My cat's spider bite area is dark and growing. Is this normal?

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It looks like the tissue has begun to granulate, which is a good step in the healing process. The "burn" he feels is likely due to the exposed tissue bed which still feels very "raw" With the size of this wound and the type-I usually recommend oral antibiotics as well as a topical healing agent like Manuela honey. For these-you will need to see a veterinarian for a prescription, especially if OTC topicals are no longer helping. You have done well so far, but it looks like this wound may just need a little more help. Clipping the hair around the border of the wound will help keep it from trapping fluid seepage from there as well. I hope this helps!

I am sorry to hear about your concern for Genkl. I would just recommend monitoring the area daily. Hopefully this was just a small spider and will just cause a local irritation, but it is best to keep an eye on the area to watch out for infection or damage to the tissue which can result from certain types of spiders (Brown recluse). If you notice the area is continuing to increase in size, if it opens up and starts draining, or the skin turns purple or dark in color, then an exam at your vet is recommended.

Hi. Poor Smokey. Unfortunately for a lesion like that, and progressing, there is no home treatment you can do. It may even progress to the point of affecting how he feels and internal functions. He needs professional treatment by a trained veterinarian. He will most likely need medications prescribed by your veterinarian. Good luck

What you are seeing is likely dead skin and will fall off soon. Once the skin falls off, there will likely be an open wound. Once this happens I would see the veterinarian for a recheck examination as it will need to be cleaned out from infection to ensure healthy tissue grows back in. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

Hello and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! When there has been inflammation in the skin (like what happens secondary to a flea bite) the skin will sometimes change color as it heals. That area looks like it is starting to regrow hair and that the original inflammation is subsiding so I wouldn't be concerned. It is recommended to use at least 4 months of consistent flea prevention to fully eradicate fleas or all year round if Lynx is an outdoor cat. A high quality flea preventative like Frontline plus, Revolution or Advantage should be used.

Yes a spider bite can cause a swelling. the swelling does not look very extensive so likely was not caused by one of the "nasty" spiders such as a black widow or a brown recluse. If your kitty, however, starts getting abdominal pain (rigid belly) or the swelling starts to change color, then a visit at the emergency room is the next step. If Maisey eats, drinks, lets you touch the swelling and otherwise does not act ill, then I think you have nothing to worry about and the swelling should go away within a day or so.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly an infection site though it is hard to really see well based on a picture. An examination would be really helpful in determining what is the most likely cause. Since it has already started improving, I would recommend you continue monitoring this. If you notice any discharge, bleeding or pain from it, have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Best of luck!