My kitten has a hard black spot on its hind leg, not dirt. What is it?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It certainly could be a benign keratin accumulation on the paw pad, which should not cause discomfort for Zoe. It could also be a focal inflammatory reaction if she stepped on a sharp object. I would monitor it for now, and if you notice any changes to the bump or if it begins to irritate Zoe I would have it evaluated by her veterinarian. It is very rare to see malignant types of masses/growths in young kittens, so I would not suspect this is the case.

The lesion in the photo looks to be an infection. It is not possible to determine the severity or how deep it is because if the crusty buildup on the surface. This may be bacterial or fungal, but it should be looked at by your vet and Jibgkes will at least need a prescription antibiotic or anti fungal medication. If the wound under the surface is deep, surgical debridement may be necessary.

It sounds like Ramona somehow injured herself, most likely a puncture wound, and it stabbed over to try and heal itself. The purplish, black is most likely dried up blood. As long as it isn't bleeding or bothering Ramona, and has no signs of infection (yellow/green discharge, foul odor), then i would let it heal on its own. An occasional cleanse with BetDine diluted 50:50 with warm water and a topical very thin layer of Neosprin (don't allow licking for at least 20 mins after application if you can help it) can aid in healing. However if it looks infected or like a deep wound that won't heal well (within 4-7 days), then its best to have your vet look at it and get it treated (i.e. Antibiotics, wound management).

Are you talking the about the black part of the lower eyelid? It is hard to tell but it may be a scab from a scratch or rubbing against something. The eye itself does not look bad. Orange cats can have black pigments changes around there eyes, nose and mouth, which are normal. So you can gently try to wipe the area to see if it is a scab or if it is soft and no raised, it may be a pigment change. If it is a scab there is nothing safe you can put on it because it is too close to the eye itself. You will have to see your vet for eye medication.

Some discoloration/skin changes can be normal with age, however if the area is rapidly changing color, the spot loses hair, is painful, or you notice signs of cuts or infection (open wounds, oozing debris, pain to the touch, etc) it is best to have your vet take a look to rule out issues such as an infection or injury to the area. I would keep an eye on the spot to monitor for any changes, and keep Sweetie from licking or chewing at it with the use of an Elizabethan (cone) collar as needed, as well as keep the area clean and dry. If the spot doesn't improve or worsens, a vet visit is best.

Poor guy. There is no telling what caused this type of injury. However. since he won’t let you touch it, it is best to take him to your vet to have this area cleaned up and and examined up close. If he is particularly painful then a light sedative may be needed. The black that you see is likely a scan which can be hiding a non-healing wound underneath. Many lacerations on cats require a short course of antibiotics to help them heal properly. Even if things are looking ok underneath the scab it’s still a good idea to take him in to make sure this is healing well and doesn’t need any other type of treatment. I hope that Cotton’s wound heals well soon. Take care.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This small spot does not look like anything of significance, and may just be a birth mark that she developed. If it does not bother Chibi at all, and she is not limping or licking at that foot, I would not be concerned. I hope this is helpful!