Hot spots are a common problem pet parents often see in dogs, but did you know cats can also get them? Let’s learn more about hot spots on cats, including how to get rid of them and stop them from coming back.
No cat parent wants to see their fur baby suffer from itchy, painful hot spots, but these pesky areas can be difficult to treat and manage without the right plan. Hot spots have many causes, and while it’s a good idea to talk to your veterinarian to identify the problem, it’s also important to take immediate steps to alleviate the symptoms and stop hot spots in their tracks. Read on to learn about treating and preventing hot spots on cats.
What Are Hot Spots and Why Do Cats Get Them?
Hot spots, or acute moist dermatitis, are localized patches of skin inflammation and, possibly, infection. They happen when your kitty constantly licks, scratches, or chews a particular spot on their skin, upsetting the skin’s natural bacteria/yeast balance. Once out of balance, the bacteria/yeast can quickly grow, leading to a skin infection called pyoderma. What’s more, the infection also produces pus that makes the wound even wetter. From there, the extra moisture causes greater irritation, more licking, and an ugly cycle.
Hot spots are generally painful and itchy. Cats often lose their fur in the area. The spot will feel warm/moist to the touch. Plus, your furry friend will likely smell bad too!
Hot spots can occur just about anywhere, but they most often show up on the tail, thigh, tummy, and neck. Common causes include:
- Fleas or other parasites are the #1 cause of hot spots on cats.
- Environmental and food allergies, especially for outdoor cats, who are are exposed to more environmental allergens.
- Bacterial or fungal infections, such as ringworm.
- Pain from wounds or disease. Arthritis, anal gland disease, other illnesses, and skin wounds can cause excessive fussing that starts the hot spot process.
- Stress or anxiety, which can cause overgrooming and excessive licking.
3 Steps to Treating Hot Spots on Cats
When your cat develops a hot spot, the best place to start is with a trip to the veterinarian. They can give you a treatment plan. Often, hot spot treatment includes:
1. Trim the Fur Around the Area
This enables air to get at the hot spot, which can help it heal faster. Furthermore, removing excess fur can make it easier to apply cleaning and treatment solutions.
2. Clean the Area
Soak sterile gauze with a clinically proven wound care solution like Banixx Pet Care Spray. This will kill bacteria and prevent infection without damaging healthy tissue or causing additional irritation.
3. Prevent Further Scratching and Licking
Although your cat probably won’t like it, a pet cone or inflatable collar will stop them from licking and scratching, giving the hot spot time to heal.
Preventing Hot Spots on Cats
One of the most important prevention steps is diagnosing and addressing the underlying cause, whether that’s allergies, stress, parasites, or something else. Your veterinarian can help you determine the source of the problem.
Beyond that, you should also groom your cat regularly and inspect their skin for signs of irritation that could indicate a hot spot is developing. This is especially important with long-haired cats, who are more susceptible to hot spots.
A Proven Hot Spot Treatment from Banixx
Banixx Pet Care Spray is a veterinarian-recommended multipurpose solution that provides fast-acting first-aid care. Formulated without alcohol, steroids, or antibiotics, the sting-free, antimicrobial spray cleanses the area while soothing and treating hot spots. Simply moisten sterile gauze with the spray and apply it to the affected area two to three times daily for up to eight days.
Visit Banixx to learn more about hot spots on cats and using Pet Care Spray to manage other skin-related issues in dogs and cats.
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