Overgrooming/bald patch

My Little One has been overgrooming a spot on her face. It's now bald, about the size of a penny. I believe it started with stress when I was away on vacation, then turned into a kind of OCD thing.

I'd really like to be able to clear it up without a vet visit. Because she was feral, they'll keep her all day and put her out and I'd like to avoid that unless absolutely necessary.

The problem is - she keeps rubbing it so it doesn't have time to heal. For the last five days or so I've been putting Natural Pet Pharmaceuticals Skin & Itch Irritations formula into her water. I also have Dermasol Skin Care Gel to apply directly. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Hi . Is the spot red or crusty? It is odd that she would be overgrooming on her face. Usually overgroomers lick their tummies and legs and tail and then pull the hair out. And stress is the cause of this. What you are describing sounds like possible ringworm which can be brought on by stress. Did you board your cat when you were away on vacation? You wouldn't have to leave her at the vet all day just to have them look at this area on her face. I would bring her in for an office visit just in case this is a fungus of some sort. for you kitty

Thanks for the response. The area is red. No, I didn't board her but she's new to living inside and I have a resident cat. They tolerate each other, but LO could have been stressed to be alone in the house with Molly. When I called the vet, she said I'd have to leave her all day. But maybe I should. Any other thoughts?

Hmmm, I agree with Feralvr. Stress grooming is usually on the legs or abdomen. We've had two kitties with problems over grooming in the past.

This sounds like something else. Something irritated - enough so that she won't let it heal. I don't know anything about ring worm, but a lot of different things could be the cause, and now it's infected or itchy for whatever reason. She may need antibiotics or steroids or something to help. Unfortunately, I think it's probably best to take her to the vet.

Do you like this vet? Do you know them well? Do they make everyone leave their cats for the day? Very strange you can't schedule an appointment! Maybe there's another vet you can take her to?

Honestly, I have never heard of having to leave a cat all day at the vet clinic to have something looked at. I would suggest finding a vet where you can make an appt. and bring your cat in at the scheduled time. There is absolutely no reason you would have to leave her for the day at a vet for something like this. Again, hope this turns out to be a simple thing to treat, but I would get it checked out.

The vet has to keep her all day because Little One has to be put under and the vet has to monitor how she comes out of it.

She can't be handled?

No. She was feral all her life until a year ago. She freaks out. That's why I'm hesitant about taking her in. I don't want to put her through that unless it's absolutely necessary.

Gotcha. With that in mind, I really don't know what to recommend. I'd probably take her in.