Bald patch on cat paw

[Anonymous]

Our otherwise healthy 3yo cat has recently developed a couple of bald patches on her paws. This wouldn’t give me pause except for the fact that the BWI exposed skin is scabby and gross. Semi-freaking out that it’s necrotic or something but she’s an indoor cat and is acting totally fine (playing, eating, etc.)

[Anonymous]

See the vet to find out if she has an infection or parasite that needs to be treated. Scabby and gross does not sound good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:See the vet to find out if she has an infection or parasite that needs to be treated. Scabby and gross does not sound good.

Oh definitely. Earliest I could get her in was Tuesday afternoon. Just worried it’s like, necrotic or something.

[Anonymous]

If she’s indoors it would be hard for her to contract a flesh eating bacteria. Maybe it’s ringworm or a fungus

[Anonymous]

She's probably developed a licking habit due to stress. Definitely see the vet as the area sounds like it is infected. You might have to use a cone to prevent her from making it worse until it heals

[Anonymous]

Where are the bald patches? My cat developed small bald patches on her hind heels. Googling tells me this is normal for active cats that do a lot of jumping.

But yes if you have questions, please take your kitty to the vet. She may not show her discomfort outwardly - cats usually don't.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where are the bald patches? My cat developed small bald patches on her hind heels. Googling tells me this is normal for active cats that do a lot of jumping.

But yes if you have questions, please take your kitty to the vet. She may not show her discomfort outwardly - cats usually don't.

OP here. It’s on the top of a front paw which I see her licking frequently so I think it’s just over grooming. She already has a vet appt. scheduled, I just had a moment of paranoia.

[Anonymous]

OP, did your cat go out when it was very hot? Hot asphalt can burn cat and dog paws and cause bald spots like what you are describing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, did your cat go out when it was very hot? Hot asphalt can burn cat and dog paws and cause bald spots like what you are describing.

She’s indoor only and we live in DC anyway (so the asphalt hasn’t been hot enough to cause burns in quite some time). But thank you!

Thanks all for the advice. I have decided to just keep her regular vet visit tomorrow and will continue monitoring. Obviously if she appears to be in pain at any point we will go to ER (for now she is acting normal, eating, and hanging out with us/not hiding like cats do when ill) but for now it would appear it can wait to see a doctor tomorrow.