The cat has scabs: causes and remedies


For a few days they have appeared on our cat’s skin and it is permissible to go to the bottom. Here’s what to do if your cat has scabs.

If spots have appeared on the skin of our cat for a few days, it is likely that they have some dermatological problems. It is important to get to the bottom of the matter and treat any existing infections or pathologies. Of course it will be necessary to rely on the opinion of an expert, but already at first glance, it is possible to understand what the underlying problem could be. Furthermore, before the visit it will be necessary to collect a series of information about the first appearance of these spots, if they are quite frequent and if the cat’s health is already compromised. So here’s everything you need to know and do when a cat has scabs.


Cat skin problems: the vet’s exams

Did we notice any hard, irregularly shaped spots on the cat’s body? The place where they appear is very indicative as it could tell us a lot about their origin. Although it is an animal extremely passionate about its personal hygiene and cleanliness, the cat is not free from some skin diseases and also quite annoying. Before looking at the dermatological problems associated with these dry and darker spots, let’s see what other factors it is essential to note:

  • in what part of the cat’s body they appeared,
  • how long,
  • if they always appear at the same time of the year,
  • if they are fixed or disappear and then reappear,
  • if the cat has an already compromised clinical picture.

All this information will be essential for the veterinarian, to understand precisely what can be the causes of these scabs and find the cure more easily. It is likely that the expert will choose to proceed with a precise diagnostic test, carried out with the Wood’s lamp (used to ward off some fungal infections). It could also proceed with a scraping of the cat’s skin with a razor blade, usually when the presence of parasites such as mites and fungi is suspected.

Another method for diagnosing a dermatological problem is the cytological examination of the skin which, as for the scraping, takes a sample of the skin but with a stick. Finally, there are the so-called prick tests, tests that exclude the presence of allergies by injecting a set of allergens into the skin. In the event that the skin should have a skin reaction it will be an allergy.


The cat has scabs: all possible causes

Now let’s see what the pathologies can be linked to the presence of these spots and scabs on the skin, in which points it is easier for them to appear and how to help our feline to solve this annoying problem. In fact, it is obvious that the itching and pain caused by these scabs cause the cat to scratch and make the situation worse. This is why it is important to understand the cause and immediately proceed with the therapy.

  • Feline Acne: Usually presents with blackheads under the chin, similar to specks of dust. But they can become inflamed and form purulent, swollen scabs. Cleanse the area with mild and antibiotic soap, apply Betadine and other ointments, or give the feline antibiotic drugs but always after consulting the expert’s opinion.
  • Contact dermatitis: it contracts when the cat comes into contact with a substance that causes irritation. It does not happen at a specific time of the year and usually the scabs appear in areas with little hair. The only solution is antihistamine or steroids to relieve itching, but you should always ask your doctor for advice.
  • Miliary dermatitis: syndrome linked to an allergy, which takes its name from the appearance of small specks, similar to millet grains. The scabs but above all the place where they appear can provide useful clues to understand the cause: in fact if they appear on the neck or near the tail they can be linked to a flea bite, if they are on the chin it can be acne while around the head or ears they could be linked to a food allergy.
  • Flea bite: When it comes to a reaction to the saliva of fleas, which feed on the cat’s blood, scabs appear on the neck or chin. If the cat continues to scratch it could cause blood to leak. The therapy recommended by experts is usually based on antihistamines.
  • Food allergy: in addition to the appearance of scabs, to diagnose an allergy of this type we should also note the loss of hair, vomiting and the constant instinct to lick the affected area. To understand what are the foods that cause this reaction it will be necessary to experiment and try to identify the ‘guilty’ food (and of course avoid it).
  • Mange: due to a mite, pustules can appear on the tips of the ears, neck and head up to involve the whole body. It is a zoonosis that can also be transmitted to humans. The expert may choose to have injections to eliminate the presence of these parasites.
  • Ear mite: very common in puppies and strays, the attack of this mite causes intense itching, pale color and, due to the continuous scratching of the cat, also of subsequent bacterial infections.
  • Ringworm: highly contagious fungal infection. It causes hair loss, and in some places the lesions can turn into scabs. Usually the vet recommends specific products to treat the affected area and to be administered as soon as possible since it could also infect other pets in the house.
  • Abscess: it is a swollen lump with internal fluid which, if it leaks, also has a bad smell. It will have to be cut and cleaned by the vet, and then proceed with an antibiotic treatment.
  • Other factors: stress in the cat and a compromised psychological condition can make the cat nervous to the point of causing it to lick itself continuously. Also an adverse reaction to a commercial product that may be unsuitable for your cat’s skin, to be treated with antibiotics or tablets. Bacterial infections, such as pyoderma, which find fertile ground in cats with low immune defenses. Finally, sunburn in the cat and sunburn in the cat, usually resolved with topical steroids or antibiotics.
  • Carcinoma: the most serious problem that can afflict the skin is this malignant tumor, caused by excessive exposure to the sun (particularly at risk are light-haired cats). The vet can proceed with the surgical removal of the affected area and then proceed with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Cat BreedsCat Food and Nutrition
Tips for Cat OwnersCat Training
Cat BehaviorKittens
Cat HealthCat Grooming
Cat AdoptionTravel with Cat
Holiday Season- Cat

Leave a Comment