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Skin ulceration (ulceration) in cats

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 17.02.2026

When to visit the vet?

Urgent see a veterinarian within 24 hours

RED in cases of extensive skin detachment, Fever, severe pain, rapid spread, necrosis, or mucosal involvement.

Unsure about what’s wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our Symptom Checker for more clarity

Definition

A cutaneousCutaneous refers to the skin. Cutaneous can be used to describe conditions, treatments, or reactions related to the skin of dogs and cats, such as skin diseases or topical medication application. ulcerAn ulcer is an open wound or erosion of the skin or mucous membrane that often heals poorly and can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections and chronic inflammatory conditions. or ulcerationAn ulceration is an open wound or sore, typically on the skin or mucous membranes, characterized by the loss of surface tissue. Ulcerations in dogs and cats can be caused by infections, chronic inflammatory conditions, or cancer. in cats is an open wound or lesion on the skin surface caused by the loss of skin tissue. These wounds are often difficult to heal and can occur due to a variety of causes, including infections, traumas, or diseases.

Can Occur with the Following Diseases:

Basics and possible causes

A cat’s skin consists of several layers, including the epidermisThe epidermis is the outer layer of skin that protects the body from environmental influences. It consists of several layers of keratinized cells and is responsible for the skin's barrier function., dermis, and subcutis. An ulcerAn ulcer is an open wound or erosion of the skin or mucous membrane that often heals poorly and can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections and chronic inflammatory conditions. forms when these layers are damaged, creating an open area that can be prone to infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease.. The regenerative capacity of the skin is crucial for healing, but this process is often disrupted in ulcerations.

Infections can be caused by bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease., viruses, or fungi that penetrate the skin barrier and cause inflammatory conditions. Bacterial infections are particularly common and can be favored by injuries or other skin conditions.

Traumatic causes of cutaneousCutaneous refers to the skin. Cutaneous can be used to describe conditions, treatments, or reactions related to the skin of dogs and cats, such as skin diseases or topical medication application. ulcers include scratching, bites, or other injuries. These can lead to secondary bacterial infections if not treated properly.

Autoimmune diseasesAutoimmune diseases are conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells or tissues as if they were foreign substances. Examples in dogs and cats include autoimmune hemolytic anemia and systemic lupus erythematosus. can also cause ulcerations by causing the cat’s immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. to attack its own skin cells. Examples include pemphigus and lupus.

Neoplastic causes, such as skin tumors or cancerCancer refers to the uncontrolled proliferation of cells that can lead to tumors or spread throughout the body. Various types of cancer occur in dogs and cats, ranging from skin cancer to lymphomas., can also appear in the form of ulcers, especially when they break through the skin and infiltrate the underlying tissue.

Allergies, both to environmental factors and to food, can lead to severe itching, which in turn causes scratching and possible skin damage. This damage can develop into ulcerations if left unchecked.

Hormonal imbalances, such as those that occur with thyroid diseases, can affect skin health and increase the risk of ulcerationAn ulceration is an open wound or sore, typically on the skin or mucous membranes, characterized by the loss of surface tissue. Ulcerations in dogs and cats can be caused by infections, chronic inflammatory conditions, or cancer..

Typical accompanying symptoms

Redness and Swelling: An affected area may appear red and swollen, indicating inflammation.
Open wounds or lesions: Visible open areas on the skin that may bleed or weep are characteristic of ulcerations.
Itching: Often, the cat scratches or licks the affected area intensely, which can further delay healing.
Hair loss: Hair loss may occur on or around the ulcerated area.
Odor: Infected ulcers can develop an unpleasant odor.
Behavioral changes: The cat may appear irritated or lethargic, indicating pain or discomfort.
Fever: In cases of infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease., the cat may develop a fever.
Loss of appetite: Pain or discomfort can cause the cat to eat less.

When to see a vet?

A visit to the vet is essential if the cat has an open wound that does not improve or worsens within a few days. Also, if the wound has an unpleasant odor or the cat shows signs of systemic diseases such as fever or general weakness, a visit to the vet is strongly advised.

If the cat shows pain from scratching or licking the wound or if there is severe bleeding, a vet should be consulted immediately. The same applies if the wound increases rapidly in size or becomes deeper.

If a underlying systemic disease, such as an autoimmune disease or a tumorA tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue that can be benign or malignant. Tumors can develop in any part of the body and affect various functions., is suspected, immediate veterinary clarification is necessary in order to initiate appropriate treatment and avoid complications.

