Hot Spots in Cats: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

What are hot spots?

Hot spots, also known as acute moist dermatitis or pyotraumatic dermatitis, are localised skin infections caused by over-grooming or irritation.

Common features:

• Appear suddenly as red, moist, swollen patches of skin
• Painful and sensitive to touch
• Often look smaller than they really are: clipping hair away can reveal a much larger area
• Generally linked to itching triggers such as fleas, allergies, or matted fur
• More common in warm, humid weather, but can nevertheless occur at any time of year

Common causes include:

• Fleas and flea allergies
• Food or environmental allergies
• Ear disease or ear mites
• Matted fur trapping heat and moisture
• Wounds, insect bites, or other trauma
• Stress or pain leading to over-grooming

If not treated, hot spots can spread rapidly and become more challenging to resolve. Always speak to a vet if you notice suspicious skin changes.

Symptoms of hot spots

Hot spots can occur anywhere, but are most common on the head, neck, and abdomen (tummy).

Symptoms include:

• Swollen, red, and warm skin
• Moist, oozing, or crusty patches
• Painful to touch
• Nasty smell from the affected area
• Localised hair loss or bald patches

Other signs may include:

• Constant licking, scratching, or chewing at one area
• Vocalisating (yowling) more when uncomfortable
• Reduced appetite or lethargy

In Dubai, cats that stay indoors in air-conditioned rooms may still be affected, particularly if they develop flea infestations, food allergies, or stress-related grooming habits.

Cats at more risk of hot spots

Any cat can develop a hot spot, but some are more vulnerable:

• Cats with allergies: including food and environmental (feline atopic skin syndrome)
• Elderly or ill cats: more likely to have matted fur as they groom less
• Long-haired or dense-coated cats: such as Persians and Maine Coons
• Overweight cats: skin folds can trap moisture and heat

Diagnosis of hot spots in cats

Most hot spots are diagnosed based on their typical appearance. If the hot spot does not heal or keeps returning, your vet may run further tests:

• Skin swabs, scrapes, or biopsies
• Ear flush and swab (if ear disease is suspected)
• Blood and urine tests
• Food trials or allergy testing
• Imaging, such as X-rays, if pain or other issues are contributing

Vet treatment for hot spots

Treatment usually involves:

• Clipping fur around the sore to expose and clean the skin
• Cleaning the area with antiseptic solutions
• Sedation or anaesthesia: to ensure the thorough cleaning procedure can be stress- and pain-free for your cat

Medications may include:

• Antibiotics: oral, injectable, or topical
• Anti-itch medicines: for example, steroids
• Pain relief medication
• Parasite treatments: fleas, mites, ticks
• Antifungal treatments if yeast is involved
• Ear drops, if linked to an ear infection

Home care for a cat with a hot spot

While vet treatment is essential, there are ways you can support healing at home:

• Use a buster (cone) collar or protective suit to prevent licking and scratching
• Keep the area dry and clean
• Use medicated shampoos, mousses, or creams as advised by your vet
• Consider giving omega oil product supplements to strengthen the skin barrier
• Follow a strict food trial if allergies are suspected: using novel or hydrolysed protein (allergen-free) diets
• Treat all pets in the household with vet-recommended flea and mite control

Tips on preventing hot spots in cats

• Use year-round parasite control against fleas, mites, ticks, and worms
• Wash bedding, toys, and bowls regularly
• Groom your cat weekly, especially long-haired breeds
• Feed a balanced diet, and consider a skin-support formula enriched with omega oils
• Keep your cat at a healthy weight: obesity increases the risk of skin infections
• Seek early veterinary advice if your cat becomes itchy or starts over-grooming

Can people or other pets catch hot spots?

Hot spots themselves are not contagious to people. The underlying causes, such as allergies, are also not contagious. Rarely, conditions like ringworm or mange can be transmitted to humans or other pets. If you’re concerned, speak to your vet or doctor.

When to worry about hot spots in cats

See a vet promptly if:

• Your cat is extremely itchy or distressed
• The hot spot is spreading or not improving with treatment

Contact a vet for advice if:

• You need recommendations for safe shampoos or skin supplements
• You’re unsure whether your cat’s itching is linked to allergies or parasites
• You’d like support with weight management for your cat

Worried your cat may have a hot spot? Book a check-up or same-day appointment at Modern Vet Hospital in Dubai. Their experienced veterinary team can quickly diagnose and treat skin infections, easing your cat’s discomfort and preventing the problem from spreading. From routine skin care advice to urgent treatment, Modern Vet Hospital offers compassionate, professional care to keep your cat healthy and comfortable.