Scabs on my Cat - why?

Gold_Dust_2

I'm inclined to agree with the wait and see/it's from a fight views, purely because of the placement. Look at the shape of them - are they large enough to be puncture wounds (fairly substantial scab) or line-like in any way? If it was fleas, you'd fine tiny dot scabs and flea dirt.

If they aren't of the bloody kind, what do they actually look like then?

madget_2

dogstarheaven wrote: »

My tabby (6) has been getting scabs around the front of his body (3 on neck and 3 below collar/shoulders) for the past month, and I don't know what is causing this. There was an outbreak of a flea infestation in the house, but he didn't seem infected when he wasn't scratching incessantly, or was I finding any fleas on him. He was treated in all his life with Frontline, but I've switched to Advantage now since 2 weeks ago.
Do you think it's some sort of skin condition like dermatitis, or perhaps something worse?

Btw, the scabs aren't of the bloody kind, but my baby does like me making extra effort in scratching him carefully there for ages!:o

It could be some kind of allergic skin reaction. My own two cats are variously allergic to several things (including pollen, dust mites etc), which can make their skin feel very itchy, causing them to scratch and scabs to form.


I really would advise having him checked out, just in case. If it does turn out to be an allergy, there are ways of helping to try to control it.

Lilyjade

It could be harvest mites, this is the time of year for them. I believe they will die off as weather gets cooler, but you can get treatment from the vets.

DFlights

My first cat had a quite rare condition called pemphigus, which is an extreme allergic reaction to flea bites - he was also allergic to flea collars. It took a few steroid injections and a good smothering of udder cream, of all things, to treat but he did have it very bad, worst case the vet had seen, I was told. He scratched and gave himself secondary infections, so was on antibiotics as well.

If the scabs don't heal up in the next few days, I'd take him to your vet just to be sure.

dogstarheaven

dandelionclock30 wrote: »

If hes been getting them for a month then thats a good while and shows that there might be a problem. I'd take him to the vet and I dont think it will be much. Its not like he will need a major operation etc.

£36 plus a tenner in taxi fares for an antibiotic jab for mild flea allergy:o

Gold_Dust wrote: »

I'm inclined to agree with the wait and see/it's from a fight views, purely because of the placement. Look at the shape of them - are they large enough to be puncture wounds (fairly substantial scab) or line-like in any way? If it was fleas, you'd fine tiny dot scabs and flea dirt.

If they aren't of the bloody kind, what do they actually look like then?

noticed this morning that the largest one has bloodied :eek::eek:

madget wrote: »

If it does turn out to be an allergy, there are ways of helping to try to control it.

Vet said there were no fleas to be detected, but i did find one live one last night!!! on him whilst i was in bed!!!:eek::eek::eek:

thanks for your many replies, peeps. i can now rest a bit more now. He hasn't been too bothered about them as they're not causing him too much grief, but I have noticed he's grooming more than usual though

meritaten

I didn't really want to say this as Ididn't want to alarm you - but scabby skin can be a symptom of FIV. as so many posters are saying 'wait and see' this could be a bit dangerous if it is this. FIV can be controlled if diagnosed early - its a simple blood test.
the thing is, scabby skin can be nothing to worry about - or a symptom of something else. my lovely Barney is currently having to have a course of steroids because of flea allergy dermatitis. I changed brands of 'spot on' and this one didn't work - a week later and he is not in a good place................he is currently on steroids and antibiotics as he had a low fever too. he was quite poorly over the weekend.
its always better to get them checked by the vet, it could save money in the long run.

dogstarheaven

lidlest wrote: »

Outdoor cat? If so, he's been getting into scrapes - my cats sometimes have them - as long as they are not big or sore looking , nothing to worry about.

My cat likes me to pick them off so he can eat them :-/

i had thought it might have been from scrapping with the locals but it would usually heal itself after a week or so, and for more to appear and old ones still there, has got me worried. Am pleased he went to the vets (even tho' a mad rush from work, and trying to get him inside the carrier whilst taxi was waiting outside!. i couldn't work out how to fit and close the mesh door on!:o

dogstarheaven

meritaten wrote: »

I didn't really want to say this as Ididn't want to alarm you - but scabby skin can be a symptom of FIV. as so many posters are saying 'wait and see' this could be a bit dangerous if it is this. FIV can be controlled if diagnosed early - its a simple blood test.
the thing is, scabby skin can be nothing to worry about - or a symptom of something else. my lovely Barney is currently having to have a course of steroids because of flea allergy dermatitis. I changed brands of 'spot on' and this one didn't work - a week later and he is not in a good place................he is currently on steroids and antibiotics as he had a low fever too. he was quite poorly over the weekend.
its always better to get them checked by the vet, it could save money in the long run.

i was a bit put out a little when the vet didn't really ask questions re. how his diet/temperament had changed etc. I think he'd just assumed if there was a flea infestation and my finding a few dead ones was the diagnosis.
sorry to hear about your Barney, Meritain - what other symptoms does he have other than scabs?

Shoshannah

Scabby cats have FAD until proven otherwise, IMO.

Treatment for that requires very stringent flea control (one bite can trigger it). Some cats require steroids to reduce itching and antibiotics if the skin becomes infected.

There are several other causes of scabby cats as well.

meritaten

Barnes is on Steroids and antibiotics (I write his nightly blog for him on here, titled 'grandcat having extended sleepover') - yes, the flea allergy dermatitis was that bad! I would think this would be the first thought a vet has when faced with a 'scabby cat'. and its probably most often the right diagnosis.
my previous cat WAS FIV - so I know that scabby skin is one symptom. they don't always seem poorly either - so if you have an outdoor cat its worth asking for the blood test, if the symptoms persist despite being 'flea free'.
oh and the affected area being mainly around the neck and shoulders point to it being fleas - if he was scabby ALL over - I would be far more worried!