Ask Dr. Paola – HELP! My Cat Is Scratching Herself Bald! (September 21, 2026)

Welcome to our "Ask Dr. Paola" series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our readers better understand their cat's health and well-being. Whether you're a new pet parent or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is here to provide answers to your most pressing questions. From nutrition tips and preventive care to troubleshooting common behavioral issues, Dr. Paola is ready to offer insights that will keep your kitty happy, healthy, and feline fine. Stay tuned for expert guidance on a range of topics that matter most to you and your cat, so you can make informed decisions and provide the best possible care for your furry companion. ‎

Have‎ a ‎question? Send it in here!

HELP! My Cat Is Scratching Herself Bald!

"Good morning Dr Paola,

My question is regarding my 1-year-old rescue cat, Daisy, that I adopted in May, 2026.

She started scratching and itching her body until she has "bald" spots. The vet has tried prednisolone, hydrolyzed canned food, and recently, a steroid injection. I tried putting Atopica liquid in her food, which she refused to eat. 

Recent blood work showed 2 elements were elevated, thus the hydrolyzed special diet.

The steroid injection has now worn off, and she's back to scratching again. 

Do you know what else can be done for her? I only want her to have a better quality of life than what she had in the past. I'm desperate at this point. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this.”

- Patricia

Dear Patricia, 

I’m so sorry Daisy is going through this. Watching Daisy repeatedly scratch herself until she develops bald areas must be incredibly difficult, especially when you have already tried several treatments. The good news is that persistent itching does not necessarily mean there are no options left. In cats, the skin is a little like a smoke alarm. It tells us something is wrong, but we still need to identify what is setting the alarm off.

Flea allergy deserves particular attention because an allergic cat does not need to have a flea infestation to become intensely itchy. In fact, one flea bite can be enough to trigger a significant reaction because the allergy is directed against proteins in the flea’s saliva. This is why you may never actually find a flea on Daisy. It is also important to understand that some flea-control products kill fleas after they have bitten, rather than preventing the bite itself, so an allergic cat can potentially still react despite being treated. Look for a product that doesn’t require the flea to bite to be effective. Consistent, effective flea control for every pet in the household and the environment is therefore an important part of breaking this cycle, even for indoor-only pets.

Other possibilities include mites, fungal infection such as dermatophytosis, bacterial or yeast overgrowth, food allergy, and environmental allergy. A thorough dermatologic examination, skin cytology, appropriate parasite testing, and fungal testing can help narrow down the cause. If food allergy is suspected, the hydrolyzed diet needs to be a strict elimination trial for 8-12 weeks, with no other foods, treats, flavored medications, or supplements. 

I would also discuss the ciclosporin, Atopica, with her veterinarian. It can be helpful for allergic skin disease in cats, but it generally takes time to work and needs to be given consistently. As you’ve experienced already, putting it into food can result in Daisy refusing to eat or receiving an unpredictable dose.

Because repeated corticosteroid injections can carry significant risks with continued use, I would be cautious about simply repeating them without identifying what is driving the itching. A veterinary dermatologist may be particularly helpful at this stage because difficult feline skin cases often benefit from a structured diagnostic approach. 

Most importantly, please do not feel that you have failed Daisy. You have already given her something incredibly valuable: a safe home and an advocate who is determined to improve her quality of life. The goal now is to find the trigger and develop a sustainable plan to keep her comfortable, rather than repeatedly putting out the fire without finding what is causing it. 

I hope this helps!

- Dr. Paola