DU furry pet owners---HELP!!!

[legally blonde]

Today I noticed that my cat has a bare spot the size of a quarter on the side of his "knee." I didn't notice this until today, so I'm not sure how long it's been like this but I doubt more than a day or so (I would like to think I would notice). Also, I haven't noticed him licking that spot recently (or at all). Is this something that I need to go to the vet for? Or should I stop worrying?
Thanks for your help!

[RebelYell]

1. Take him to the vet

Hypothyroid causes quarter sized bald spots on dogs. I can't say I know anything about cats.

Hypothyroid makes their coats dull, and they get very lazy.

[legally blonde]

4. My kitty

has been acting the same as always--sleeping during the day and bouncing off the walls at night. I hope it's not hypothyroid--that doesn't sound good.

[Liberal Veteran]

2. Get a black light and see if the spot glows green.

That would be ringworm.

[Philostopher]

3. Could be ringworm.

Took about a year to clear it from the animal shelter where I volunteer -- and I've still got it. Picked it up from a cat I didnt't know was infected. Don't worry -- most of the time, humans don't get it, or if they do, they can clear it quickly. I'm a 'special case,' apparently.

Definitely see a veterinarian -- if it's ringworm or a parasite, over the counter stuff may not work. If it's ringworm or a parasite, if you have other animals they can get it, too.

It may not be ringworm, of course, but still -- best to have a vet look at it.

[legally blonde]

6. Thanks for the help, everyone

I'll call the vet tomorrow. Hopefully it's nothing serious.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

5. Could be a sort of allergy.

I once had a cat who licked a patch of fur off his belly, and the skin got so irritated that the fur wouldn't grow back til the vet gave him a cortisone shot. The vet said it was caused by an allergic reaction.

[DawnneOBTS]

7. fighting?

My cat, who is long gone now, unfortunately, used to have hair missing in patches when he was in a fight. No cuts or anything, just missing hair. I would still take your cat to the vet, in any case.

[legally blonde]

8. nope, can't be fighting

It's just me and my kitty in my very small apartment and my cat doesn't go outside. My parents have a cat and two dogs, but I haven't been home in over a month. But that's a good thought. I'm planning on calling the vet first thing in the morning.

Welcome to DU, DawnneOBTS! :hi: