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My cat has bald spots & scabs. Antibiotics failed. What can I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 5 lbs

Our cat she is only 5, she has bald spots forming from her ears to her eyes, with blood scabbing up in the spots. I have given her antibiotics it seemed to work at first, but now it isnt, we are unsure what is going on. And don't have funds o take her to the vet.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 18th, 2016

Poor Missy. If the scabs improved at first then it is likely you were on the right track with the antibiotics. You may have to give the antibiotics for a longer period of time. Some pets require 2 weeks or more consecutively to clear up infections on the skin. You can also add in a topical treatment. I highly recommend the Duoxo seborrhea shampoo, if this appears to be a sebborhea problem. Duoxo also carries other medicated shampoos for different skin conditions. The component Chlorhexidine is a good overall antiseptic. If you suspect a fungal component, then you want to go with an anti-fungal ingredient such as Ketoconazole.
You can also look into low cost clinics in your area, if you are still unable to control the skin well. http://petvet.vippetcare.com/
Here are some financial resources that also may prove helpful for you so that you can get Missy the care she needs:
www.carecredit.com
redrover.org
Best of luck to you!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on November 7th, 2019
Hi, and thanks for your question.
This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem.
Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking/scratching (if any).
Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on October 1st, 2019
This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem.
Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking/scratching (if any).
Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on March 11th, 2017
Poor kitty! Unfortunately, it's difficult to use topical medications in cats because they normally groom them off and ingest them. You could put an e-collar (plastic cone) on your cat to prevent him from being able to reach the spot, and use a pet-safe topical hydrocortisone spray if you want to try this - just make sure any product you use is labeled for cats, since they are very sensitive to the chemicals in many topical meds designed for dogs and other animals.

Most of the time, prescription medication such as a steroid and/or an antibiotic is required to effectively treat skin problems like this, so I would really recommend taking your cat to the vet for an exam as soon as you are able to. Your vet can do some simple skin tests to help determine what is causing the problem (allergies, fleas, a bacterial or fungal infection, etc.) and get him started on appropriate medication to treat it.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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