Hi there,

there is a cat that frequents my back garden and i am unsure if it is sick and needs taking to a vet or if it has been treated already. I am after your advice as to whether you think the fur loss here is because it has been shaved and treated or if this animal is sick and needs veterinary care. your advice would be much appreciated.

Thank you,

Matt

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it does look like it has been shaved and therefore possibly looked at but how any owner could let a cat out in that condition I don't know. It looks like an abscess may have been cleaned out.

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Thank you for the response. I shall continue to keep my eye on this cat and only take action if i feel he/she is suffering. Whilst i agree i wouldnt let my cat out in this condition i am put at rest a little by the fact that he/she has at least been treated.

Thanks again

it does look shaved... are those spots skin markings or scabs?
it could be a disorder that the cat has picked up and constantly scratches that area. you could try seeing where the cat goes/who owns it to ask them? it would only show you care enough to ask. or take the pic to the local vet and ask them?

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If you're extremely concerned you can always put a very soft collar on the cat with a note asking for owner to ring you or write on the collar itself. Not ideal I know, as the problem is in the neck area but it is a sure way to find the owner.

If you're extremely concerned you can always put a very soft collar on the cat with a note asking for owner to ring you or write on the collar itself. Not ideal I know, as the problem is in the neck area but it is a sure way to find the owner. I'd agree with posters who say it looks like the cat has been shaved for treatment, though.

This is how my sister got her cat last year. He was brought into a shelter with severe wounds on his neck (much worse than in your photo) and it turned out that when he's stressed, he self harms by scratching around his neck area. I'd go with the idea of putting a soft collar with a letter attached asking the owner to get in contact. If the collar is still there after a few days, you'll know he's a stray and can hopefully get him treatment.

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The bald area looks more like the cat has been scratching like mad. I have never seen a shaved area looked that pink before. I think the poor cat is suffering and if it was me, I would get him to the vet anyway. Perhaps your local Cats Protection or RSPCA would help pay the bill. Maybe he is microchipped. He does look a bit unkempt going by the photo and therefore could be a stray.

i think he looks shaved. my kitty was just shaved on tghe belly for a preocedure, and it looks just like your visitor kitty's neck does.
not sure what those sores are though, i dont like the idea of him being out in that condition either. if they are open, hes got a serious risk for infection!

if it proves too difficult to put the collar on his neck with the sores, then maybe tie a loose ribbon around his belly? enough to stay on him and he cant get it off, but not so tight that itll squezze him. attach a little tag to the ribbon and see what happens?