Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why is my cat's nose suddenly dry, rough, and scabby? Is it serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | spayed | 5 years and 4 months old | 10 lbs

My cat's nose is all of the sudden very dry, rough, and looks scabby. She is only 5 and is an indoor cat, but we so have 3 other cats as well. Thoughts on what this might be? The last photo is what her nose normally looks like.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jenny, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 8th, 2017

It may be the start of a fungal or bacterial infection or growth of some sort. You can try to apply a warm compress to see if it will loosen some of the scabs without hurting her for tonight. You will have to talk to your vet about further testing such as a culture or biopsy and medication to clear it completely though.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
Poor Sunita. It is impossible to tell what is going on by just looking at the pictures, but I would consider a bacterial, yeast or fungal infection. I would recommend having your veterinarian examine Sunita. They can run a few simple skin tests to rule out fungus, yeast, or a bacteria as the cause and decide on an appropriate treatment plan.
I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH
Veterinarian
Published on March 12th, 2020
Hi and thanks for posting. The pictures came out very blurry so it is hard to get an idea of what it looks like or what is going on here. It could be a skin infection from an allergy or potentially fungal related. Batsy will need to see his veterinarian for an exam and may need a skin scraping and/or fungal culture of the area near the lesion to get a better idea of what the cause is. Treatment depends on the diagnosis. Batsy may need oral and/or topical medications depending. For now, I'd try and keep the area clean and dry. If Batsy is scratching at it you may want to put an ECollar on him to prevent him from doing this.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Why is my cat's nose dry, scabbed, and bleeding? Is it serious?

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. 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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

What is this crusty mark on my cat's nose? Should I be worried?

The mark on Cleo's nose looks like a bit of crusted fur. This could be due to a scab from scratching herself, or could be the start of a mild bacterial or fungal infection. As long as it doesn't seem to be bothering her, it's perfectly reasonable to keep an eye on it for a week or two before taking further action. If it gets better - problem solved! If it stays the same or gets worse, it would be best to have it checked out by a vet. During the exam, your vet may need to scrape a sample of skin cells to be examined under a microscope to get to the bottom of this issue. I hope that everything goes well!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why does my healthy indoor cat have a scabby nose for a week?

She could have an infection, auto-immune disease, or allergic dermatitis. Since she has had the condition for about a week, she should be examined by your vet to determine the cause. She may need an antibiotic, anti-histamine, and/or an anti-inflammatory to treat the problem.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my kitten's nose crusty? Is it serious and what should I do?

It is difficult to tell from the pictures exactly what could be going on. However, crusty skin lesions can be due to parasite (skin or mite) infections, bacterial infections or even fungal infections. Your veterinarian can perform a skin scraping to determine the cause of the crustiness and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat has recurring scabs on her nose. What's wrong and how to help?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Ruby. Was she ever tested for ringworm the past? This can cause crusty lesions and the face is a common site. Typically the veterinarian will pluck hairs and perform a fungal culture. If positive, then medication can be prescribed. If this is not the case, a bacterial infection or mites could be the cause. Either way, she will need to see her veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis. In the meantime, you can place an E-collar on her to prevent any further self trauma. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat is sensitive to touch with a dry, crusty nose. What can I do?

Your kitty has either a bacterial infection above his eye or ear mites making him scratch his ears and this area raw. Look inside the ears, and if there is black nasty crusty discharge, he has ear mites. The infection above his eye needs to be seen by a vet for antibiotics and possibly even allergy treatment. If he has mites, he needs a Revolution or ivermectin treatment to kill them. Hope that helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why does my outdoor cat get scabby, itchy nose bumps in summer?

Poor Girl! This look a lot like wounds from chasing prey. It could also be bacterial infection from allergies. Alleriges, though, usually cause scabs else where like under the chin or around the neck. I would have your vet take a look at them as some of them look quite swollen and she may need some antibiotics. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share