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My indoor cat has recurring itchy scabs under her mouth. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Our cat is nearly 4 years old and Indoor. She has a skin irritation right under her mouth-had it 1 month ago and seemed to clear up on own. But then it started again 1 week ago as 2 scab spots in SAME place. For past week, the sores have continued to bother her-noted by her itching of them. She is eating/drinking fine otherwise. What could this skin irritation be?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Emily, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 8th, 2017

This could be a wound that is becoming chronic is not healing, an infection, and allergy or even the start of an autoimmune disease. Because it is been going on for more than a week or two I recommend having your veterinarian do an exam if possible. Also if you could keep her inside for a week and keep it clean and dry you could see if that helps clear it up.

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    It is hard to tell without at least a photo of the area posted here:m; however she could have chin acne or an allergic reaction or an immune mediated disorder (eosinophilic granuloma). The first step is to have a skin cytology done to identify the type of infection so that that is treated with prescription medication, and then anti-itch medication (ie steroid injection, allergy medication) likely is needed to stop the itch and subsequent scans and infection on the skin. Also another possible cause is bacterial drainage from her mouth due to periodontal disease, in which case antibiotics and a dental cleaning would be the recommended treatment. I would recommend placing an Elizabethan collar on her, from your local pet store, for now to prevent her from scratching this area further. Most cats don't like the collar and it may have to be tied with loose continuous gauze, fed through her collar or a shoestring, making sure it isn't too tight. You can also wash it with a mild soap (i.e. Dove) and a thin layer of Neosporin may be tried on the area, allowing it to absorb into the skin for 20 minutes untouched. I hope that her skin heals up quickly. Best wishes at the vet and take care of that fur baby.

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