Symptom recognition for the pet owner and veterinary diagnostic procedure

As a pet owner, you should regularly check your cat’s skin for abnormalities. Look for open wounds, redness, swelling or behavioral changes such as excessive licking or scratching. Even if the cat often chews or bites on a certain spot, this can be an indicationIndication refers to a valid reason or rationale for using a specific treatment, medication, or medical procedure. It is based on the diagnosis and the patient's clinical condition. of a skin problem.

The vet will first perform a thorough physical examination. The vet will inspect the affected area and possibly take a skin biopsyA biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small amount of tissue is removed from the body to be examined under a microscope for signs of disease. Biopsies can help diagnose cancer and other conditions. or swab to determine the exact cause of the ulcerationAn ulceration is an open wound or sore, typically on the skin or mucous membranes, characterized by the loss of surface tissue. Ulcerations in dogs and cats can be caused by infections, chronic inflammatory conditions, or cancer.. In some cases, blood tests are necessary to rule out or confirm systemic diseases.

Additional diagnostic procedures, such as X-rays or ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow., may be necessary to identify deeper problems, especially if a tumorA tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue that can be benign or malignant. Tumors can develop in any part of the body and affect various functions. is suspected. Allergy tests can be performed if an allergic reaction is suspected as the cause.

What the pet owner can do and professional therapy options

At home, make sure to keep the affected area clean and dry to prevent the wound from worsening. Avoid using treatments or medications yourself without veterinary advice, as this could worsen the situation.

Protect the wound by preventing the cat from licking or scratching it. This can be achieved by applying a protective collar or special garments that cover the wound.

Observe the wound regularly for changes in size, color or odor, and note any new symptoms that occur. This information can help the vet assess the healing process and adjust the treatment.

Make sure your cat receives a balanced diet and is free from stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. factors, as this can support healing. Keep regular follow-up appointments with the vet to monitor progress and adjust treatment if necessary.

Outlook on current research

Current research on skin ulcerationAn ulceration is an open wound or sore, typically on the skin or mucous membranes, characterized by the loss of surface tissue. Ulcerations in dogs and cats can be caused by infections, chronic inflammatory conditions, or cancer. in cats is working intensively to identify the molecular mechanisms that lead to ulcerations. Scientists are particularly investigating the role of inflammatory conditions and immune responses. It is believed that certain inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, are present in higher concentrations in affected cats and thus promote ulcerationAn ulceration is an open wound or sore, typically on the skin or mucous membranes, characterized by the loss of surface tissue. Ulcerations in dogs and cats can be caused by infections, chronic inflammatory conditions, or cancer. processes. These findings could help to develop more targeted therapeutic approaches in the future that modulate inflammatory responses and support the healing process.

Another focus of the research is on the role of environmental factors and genetic predispositions. Studies are being carried out to find out how environmental influences such as stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being., nutrition or contact with certain chemicals increase the risk of cutaneousCutaneous refers to the skin. Cutaneous can be used to describe conditions, treatments, or reactions related to the skin of dogs and cats, such as skin diseases or topical medication application. ulcers. Genetic analyses in cat populations with a high incidenceIncidence refers to the number of new cases of a disease or condition that occur within a specific time period in a specific population group. It provides information about the risk of contracting the disease. of cutaneousCutaneous refers to the skin. Cutaneous can be used to describe conditions, treatments, or reactions related to the skin of dogs and cats, such as skin diseases or topical medication application. ulcers could provide information about possible genetic markers that are associated with an increased susceptibility.

In therapeutic research, new treatment methods are being tested that include innovative materials for wound dressings. For example, researchers are developing bioactive wound dressings that are enriched with antimicrobialAn antimicrobial substance is an agent that serves to inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, or to kill them. Antimicrobials are frequently used to treat infections. substances to prevent infections and promote the healing of cutaneousCutaneous refers to the skin. Cutaneous can be used to describe conditions, treatments, or reactions related to the skin of dogs and cats, such as skin diseases or topical medication application. ulcers. In addition, regenerative therapies are being investigated that use stem cells or growth factors to accelerate the repair of damaged tissue.

Another exciting field in research is the investigation of microbial communities on the skin of cats. Researchers want to understand how the skin microbiome contributes to or prevents ulcerations. By analyzing the microbial composition and its changes in affected cats, scientists hope to develop new therapeutic approaches that use or modify the microbiome to prevent the development of ulcers.

