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My outdoor cat's nose is scabbed and bleeding. Why won't it heal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 8 lbs

Ok well the tip of my cats nose is scabbed but I bleeds every day idk there r scabs all over his body but his nose is what worries me its been over a month n its hasn't healed he is an outdoor cat n lives in my back yard but sleeps in my house every time he naps n sleeps idk how old he is he sneezes non stop n breathes heavy.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on December 28th, 2016

Poor Gizmo! I would definitely recommend having the scabbed-over area on his nose checked by a vet as soon as possible - cats sometimes get skin cancer such as squamous cell carcinoma that can present this way, and the nose is a relatively common place for this to happen. It's also possible that the area is infected, or that the scabs are allergy-related and will not heal unless this underlying problem is treated. Your vet can do some simple tests and may biopsy the area if there is any concern about cancer, and will advise you on what can be done to treat the problem depending on what is found.

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    It sounds like he could have a skin infection, allergic dermatitis, mites, fleas, etc. He should be examined by a veterinarian to determine the cause and treat his problem. He may need an antibiotic, anti-histamine, corticosteroid, flea treatment, and/or other medications depending on the cause. He could also have a respiratory infection and need an antibiotic to treat.

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