Gritty Irritation on Thor's Back

Hello fellow cat people!

I have a concern about my big guy Thor. He had a little irritation on his back right before his tail, so I went to Petsmart and bought some antimicrobial spray for cats. I've been spraying it and rubbing it in for 2 days now and noticed he's starting to lose fur there. When I rub the medicine in, I notice this stuff in my hands that feels like sand - really gritty. It goes all the way to the middle of his back and I can tell it bothers him. Should I stop using the medicine because he's losing fur by the base of his tail? Is a vet visit in order?

I don't know what this gritty stuff is.. He's a completely inside cat so it's not actual dirt!

What you're describing almost sounds like stud tail, which happens in intact cats. But I'm pretty sure that being a member that's been around here for a while that you spay and neuter your pets. I also assume you'd notice fleas by now if there were any.

In which case, do take him to the vet. It could be some sort of skin infection that needs specific treatment and hopefully the root cause of can be determined.

Does Thor get dry skin in the winter? Groom at his fur and skin much? Usually one way skin infections set in is if something is damaging the skin already. And a really odd question, how do his teeth look?

It sounds like it could be a fungal infection. I would take him to the vet, as specific medicine/cream is probably needed.

Since the medicine seems to be making him worse, I'd stop using it. Also I'd take him to the vet, they'd be able to tell you what's wrong, and how to treat it properly.

All my babies are fixed so no worries there!

Will try to take him tomorrow morning. Interesting that you mentioned about his teeth... when he was a kitten, he used to have some inflammation in his mouth. The vet at the time said he might have to have his teeth pulled because of some kind of condition that just makes their mouth really irritated. Sometimes he's got a case of "cat breath" but it usually goes away on its own. Wonder if they're somehow related?

The vet should have looked into that better! Dental care in cats is just as important as it is in humans. They get gum diseases, too. My thought is if his mouth is icky enough maybe he's spreading some bacteria... Kind of out there possibility though.

I just thought of something.. Could it have to do with the breed of cat? My parent's cat is a long-haired black cat too (as is Thor) and the exact same thing is happening to her.

DLH isn't a breed type, though. Are both cats eating the same thing? Have you taken a look at the grit under a good light, yet?