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My cat has bleeding scabs on her face and neck from scratching. Help!

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 4 years and 11 months old | 10 lbs

My cat has these big scabs on her face and neck. She then scratches them off in turn making them bleed and become bigger scabs. What do I do? An E-Cone isn’t an option.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on March 23rd, 2018

This is probably caused by an allergic reaction. first of all make sure you de-flea Lina regularly every month with a high quality spot on (ex. Advantage) as fleas are by far the most common reason for these reactions. If the fleas are not the problem, it could be an allergic reaction to food or an environmental factor. this is more complicated to treat and will sometimes require medications such as Steroids, anti histamines or cyclosporin in order to stop the allergy.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Menolly Cote, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on June 15th, 2017

    From the photos you have provided it looks as though Mavis has caused significant trauma to her head and neck. This sort of self trauma is typically associated with allergies or infection. While food allergies is one potential cause, allergies to fleas or things in the environment such as dust or pollen is possible as well. We sometimes see these types of symptoms with ear infections as well . Given the severity of the wounds in the pictures Mavis likely needs antibiotics and possibly pain medication. I would recommend that you have her seen by your veterinarian so they can help determine the best course of treatment for the wounds as well as help you to determine what she may be allergic to and how to avoid this in the future.

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