What Causes Hot Spots in Cats

Reviewed by Dr. Kathy Adamson

June 18, 2021

Updated January 20, 2026

Is there anything more rewarding than the feeling you get from watching your cat stretch, smile, and purr as you scratch beneath their chin or behind their ears? You may even be lucky enough to sneak in a few belly rubs from time to time.

To scratch an itch is one of life’s simple pleasures for both humans and animals alike. However, if your cat is struggling with skin irritation or pain, they may scratch too much. Excessive scratching can create an open wound, leading to hot spots that turn a simple pleasure into a painful skin infection.

Keep reading to learn more about what causes hot spots in cats, and how you can detect, treat, and prevent future hot spots for your furry friend.

The Root of the Problem

Hot spots in cats (also known as pyotraumatic dermatitis or acute moist dermatitis) are not that common in cats but when they do occur, it's often because a cat exacerbates an itchy or sore area by biting or licking it until the skin becomes irritated and infected.¹

The resulting wound is referred to as a hot spot because the cat’s immune response makes the area feel hot to the touch.²

There are a variety of irritants that may cause cats to excessively scratch or bite at themselves, including³:

Environmental allergens – Environmental allergens can include naturally occurring culprits such as pollen, dust mites, and mold, or irritants that enter your home through store-bought products, such as air fresheners or laundry detergent. If you’ve recently introduced a new product to your home or cat, stop using the product to see if your cat’s excessive scratching decreases. If your cat’s condition doesn’t improve, contact your veterinarian to discuss options for allergy testing and cat hot spot treatment.
Food allergies – Introducing new food into your cat’s diet could be the source of their skin irritation. To identify a potential food allergy, discuss a specialized trial diet with your veterinarian.
Improper grooming – If your cat’s fur isn’t regularly brushed, it can become knotted and tangled, creating painful, itchy mats. Not only do these thick mats interfere with the circulation of air to your cat’s skin, but they also create a dark, moist environment where bacteria can thrive, particularly during hot summer months. When a cat scratches matted fur and creates an open wound, bacteria festering beneath the matted fur can enter the wound, leading to infection.

To prevent mats and cat hot spots, be sure to brush your cat often and try to fit in regular claw trimmings. Shorter claws will cause less damage if your cat does get the urge to scratch an itch.

Fleas – The most common cause. When a flea bites your cat, the flea saliva can trigger an allergic reaction, characterized by inflammation and itchiness. To help keep your feline friend flea-free, ask your veterinarian about monthly flea treatments, and be sure to brush your cat regularly. With daily grooming, you’re more likely to spot fleas or flea dirt, which will appear as dark flecks on your cat’s skin.
Pain – Older cats may develop arthritis or other age-related aches. Often, biting or licking a painful spot is the only way cats know how to cope with pain and discomfort. It’s not unusual for hot spots to develop over painful joints.
Boredom – If your cat isn’t getting the mental or physical stimulation they need, they may bite or scratch at their skin out of boredom. To prevent your cat from developing this habit, add extra playtime to your kitty’s daily routine, such as playing with a feather wand, hunting treats hidden in toys, or navigating a kitty obstacle course out of cardboard boxes.

How Do You Know If Your Cat is Experiencing a Hot Spot?

Here are some signs your cat may be struggling with a hot spot⁴:

Biting or licking – Hot spots, especially if they become infected with bacteria, are incredibly itchy and painful, so biting, licking, or otherwise paying excessive attention to a specific area may be a sign of irritation or pain. A hot spot may be to blame.
Round sores – Well-defined red sore that may ooze or have a scab.
Hair loss – Hair loss or fur discoloration around the wound.

Treatment

Most hot spots can be treated in the comfort of your home. If more than one hot spot exists or if you cat seems to have unusual symptoms, contact your veterinarian for advice. However, for simple hot spots, you can try this three-step process at home:

Step 1: Clear the area – Trim the fur around the affected area. Because trimming can be painful or nerve-racking for your cat, be sure to take your time and work carefully. If your first attempt doesn’t work, ask your veterinarian to trim the area for you.
Step 2: Clean the area – Clean the hot spot with either a saline solution or a feline safe-wound cleaner such as Vetericyn Plus® Antimicrobial All Animal Wound and Skin Care solution. This has the added benefit of soothing pain and itch.
Step 3: Protect the area – Apply a non-toxic product, such as Vetericyn Plus® Feline Antimicrobial Hydrogel, to prevent further infection and speed healing. This non-irritating hydrogel adds an extra layer of protection, guarding the area while keeping it moist to promote optimal healing. It also soothes and reduces itch.

These can rapidly get worse if not treated properly, so if the lesion doesn’t improve, gets worse, or doesn’t respond to treatment, call you veterinarian.

Keep Your Feline Friend Happy, Healthy, and Itch-Free With Vetericyn

Even though your cat can’t tell you if they’re in pain, you can pay attention daily and discover issues early. By being vigilant about hot-spot prevention and noting any changes in your cat’s behavior, you can help prevent discomfort from itchy, irritated, or infected skin.

With Vetericyn on your side, you’re prepared for hot spots. Vetericyn’s non-toxic Wound and Skin Care solution, along with Feline Antimicrobial Hydrogel, quickly treats the wound, stops the itch, and helps your cat get back to enjoying the simple pleasures in life. Noticing similar symptoms in your dog? Learn more about hot spots in dogs, how to identify an infected hot spot on dogs, and what causes hot spots on dogs in our latest blog posts.

For trusted, at-home animal wellness care, choose Vetericyn. Visit our catalog to learn about all our animal wellness solutions across species.

Reviewed by Dr. Kathy Adamson

Dr. Kathy Adamson earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine.

She completed a one-year small animal medicine and surgery internship at the North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine. Alongside her studies, Kathy worked in a research lab, contributing as an author and co-author to various journal articles.

She has also pursued medical writing and editing certification through the University of Chicago Graham School. Currently, she runs KMA Veterinary & Medical Writing, a freelance medical writing company, serves as the Digital Content Manager for the Greater Chicago Area Chapter of the American Medical Writers Association, is a member of the AMWA Communications Committee, and enjoys writing about healthcare topics for people and their cherished pets.

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