What's wrong with my cat's leg?

Question

A few days ago we suddenly noticed on the upper inside of my cat's front leg, there's a big bald patch. She licks it constantly. We can't figure out how it happened, because there's no wound or anything there. We think maybe her skin was irritating her there, like a rash or something, and that caused her to keep l*****g until the fur all came away. The skin is a little bit pink, but doesn't look too bad.

She absolutely hates going to the vet, so we've decided not to take her unless it persists, or gets worse. At the moment it doesn't seem to be bothering her, besides the constant l*****g.

Does anyone have any idea what could have caused this? Or anything we can do to help her, like any creams that might help? Has anyone had anything similar happen to their pets?

Thanks :-)

Answer 1

Ringworm can cause a patch on skin.  If that is the case, you will need to get medication for it.  I know how it's tough to take the cat to the vet, but if it persists, you probably should do it.  My cat didn't like the vet much either, but since he has kidney disease, he has been to the vet quite often, and it's not so bad.  It's better to treat the problem even if it makes your cat nervous rather than let the problem gets bad.  Most of the time, cats do take care of themselves well, so as long as it doesn't look like it's not getting worse, then maybe he will be okay :)

Answer 2

No cat actually enjoys going to the vet. (grinning)  It's over an hour of their not being in control of their world.

But the vet will be able to tell you if it's ringworm or stress or something else altogether.  And then you can give the cat a big treat when you get home.

Answer 3

well you should take her to the vet asap couse if its something seriuos she can get really sisk just have something to keep her calm like her fav toy or something or just talk to her and stroke her fur.

Answer 4

If there's no "rash", or bumps of any kind, then the l*****g could be caused by stress......new family member, new animal, change of routine in family, different food or litter, etc.  Just about anything that has changed could cause stress and l*****g.

Get some Bitter Apple spray at Petsmart or other pet store, and spray the bald spot and the area around it.  This should stop the constant l*****g.  

If you discover the cause of the stress, and it will be an ongoing event, then the vet can give you some meds for stress relief.

Good luck.................

Answer 5

Perhaps give your vet a call and see what they say, they may be able to advise you over the phone, although there is a good chance they'll tell you to bring the cat in, however there are millions of things it could be some are harmless some are not so if this is the advice they give you I would recommend taking the cat in.

Answer 6

If the spot is in a ring shape, it's possible it could be ringworm. Ringworm is a fungus which is very irritating and can spread. Usually the problem will go away in 4 months, but if the problem persist she will need medication.

Here's an article about ringworm.

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?...

Answer 7

Not sure of what the problem is but would seriously consider taking to vet.  In the meantime to keep her from l*****g would get an e-collar so she can l**k that are any longer.  You could also try and apply some triple antibiotic cream on it as well(but remember keep e-collar on so she can't l**k it off).  An e-collar kind of looks like a lamp shade.