Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

My cat has yellow scabby sores and keeps biting himself. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 5 years and 4 months old | 30 lbs

my pet cat t has yellow scabby sores and he chews on him self all over and bitting him shelf what can it be I am so worried and very poor don't know what to do thanks

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 3rd, 2016

It sounds like he could have a bacterial skin infection which may be secondary to an allergy. You could bathe him with a medicated cat shampoo and see if that helps. Otherwise, he will need to be examined and treated by a veterinarian. He may need an antibiotic, antihistamine, and/or a corticosteroid to help treat his skin problem. Hope he feels better soon.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jacqueline Nobles, DVM, DACVECC

    Veterinarian, Board-Certified Emergency/Critical Care Specialist

    Published on

    Trying bathing the cat in a gentle shampoo such as baby shampoo and apply an E-collar. Your cat may be suffering from allergies and a skin infection which will need to be addressed by a veterinarian if symptoms fail to improve.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Published on April 20th, 2019

    Hi, and thanks for your question. Even though a picture would help to understand better the underlying cause, This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking/scratching (if any). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Sponsored