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My cat keeps scratching and has a wound, but no fleas. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 10 lbs

Hi, I have an inside cat, he's occasionally allowed on the back deck and has been treated for fleas, he's still scratching, and has this would that will not heal. We've had him for a little over 2 years. Is there anything we can do?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Mirissa Duncil, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 4th, 2017

Hi there. It may be that you need to switch Budders' flea medication to something else. If he is scratching around his ears-he should also be tested for ear mites or an ear infection. The areas he is in should also be treated for fleas and ticks. He may have developed an allergy over time-if the wound is non healing, it may be time to take him in to your vet for further work up and medications. Hope this helps

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on

    Poor Budders! That looks like a pretty significant skin wound. If he is scratching quite a bit and you're positive that he doesn't have fleas, then it's likely that he has some other type of skin problem causing him to be so itchy. He may have allergies (food allergies, or an allergy to something in the environment), a bacterial or fungal skin infection, or skin mites (mange). Treatment will depend on what the underlying problem is, so I would recommend taking him to the vet for an exam when you are able to - he/she can do some simple skin tests to help diagnose the problem, and get him started on appropriate medication to treat it. In the meantime, you can try using a topical antibiotic spray labeled for use in cats such as Vetericyn or Nutri-Vet on the affected area if you want to. This will probably not be effective in treating the underlying problem, but it may help to make this particular wound feel a bit better and keep it from getting worse until you are able to see the vet.

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