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New cat has scabs on neck and tail. Is it anxiety or a skin issue?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 4 years and 4 months old | 13 lbs

We just adopted a 4 year old male cat and he came to us with some small scabbing around his neck and the base of his tail. His previous owner said that it started after her newborn was born and and since he came from a stressful Environment (multiple animals and children) that it may be anxiety related. Any advice? Maybe a moisturizer? He’s in a much calmer environment with us now so hopefully his other anxious behaviors will relax but I’m not sure if this is anxiety related or something else.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 11th, 2020

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I recommend taking Jiriya to a vet to rule out a skin infection. The areas you describe sound a lot like an allergic reaction to fleas. Sometimes you will not see fleas on a cat because they are good groomers. If there is a skin infection, he will need antibiotics. If there is a reaction he may need an anti-inflammatory. Also, if there are fleas he needs a topical prevention from a vet applied every 30 days for at least 3 months to kill the flea life cycle. Once a diagnosis is made by your veterinarian they can discuss the best treatment option for Jiriya. Good luck and kisses to Jiriya!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 30th, 2019

    Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question! How lovely for you to take in Salem. No, I would not worry about the scabs. It could be he had fleas before you got him, and the scabs are left over from scratching. If they do not bother him, he's not in pain, and he's not picking at them, no need to be concerned. Now if he starts getting more of them, starts scratching excessively, they don't go away, or get worse, then I would worry and have him seen by a vet. Best of luck.

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