If you’ve noticed scabs on your cat, you should know that these can occur for various reasons. Sometimes, you don’t need to be concerned beyond keeping the area clean to prevent infection. Other times, your pet will need to visit the veterinarian for appropriate care.
Read on to learn about six typical causes of scabs on your cat.
The 6 Main Causes of Scabs on Cats
1. Fleas
What You May Notice
Many people think that their cat can’t have fleas because they haven’t seen any live fleas or because the cat only stays inside. This is false reasoning! Fleas are extremely small and fast and will often blend into the color of your cat’s fur and skin.
If your cat is not on veterinary-prescribed flea prevention, these parasites should always be on the list of possible causes of scabs on your cat. The scabs are typically due to your cat scratching, biting, and licking themselves due to the itchiness of the fleas. Typically, a cat will scratch around the neck and near the tail and back legs. However, fleas can crawl anywhere, and your cat may just seem generally itchy.
What to Do
Let’s start with what not to do, and that’s to purchase any over-the-counter flea product for your pet. There are many products on the market for felines that are extremely harmful. They can cause tremors, seizures, and even death. Even if the product sounds and looks safe, don’t buy it. Only buy flea treatments and preventions from your veterinarian.
If your cat allows it, you can give them a bath with any type of unscented, undyed shampoo to get rid of some of the fleas. Then, take your cat to the veterinarian to get a prescription product for the rest. Keep in mind that most cats will not allow a bath, and it may just be easier to make an appointment for them to see the vet straight away.
2. Ear Infections or Ear Mites
What You May Notice
Your cat may be shaking their head, holding their ear(s) down, and or constantly scratching at their ear(s) with the back feet. You’ll notice scabbing and excoriations near the base of the ears, neck, and face. You may also notice an odor and/or discharge from one or both of your cat’s ears.
While ear mites are fairly common in outdoor cats and kittens, they are rarer in older and/or indoor cats. These cats will more commonly develop ear infections from yeast, bacteria, or sometimes both.
What to Do
Don’t buy any OTC products labeled for ear infestations and/or ear mites in felines. These products often don’t contain any medications but are just combinations of fruity-scented liquids.
We also don’t recommend cleaning your cat’s ears with hydrogen peroxide, oil, vinegar, or any other home remedies that you may have read about on the internet. These home products can be extremely irritating to your cat’s ears and may even cause damage to the eardrums, resulting in serious neurologic side deficits.
Take your cat to the vet so they can properly diagnose your pet’s infection and get you appropriate medications.
3. Skin Infection (Pyoderma)
What You May Notice
Scabs may form anywhere that there is an infection. These can be small or large peeling crusts. Wherever there is a scab, your cat will be extremely itchy. You’ll notice them constantly trying to itch with their legs or chewing when you touch the scabs. Sometimes, your cat may lick the areas so much that the scabs become open, ulcerated, weeping wounds.
What to Do
Place a baby T-shirt or an e-collar (i.e., the “cone of shame”) on your cat to help prevent them from inducing further trauma. A trip to the veterinarian is also recommended. Your cat will likely have to be on antibiotics to help clear the infection. Your vet can prescribe or administer medications to help with the cause of the itching, along with flea prevention and/or allergy medications.
4. Wounds
What You May Notice
Wounds like scabs, cuts, scrapes, abrasions, and redness are most common in outdoor-only cats or indoor/outdoor cats, especially intact male cats that may be fighting over territory or mates.
Not all wounds are created equal. Some scabbing on a wound may be from mild skin irritation that has started to heal. Unfortunately, scabs on other wounds may be from discharge and infection that has developed within or around it.
What to Do
Depending on where the wound is, you can put a baby T-shirt or an e-collar on your cat so they don’t lick or chew it. If it’s large or open or has an odor or any type of discharge, your pet should see the veterinarian.
If your cat has just a few skin scrapes but seems otherwise unbothered, you likely don’t have to take them to the clinic. However, if you’re not sure, contact your vet or send them a picture of the wound to be on the safe side.
5. Allergies
What You May Notice
While some cats can develop watery eyes, nose, sneezing, and congestion from allergies, most will have itchy skin. You may notice your pet constantly scratching, licking, or chewing on their fur—much more than normal grooming. The trauma from your cat constantly itching at themselves may cause scabs in the most irritated areas.
What to Do
Flea allergies are common in cats. Make sure your pet is on a prescribed flea treatment and prevention from your veterinarian. Absolutely do not purchase anything OTC. If your cat is still scabby and itchy despite using an appropriate product, make an appointment with your vet. Assessing the areas where your cat is itchy and their lifestyle will help them determine what types of allergies your cat is likely suffering from.
6. Stress and Overgrooming
What You May Notice
Large bald patches, typically over the belly and underside of your cat, are common signs of scabbing related to stress and overgrooming. However, these bald areas can develop anywhere your pet is overgrooming. The hair in these areas is either completely gone or shortened. Scabs will form from trauma to the area or the hair being physically pulled out by your cat.
What to Do
Reduce your pet’s stress! Cats need safe places to hide, sleep, and relax. Make sure your pet has a nice cozy bed in their favorite sleeping spot and nice comfy areas where they can interact with the family. Adding in natural pheromone diffusers, such as Feliway, may also be effective. Speak with your veterinarian about other things that you can do around the house or about medications for your cat to help reduce stress.
Conclusion
Cats can develop scabs on their skin for numerous reasons. Fleas, allergies, wounds, overgrooming, skin infections, and ear irritation are common causes of scabs on felines.
Most of the time, scabs are from your cat traumatizing their own skin due to irritation. However, other scabs are from infection and wounds. Whatever the reason, make sure you try to prevent your cat from further irritating their skin and make an appointment to see the vet.
Featured Image Credit: Yaya Photos, Shutterstock
