Cat sore treatment can be accomplished in a number of ways, depending upon the underlying cause of the condition. Cat sores may be caused by allergies, bacteria, parasites, toxins or physical disease. There are many treatment types including antibiotics, topical treatment, oral medications and natural remedies. Often, the unique characteristics of cat sores can help to determine what may be causing them. The general appearance and location, as well as any additional symptoms should give you a head start in figuring out how and why your cat's skin is being affected.
Cat Sores from Allergies
Allergies will often cause sores on a cat's body. Food allergies may cause small red bumps all over, while an allergic reaction to flea powder or topical medication may cause a local reaction. You may notice hot spots, or flaky or pus-filled bumps near the area where the topical substance was applied. If you have recently changed food, applied a topical remedy for illness or fleas, or suspect your cat may have brushed up against or ingested a toxic chemical, this may be the cause for sores. Bumps caused by allergic reactions may be itchy and bothersome, or may not cause the cat any irritation at all. If the cause can be determined, a simple switch in food or removal of the irritation factor should solve the problem. If the cause of allergies cannot be found, steroid pills or shots may be an option for treatment.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal disease of the skin. This skin fungus can be alarming because it resembles other more serious conditions, but it's not usually itchy or irritating to the cat. Ringworm causes sores on cats that are usually circular in shape and cause hair loss in the affected area. The skin may appear scaly and the lesion will often grow in size. Ringworm may cure itself over time, but it is highly contagious and should be treated upon discovery. Treatment of ringworm in cats consists of application of a topical cream usually containing antifungal ingredients.
Mange in Cats
Mange or scabies in cats is caused by mites. Mange resembles ringworm where hair loss will begin to occur and possibly spread over the body. Mange is extremely bothersome and itchy and may spread further due to excessive scratching. As this infection worsens, the skin may appear wrinkled or thickened with gray or yellow crusts. Lymph nodes may also swell. Mange can be treated, but in quite a different manner from mites that affect other species. While drugs like ivermectin may work, cats are quite sensitive to these types of medications. It's recommended to clip any long hair, bathe with a gentle shampoo and use a lime sulfur dip. This treatment should be repeated weekly for a period of 6 to 8 weeks.
Bacterial Infections
It's possible that cat sores can be secondarily affected by bacterial growth. Anytime cat sores are spotted, especially those that appear to be irritating to the cat, it's recommended to seek treatment immediately. If bacterial infections are affecting the cat's skin, weeks of antibiotic treatment may be necessary, and this is in addition to any treatment needed for the initial cause of the sores.