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My cat has scabs on face, head, neck. Vet can't find cause. What now?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 12 lbs

My cat keeps getting these scabs on face, head and neck for past 3 months now. He has had flea, tick and heart worm treatment along with skin scraping for mites. All negative. He has been given Prednisone and antibiotics. He has lost only about 1-1/2 lbs. but is at a normal weight. We've brought him to the vet about 8 times with no luck. Do you have any suggestions? Could this be systemic? Muffin does not seem to be bothered by this and our other kitty is in not way affected. TU

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on October 18th, 2019

If you have ruled out fleas/skin mites. I recommend to have him tested for hyperthyroidism and if that's not the cause, have him on a 12 week food trial with a hydrolyzed protein diet. You must start moving down the list of potential causes of the skin lesions. Atopy is still on the list but is harder to test for so rule out these other causes first. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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