Caring for pets can be a pleasurable experience, but it brings an immense amount of responsibility as well. Animals are extremely loyal and lovable, but in return, they require your care and affection. Cats are one of the more popular pets. In addition to taking care of your cat's diet and hygiene, you also must administer proper medical treatment when necessary. A hot spot is a common health problem in cats, so understanding this disorder is beneficial.
Nature of the Disease
Although a hot spot, also referred to as acute moist dermatitis, may develop in any species, long-haired cats are prone to this skin condition, especially during hot weather. There are several causes of feline hot spots, including insect bites, mainly from fleas and mites; allergies; ear infections; and poor hygiene.
Hot spots are characterized by circular raw lesions usually on the head, hips and sides of the chest. Such lesions are moist and swollen, and result in hair loss in the area of occurrence. Typical symptoms include constant scratching and licking or biting the irritated area, which, in turn, aggravates the inflammation, leading to even larger sores. For this reason, hot spots are known as pyotraumatic dermatitis, which implies self-inflicted inflammation.
Fur Trimming
Once the symptoms appear, it is important to take the animal to the veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. However, there are things you can do to improve the condition. Shave the hair in the affected area to facilitate optimum treatment and early healing of the sores. Exposing the hot spot to air facilitates skin drying and healing. Clean the affected area carefully using an antibacterial solution or astringent. Remember, the pain can evoke aggression in the animal when touched.
Aspirin and Tea Bags
Mix two adult aspirins and 1 tbsp. of rubbing alcohol in 1 cup warm water in which a tea bag has been steeped. Allow the aspirins to dissolve before discarding the tea bag. Let the solution cool. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and cleanse the hot spot. Dab some hydrocortisone cream on the hot spot afterward.
Epsom Salt
Hot spots on cats can be treated with Epsom salt. Make a saturated solution by dissolving as much Epsom salt as you can in warm water. Pet Education recommends dissolving 1/2 cup of Epsom salt in 1 gallon of water. This is a great remedy for hot spots on the feet and paws. Place a clean cloth on the affected area and place the cat in the saturated Epsom salt solution for five to 10 minutes. Repeat two to four times a day.
Elizabethan Collar
Hot spots are itchy and cats tend to lick or scratch them. This will cause the hot spot to grow. Stop the cat from licking or scratching the affected area by using a cone-shaped, or Elizabethan, collar. Ask your vet for one.
Caring for pets can be a pleasurable experience, but it brings an immense amount of responsibility as well. Animals are extremely loyal and lovable, but in return, they require your care and affection. Cats are one of the more popular pets. In addition to taking care of your cat's diet and hygiene, you also must administer proper medical treatment when necessary. A hot spot is a common health problem in cats, so understanding this disorder is beneficial.
Nature of the Disease
Although a hot spot, also referred to as acute moist dermatitis, may develop in any species, long-haired cats are prone to this skin condition, especially during hot weather. There are several causes of feline hot spots, including insect bites, mainly from fleas and mites; allergies; ear infections; and poor hygiene.
Hot spots are characterized by circular raw lesions usually on the head, hips and sides of the chest. Such lesions are moist and swollen, and result in hair loss in the area of occurrence. Typical symptoms include constant scratching and licking or biting the irritated area, which, in turn, aggravates the inflammation, leading to even larger sores. For this reason, hot spots are known as pyotraumatic dermatitis, which implies self-inflicted inflammation.
Fur Trimming
Once the symptoms appear, it is important to take the animal to the veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. However, there are things you can do to improve the condition. Shave the hair in the affected area to facilitate optimum treatment and early healing of the sores. Exposing the hot spot to air facilitates skin drying and healing. Clean the affected area carefully using an antibacterial solution or astringent. Remember, the pain can evoke aggression in the animal when touched.
Aspirin and Tea Bags
Mix two adult aspirins and 1 tbsp. of rubbing alcohol in 1 cup warm water in which a tea bag has been steeped. Allow the aspirins to dissolve before discarding the tea bag. Let the solution cool. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and cleanse the hot spot. Dab some hydrocortisone cream on the hot spot afterward.
Epsom Salt
Hot spots on cats can be treated with Epsom salt. Make a saturated solution by dissolving as much Epsom salt as you can in warm water. Pet Education recommends dissolving 1/2 cup of Epsom salt in 1 gallon of water. This is a great remedy for hot spots on the feet and paws. Place a clean cloth on the affected area and place the cat in the saturated Epsom salt solution for five to 10 minutes. Repeat two to four times a day.
Elizabethan Collar
Hot spots are itchy and cats tend to lick or scratch them. This will cause the hot spot to grow. Stop the cat from licking or scratching the affected area by using a cone-shaped, or Elizabethan, collar. Ask your vet for one.
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