that these will require sutures to be able to close them. I highly recommend that you have Clyde evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would also likely start on antibiotics to prevent the onset of an infection or treat one if already present. Good luck and have a great day!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat has fleas, an open wound, and hair loss. Is it infected?

I would recommend a vet check to thoroughly examine the area and determine if any infection is present or if it is an inflammatory / allergic response to the fleas which would be expected to respond quickly to prescription antiinflammatory medications. Your vet can also review your current flea prevention programs and advise on additional steps which may help

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my cat losing hair around a healing tail wound with new spots?

The other spot was probably there at the same time but due to the fur covering the small puncture wound you did not see it. These wounds became infected and now that they are open the infection will drain out and they will heal. These are commonly due to cat bites or scratches. I clean them with peroxide and keep the scab off so the discharge can drain. If they are in an area the cat can’t lick I use a thin film of antibacterial ointment on them. Most fight wounds are either on the head or tail like these. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Thor.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat has a wound, is weak, and not eating. Did I treat it right?

That looks like a pretty bad wound that needs to be seen by your vet. Wounds on cats can easily get abscessed (infected) and if Nani is also weak and not eating I would be concerned he is very ill or in a lot of pain. Your vet can clip and clean the area, stitch up or drain any wounds/swelling, and provide you with pain medications and antibiotics to help with recovery.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share