In addition, the importance of early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is emphasized in research. Modern imaging techniques, such as high-resolution ultrasonographyUltrasonography is an imaging technique that uses ultrasound waves to create images of internal organs and structures. It is commonly used in veterinary medicine to make diagnoses and monitor the progression of diseases., are being further developed to detect subtle changes in the skin tissue before visible ulcerations occur. In the future, these technologies could lead to improved diagnostic tools that enable early and more precise identification of at-risk patients.

The investigation of pain mechanisms in cats with cutaneousCutaneous refers to the skin. Cutaneous can be used to describe conditions, treatments, or reactions related to the skin of dogs and cats, such as skin diseases or topical medication application. ulcers is also an important topic. Scientists are investigating how nerve tracts are affected by ulcerations and which analgesics are most effective in cats to improve the well-being of the animals during healing. These findings could contribute to better pain therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. and thus to a higher quality of life for the affected cats.

The development of non-invasive biomarkers to monitor the healing process of cutaneousCutaneous refers to the skin. Cutaneous can be used to describe conditions, treatments, or reactions related to the skin of dogs and cats, such as skin diseases or topical medication application. ulcers is another goal of the research. Scientists are working to identify specific biomarkers in the blood or urine that provide information about the condition and healing of the tissue. Such biomarkers could make it possible to better assess the therapeutic effectiveness of treatments and make adjustments to the treatment plan.

In summary, research on skin ulcerationAn ulceration is an open wound or sore, typically on the skin or mucous membranes, characterized by the loss of surface tissue. Ulcerations in dogs and cats can be caused by infections, chronic inflammatory conditions, or cancer. in cats is a dynamic and multidisciplinary field. The knowledge gained could not only lead to improved treatment options, but also help to deepen the understanding of the complex biological processes behind the ulcerationAn ulceration is an open wound or sore, typically on the skin or mucous membranes, characterized by the loss of surface tissue. Ulcerations in dogs and cats can be caused by infections, chronic inflammatory conditions, or cancer.. This in turn could lay the foundation for new therapeutic strategies for other skin diseases.

Frequently asked questions

1. What are the most common causes of skin ulceration in cats?

Cutaneous ulcers in cats can be caused by various factors, including bacterial infections, fungal infections, autoimmune diseases, and traumas. Allergies and parasite infestations, such as fleas or mites, are also common triggers of cutaneous ulcers.

2. How do I recognize cutaneous ulcers in my cat?

Cutaneous ulcers in cats often present as open, often weeping wounds that may be covered with crusts. They may be accompanied by redness, swelling, and hair loss. If an ulcer is suspected, it is important to see a vet for an accurate diagnosis.

3. Can skin ulcers in cats heal on their own?

Some smaller ulcers may heal on their own if the underlying cause is resolved. However, it is advisable to have the healing monitored by a vet to ensure that no infection or other complications occur.

4. Are cutaneous ulcers in cats contagious?

The risk of infection depends on the cause of the ulcer. Ulcers caused by bacterial or viral infections can be potentially contagious to other animals. Ulcers caused by non-infectious causes are usually not contagious.

5. What are the treatment options for cutaneous ulcers in cats?

The treatment depends on the cause of the ulcer. Antibiotics or antifungals are used for infections, while anti-inflammatory drugs can help with autoimmune causes. Special wound care and possibly surgical interventions may also be necessary.

6. Can my cat's diet affect cutaneous ulcers?

A balanced diet is important for general health and can support the healing of cutaneous ulcers. Dietary supplements containing essential fatty acids or antioxidants could promote skin health and accelerate healing.

7. How can I prevent cutaneous ulcers in my cat?

Regular care and hygiene, avoiding stress, controlling parasites and a balanced diet can help prevent cutaneous ulcers. Veterinary monitoring should be carried out for known allergies or health problems.

8. How quickly should I take my cat to the vet if I discover an ulcer?

It is advisable to see a vet as soon as possible if an ulcer is discovered. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the risk of complications and infections.

9. Are there home remedies that can help treat cutaneous ulcers?

Some home remedies, such as the application of warm chamomile tea, can provide temporary relief, but should not replace veterinary treatment. It is important to discuss all home remedies with a vet to ensure that they are safe and effective.

10. What complications can occur with untreated cutaneous ulcers?

Untreated cutaneous ulcers can lead to serious complications, including deeper infections, tissue damage, and systemic diseases. In severe cases, this can severely affect the cat's general health and require lengthy treatment.