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.
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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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.
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on September 28th, 2018
Hi there. I would have Jagger check by your vet. The wounds on his nose look infected, but there is also a chance they are not wound and actually something else causing an infection. Best to have him examined either way. I hope that helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on December 3rd, 2017
It appears It may be scabbed or scratched by something. You can try to gently wipe and clean it with mild soap and water. There are no topicals to place on it due to the location; he will just like them off too quickly. It is hard to appreciate how deep the injury is on that photo so it is best to get him check by a vet to see if oral antibiotics are needed to heal it.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on March 2nd, 2019
If there was a scab there and it was removed than this is likely the skin underneath. If the area was traumatized/injured then this may be healing tissue/scar. If there was no known trauma and an ulcerated area appeared before the scab then something else could be going on like an infection or a tumor. The best thing would be for your vet to take a look at this area to decide which scenario is most likely. Then it can be determined if any meds need to be prescribed and/or samples collected (such as a biopsy). I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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