My cat has nose scabs, ear crusts, and hair loss. Should I see a vet?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | unspayed | 6 lbs
My cat has scab-like bumps on her nose bridge, and there is a small little circle closer to her nose. She hair minor hair loss near these areas, stretching from the nose itself, about 2mm up the nose bridge which i'm assuming is due to these hard scabs. She also has these hard crusty yellow bits along the outer edge of her ear, as well as irritation in those areas. Should I bring her in to be checked out by a vet or is this an easy fix with over the counter products?
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on February 22nd, 2018
I would recommend having Sharon examined by your vet and have your vet do some simple skin tests to determine what might be going on with Sharon. We do sometimes see some different types of mites (I have attached a link to a handout below with more information on one type of mite) that can cause skin problems in cats as well as bacterial or fungal infections. so your vet will need to determine the cause of the crusting in order to determine the best treatment option. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=512 Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.
8Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on August 30th, 2017
Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely secondary to pulling the scab/crust. Basically when the scab forms it is a way for the body to heal some form of defect in the skin. Sometimes if a scab is pulled too early in the recovery process, you can have a similar appearance. The question is what caused the scab or crust to form in the first place. Could have been perhaps some form of trauma or contact with an irritant. Keep an eye on her and have her examined by your veterinarian if it does not improve in the next week. Good luck!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on September 10th, 2020
First of all, Pulla is beautiful! I love her markings! As far as her nose goes, I can definitely see the crusting that you've mentioned on the left side of her nose. Since this has progressively worsened over the past few months, I would be more concerned about either an infection (bacterial and/or fungal) or cancer. Foreign objects or benign nasal polyps typically cause ongoing sneezing and nasal discharge, but don't usually cause this type of crusting on the nose. Certainly more diagnostic testing is needed to get to the bottom of this situation. I would ask your vet whether or not they feel that a bacterial culture and skin biopsy are needed at this point. The complicating factor is certainly Pulla's heart disease because any underlying heart issues make sedation or anesthesia much more risky. In addition to having her nose rechecked by your vet, I would also have her examined by a veterinary cardiologist, as they will be best suited to assess any anesthetic risks and treat any underlying heart disease. I hope that everything goes well for Pulla!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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