Cat skin advice

[AMLK]

We have a well known stray in our village. He is often around our garden as our cat tolerates him quite well. This evening he was sitting on our garden table so I went to say hello. That is when I noticed his is missing fur on both his hips. This was the best photo I could get before he wandered off.
Is there something wrong with him that I need to do something about? Also is there any risk to our cat?

[Big Al.]

Tight squeeze through a gap/fence perhaps?

[paintman]

Possibly flea irritation issues causing him to pull out the fur in those areas?

[Some Gump]

AMLK said:

Cat skin advice

Plenty of ways to do it.
You shouldn't do it.

HTH

[AMLK]

Some Gump said:

AMLK said:

Cat skin advice

Plenty of ways to do it.
You shouldn't do it.

HTH

Ewwww.

[AMLK]

Now checking my cat's flea treatment is up to date - fortunately yes, phew.
The skin is dry and slightly scaley under missing fur, no sign of fleas or flea dirt on him, also haven't seen him scratching or hitting.

I would ring SSPCA, but last time I rang about him they weren't interested when they came out. He had a large wound on his face, they said it was likely to be from a burst abscess but he was keeping it clean so there was nothing needed doing. Also they said he was a known stray in the area and they said he wasn't suitable for rehoming.

I feel sorry for him and would adopt him, but our cat doesn't like him in the house, plus he has sprayed when he has come in before.

[bexVN]

Fleas and dirt are not easy to spot unless actually combing him with a flea or nit comb.

Fleas have to be the first thought, can you get near him to put eg Frontine drops on him (a non px treatment!)

[AMLK]

Thanks. He is pretty friendly, especially if I have food!! I have 2 pipettes of frontline combo for my cat so will attempt to apply 1 on him next time he is around. Thanks again everyone.

[bexVN]

Frontine combo is the prescription only version (Frontine from supermarkets isn't) so I have to tell you shouldn't put it on him as it wasn't prescribed for him. (right my back is now covered so if you choose to use it then it is your informed choice )

[AMLK]

fair point!!

[jmsgld]

Without seeing the cat, at this time of year, fleas would be first on my list by some way.

I would use Advantage (large cat) over Frontline, another available without a prescription but I would say much more effective.