My cat has tiny scabs from scratching. What is the cause and treatment?
Original Question: Piper my cat has developed a dry, itchy skin condition and has tiny scabs from scratching. I’ve used olive oil to soften her skin so it’s easier to remove tiny scabs. She doesn’t have fleas, or other live thing on her it’s just the tiny scabs. Her fur is coming out like mange while combing her. She's so uncomfortable and is licking constantly but I’m using skin care ointment for pets. Is there a medication that I can use to ease her discomfort? Poor thing. - Dave
Jul 24, 2018
Hi Dave,
Using olive oil really isn’t benefiting Piper as it’s not treating the underlying condition and by removing the scabs, you might be continuing to irritate the skin. From what you describe, a proper flea treatment (3 months at least) should get done to be sure that’s not the issue. Cats are such good groomers that she may be eating the fleas before you see them. A skin care ointment could also be causing him to lick more as he wants to be clean. Otherwise, allergies are the most likely cause and some proper diagnostics should be done by your vet including skin scrapes to rule out mange mites and a food trial to narrow things down. They would have some better suggestions for medications after a complete exam.
Best of luck,
Dr. Ryan Llera
Disclaimer: healthcareforpets.com and its team of veterinarians and clinicians do not endorse any products, services, or recommended advice. All advice presented by our veterinarians, clinicians, tools, resources, etc is not meant to replace a regular physical exam and consultation with your primary veterinarian or other clinicians. We always encourage you to seek medical advice from your regular veterinarian.
