Why does my cat's back fur keep ruffling and showing skin?

This looks like flea bite allergic dermatitis. Cats chew and overgroom at the base of their tail and lower back when they have fleas or an itchy flea bite. You can treat Rizer with a topical such as Advantage that will kill the fleas. Also combing with a flea comb will remove them and help get rid of the dead fur so new fur will grow in. If you find fleas then make sure you treat all the animals and the house. The skin should heal up and fur grow back in several weeks. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Rizer.

Unfortunately, there a lot of causes behind skin rashes and hair loss, which is why it is important to bring Duchess to a vet for a workup. Rashes can be caused by issues such as parasites (fleas, ticks, lice, ect) which can cause a bite allergy -- and does present similar to the picture you provided. Other causes of rashes can include bacterial or fungal infections, underlying illnesses, food or environmental allergens. I would treat Duchess for any fleas and also be sure to thoroughly wash all bedding, clean her environment, vacuum floorboards, etc. You can also try an allergy medication while treating for the fleas to help reduce irritation while she heals (your vet can give you the correct dosage for Duchess' weight and size). Using an old T-shirt or an Elizabethan (cone) collar to keep her from licking and chewing the irritated area can also help reduce the chances of an infection taking hold. It's still a good idea to schedule a vet visit even if you are doing home treatment. This can help rule out any other causes, and your vet can monitor progress on the allergy/flea treatment to make any adjustments if needed.

[Hair loss](https://www.petcoach.co/article/causes-of-hair-loss-alopecia-in-cats/) can be caused by allergies or infection of the skin, and in severe cases by metabolic issues. Chronic stress or excessive licking of an area can also lead to hair loss in just one particular place. Preventing your cat from licking and chewing at the area with the use of a T-shirt or Elizabethan collar (cone) may help. Examine the area for redness,parasites, bleeding, bruising or discharge. If you see a target-like or red "ring" of irritation, it may indicate a fungal infection called [ringworm](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/ringworm/), which can be easily spread to other people and pets so should be handled carefully. If you do see anything suspicious, consider an exam with your veterinarian for a definitive diagnosis and treatment. Hair regrowth may take a few months depending on how much hair is lost as well as the underlying cause.

That could be due to an allergic disorder (usually flea allergy dermatitis), presence of parasites, or psychogenic type of overgrooming (usually related to stress). The different causes must be ruled out treating for parasites, giving meds for allergies and eventually trying to remove stress causes. A check is then required. Please do not hesitate to contact us agli if you want to discuss it any further. We are available for one to one chat (consultation).

This is usually from overgrooming due to stress. In the photo the skin looks normal and you are correct there isn’t any evidence of fleas. Often this starts with a change in the household from a new pet, new person or moving. You can try using a pheromone diffuser like Feliway to help her relax and there are calming supplements like Solliquin that can reduce her anxiety as well. Make sure she has a quiet, private place so she can escape any commotion in your house. As far as treatment goes giving an anti inflammation injection or pills will let the fur grow back but unless the reason is addressed this may recur. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Lola.

[Allergies](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/feline-allergies/) are the most common cause of hair loss and [excessive grooming in cats](https://www.petcoach.co/article/excessive-grooming-in-cats-what-it-means-and-how-to-help), but there are several other medical causes as well - including [fleas](https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-tips-to-get-rid-of-fleas/), bacterial or fungal infections, or skin mites. I would definitely start your cat on a good monthly spot-on product such as [Advantage II](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/cat/cat-flea-and-tick/cat-flea-and-tick-drops/advantage-ii-once-a-month-cat-and-kitten-topical-flea-treatment-over-9-lbs) to make sure fleas are not the problem - you can get this over the counter at many pet stores. If this doesn't resolve the problem, you will need to have your cat examined by a vet - he/she can do some testing if needed to diagnose the problem and get your kitty the appropriate prescription medications to treat it. Behavioral causes, such as stress or anxiety, can also lead to overgrooming. [Calming supplements](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/category/cat/cat-training/cat-training-calming-aids/calming-cat-supplements) or [pheromone products](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/brand/feliway) can be found at the lcocal Petco. If these do not improve the condition, your veterinarian may recommend prescription strength remedies.

That is a simple answer. Stress licking does not typically cause redness of the skin, just hair loss and patchy bald areas. However, a flea allergy will cause redness, bumps and hair thinning typically on the lower back or lower belly. I hope that this helps! Best of luck and take care.