My cat bites himself raw, has scabs & matted fur. What's wrong?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 3 years and 7 months old
My cat has been excessively cleaning himself and for the past few months started to bite himself around his back to the point where it is leaving scabs. No fleas, I have checked daily. We haven't had any major changes because I thought maybe it was stress induced. I just want to know what this is and what I can do for him to stop it. Attached is a picture of him sleeping, I finally got him to stop by petting him. But his hair is extremely matted. Please, any help is so appreciated.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on December 2nd, 2017
Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. What you are describing could be allergies. I would recommend the following products which can all be found online. If no improvement or this worsens, I would have Shelby examined by a veterinarian. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. 1. Welactin omega 3 fish oil for cats 2. Douxo PS calm shampoo and bathe twice weekly until resolved 3. Essential 5 spot on by dermoscent
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on June 26th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Purrcy! It appears as though they are excoriations from scratching and the second picture is a scab that came off with the comb. The most common reason for sores from scratching are fleas or allergies. The allergies can be from the environment or food. Since he has multiple areas I would have him seen by your Vet to decide if he needs antibiotics and/or steroids. Use a good flea preventative, as if an animal is flea allergic it only takes one flea bite to cause sores. Consider changing the protein in his diet (fish to chicken or venison, lamb, beef, etc). I wish you and Purrcy the very best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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