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Why does my outdoor cat have red scabs above its eyes and how to help?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 17 lbs

My cat has a cluster of tiny red scabs above his eyes (leading up to ears) that appear to have been scratched and slightly bloody. Though, they do not appear to be overly itchy for his as we have not seem him picking at it really. There do not appear to be scabs anywhere else on his body other than this region. He goes outside in the backyard regularly. We have never treated him for fleas or ticks ever before.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Rachel

Veterinarian

Published on June 28th, 2017

This is a common place for kitties to develop lesions when they are having a chronic allergy. Some possibilities include food allergy, flea allergy, medication allergy, or environmental allergy. The first step is to ensure he is on a good course of flea preventative. Dietary allergies are usually ruled out by performing a diet trial - feeding a special prescription hypoallergenic food for a period of time. If it turns out he has an environmental allergy, he may need seasonal or lifelong allergy treatment. A short course of anti-inflammatory steroid medication may be needed to resolve this inflammation. A local veterinarian can examine Benny and help determine which course of action is best based on his history and what seems the most likely cause.

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 21st, 2017

    This is probably caused by an allergic reaction. first of all make sure you de-flea Zeus regularly every month with a high quality spot on (ex. Advantage) as fleas are by far the most common reason for these reactions. If the fleas are not the problem, it could be an allergic reaction to food or an environmental factor. this is more complicated to treat and will sometimes require medications such as Steroids, anti histamines or cyclosporin in order to stop the allergy.

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