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My cat has scabs on her neck. Is it dry skin, scratching, or serious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Ragdoll | Female | spayed | 11 years and 4 months old | 8 lbs

My cat has scabs all over the back of her neck I'm thinking it's just her scratching too hard, she has always had a lot of dander so maybe her skin is just dry.. she isn't bothered when I touch the scabs. I'm just wondering if it could be something more serious

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jeffrey Milner

Veterinarian

Published on May 22nd, 2017

If you are concerned that Gypsy might have a dermatologic issue, she should be brought into a veterinarian to have some diagnostics performed. This can include skin scrapings, cytology, fungal / bacterial cultures, and allergy testing. Other problems that can cause skin issue in cats are various vitamin and mineral deficiencies as well as a number of endocrine disorders. Endocrine disorders do not usually produce itchiness however, making this a less likely scenario.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jeffrey Milner

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 4th, 2017

    That appears to be a scab from what could possibly be an insect bite or some type of self-inflicted wound. Self-inflicted damage would be caused due to some sort of irritation or inflammation on that area of the skin forcing your kitty to scratch or bite repeatedly at the same region. Less likely, it could be the beginning of some sort of immune-mediated condition. The only way to know for certain what the origin of the problem is, is with diagnostics at your veterinarian. However if the area if not getting any worse (and to me looks like it is in the healing process already) and it is not bothering Gwen, I would just leave it for now unless matters change. If Gwen is not on any flea / tick preventative, I would consider putting her on something whenever you get a chance. Hope this helps!

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