Why does my cat have red, irritated skin?
Redness means the skin is inflamed, and the usual suspects are allergies, fleas, mites, a skin infection or irritation from overgrooming one spot. Indoor cats are not exempt, since indoor allergens and the odd flea still cause trouble. Try to notice whether it’s one patch or widespread, and whether she’s licking or scratching it raw. Avoid putting human creams or ointments on it, since many are unsafe once she licks them off. Irritated skin that spreads, weeps or doesn’t settle in a day or two is a vet visit.
When to call a vet: Spreading, weeping or persistent red skin needs a vet, and skip human creams since cats swallow them while grooming.
