Why does my old cat have scabs on her back and tail? Is it fleas?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 9 lbs
My old cat has many Many thick scabs on her back neck and base of tail. Nothing on her belly. I can pick at them and it doesn't bother her. It's getting worst as time goes by. I can't afford to take her to the vet. Please help me
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on December 10th, 2016
These scabs could be caused by scratching, and in cats, the base of the tail is a characteristic spot where cats scratch when they have fleas. If Kenchion isn't up to date on her flea treatments, I would get one now. First, I would give her Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash her bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. Hopefully, this will help clear up the scabs. If it doesn't, then she will need to see the vet. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com
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Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on
If they are only in the hair, they are probably mats that forn because she may not be able to groom herself as well as she used to. If she's letting you pull them off, continue to do so, just be careful not to use scissors or damage her skin with too much pulling or anythign sharp. If her skin is affected and these are true scabs caused by some kind of lesions, she really should be seen by a vet. If you are in financial difficulty, there are ways of still getting your pet treated by a veterinarian. Ask if they take Care Credit and apply online. This is a credit card specifically for medical, dental, and veterinary expenses. Call a local animal shelter or college of veterinary medicine in your area and ask if they have a low- or no-cost veterinary care program. Harley’s Hope Foundation is an organization that ensures low income pet parents and their companion or service animals remain together when issues arise. Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance (FVEAP) works with seniors, people with disabilities, people who have lost their job, good Samaritans who rescue a cat or kitten who may need financial assistance to save a beloved companion. The Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization that provides financial assistance to cat and kitten guardians who are unable to afford veterinary services to save their companions when life-threatening illness or injury strikes. God's Creatures Ministry helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help. IMOM is dedicated to insure that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged. The Onyx & Breezy Foundation has many programs including helping people with medical bills. They are a good resource for information. Brown Dog Foundation provides funding to families with a sick pet that would likely respond to treatment, but due to circumstances, there is not enough money immediately available to pay. The Pet Fund and Redrover.org are great sources for help to care for your pet. The Humane Society website has many links to other organizations that help with veterinary expenses.
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on November 29th, 2016
That's lovely of you to rescue Zoey! It sounds like she has fleas, which she would get from being a stray. The fleas would cause excessive scratching, leading to scabs and her pulling her hair out. She will need a flea treatment. First, I would give her Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash her bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. Sometimes cats can have a flea allergy, and you will see scratching even after being flea treated and disinfecting the environment. If she does continue scratching after treatment and disinfection of the environment, you will have to take her to the vet for medication. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on May 16th, 2019
Poor Calie! This scratching can be caused by fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If she isn't up to date on her flea treatment, I can give you one for hier. First, I would give her Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash her bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. If she is up to date on her flea treatment, I recommend taking her into the vet for an exam today or tomorrow. The vet can do blood tests, skin scrapings, and use a Wood's lamp to diagnose allergies, mites, and ringworm. Once the cause of the itching is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on March 8th, 2017
Overgrooming is typically caused by itchiness in cats, and a common place cats overgroom when they are itchy from fleas is the back end of their body. If Faith isn't up to date on her flea treatment, I can give you one. First, I would give her Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash her bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. Even if she is up to date on her flea treatment, it's still a good idea to have her seen by a vet on Monday. Cats can develop flea allergy dermatitis from heavy flea infestations, especially cats who have been outdoors a lot, and that requires additional medication to treat. If she is up to date on her flea treatments, the vet can diagnose what is causing her overgrooming at her appointment on Monday, such as mites, allergies, or ringworm, and can treat her for it.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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