Cat has red sores on belly and back leg

[Meganmclean]

We recently found a cat around our house and eventually it began coming inside.  It now has red sores on hind leg and belly.  They did go away a bit ago but now they came back and are worse.  He is constantly licking and hair loss. Now he has licked the skin bare and the sores are getting really red.  He had these about a month ago and he ate/drank fine. Then they seemed to go away for a bit but now came back worse.  I noticed he hasn't been eating much this week and barely moving around, just laying around licking. I try to stop him from licking and tried to bandage it up a bit but since it's hind leg and belly it's hard to bandage.   I might need to take him to vet but thought I'd see if there is anything I could try first.  I seen another similar post and they thought it foo allergy.  Could this be my issue?    My 3 yr old son is quite attached to this cat and it no longer wants to play even.   Thanks!  

[CML2014]

Hi Megan,
Can you give us an update on your little one??

Thanks,
CML

[Meganmclean]

Thank you. I will make an appointment tomorrow and let you know

[CML2014]

Hi Megan,

Agree with Annie---Take the cat to the vet! The lethargy and not eating is problematic enough to seek medical treatment.

Could be nothing more than an allergic reaction to fleas. Take a comb and comb your cat over a white sheet or towel. If you see little brown dots and when you squish them they may turn a muddy red, you will know the cat has fleas. Only  vet can tell you definitively what the problem is. He may have to take a skin scrapping. Food allergies usually manifest around the face and ears. Flea allergies will appear at the hind end where they seek warmth. Either way sounds like kitty is miserable.

Also, most important :: You have a little child to protect and some skin conditions like ringworm, are highly contagious and everyone must stay out of contact with these sores. Best to know for sure and help your kitty and your family at the same time.

Please let us know what the vet has to say, K?

Thanks, CML

[AnnieBrooke]

Take the cat to the vet.  The lethargy is worth investigating.  Kitty might just be infected, or it might be ringworm, or he might be infested (fleas).  Get him properly diagnosed.  Good luck!