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My senior cat has a black growing scab on her nose. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed

My cat has a black growing scab on her nose. She is 14 years old. I do have pictures..

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Christie Long, DVM

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on May 2nd, 2016

Dark scabby areas on the head and necks of cats are often attributable to a complex known as eosinophilic plaques. Many are allergic in origin, and respond to a change in diet (hypoallergenic diets such as those made with "novel" protein and carbohydrate sources or hydrolyzed diets such as Hill's z/d) and treatment with immunosuppressive drugs. Some studies also point to a tie-in with feline herpes virus. Diagnosis is made via biopsy. These lesions can occur on the lips, inside the mouth, just about anywhere on the head or on the pads of the feet. I've also seen them on the abdomen. Again, it's really important to get a biopsy done, because the appearance can mimic some cancers (squamous cell carcinoma) and also some fungal diseases that are quite serious.

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I strongly recommend to get this assessed by a vet as soon as possible and they may wish to sample this with a needle, scrapes orr biopsy. Any skin lumps, wounds or lesions which are growing or changing quickly in size, colour or discharge in older pets are always a major concern

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