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My outdoor cat's nose is scabbed and bleeding. Why won't it heal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 8 lbs

Ok well the tip of my cats nose is scabbed but I bleeds every day idk there r scabs all over his body but his nose is what worries me its been over a month n its hasn't healed he is an outdoor cat n lives in my back yard but sleeps in my house every time he naps n sleeps idk how old he is he sneezes non stop n breathes heavy.

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on December 28th, 2016

Poor Gizmo! I would definitely recommend having the scabbed-over area on his nose checked by a vet as soon as possible - cats sometimes get skin cancer such as squamous cell carcinoma that can present this way, and the nose is a relatively common place for this to happen. It's also possible that the area is infected, or that the scabs are allergy-related and will not heal unless this underlying problem is treated. Your vet can do some simple tests and may biopsy the area if there is any concern about cancer, and will advise you on what can be done to treat the problem depending on what is found.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    It sounds like he could have a skin infection, allergic dermatitis, mites, fleas, etc. He should be examined by a veterinarian to determine the cause and treat his problem. He may need an antibiotic, anti-histamine, corticosteroid, flea treatment, and/or other medications depending on the cause. He could also have a respiratory infection and need an antibiotic to treat.

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    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Oneal Bogan, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 28th, 2018

    Hi there.

    I would have Jagger check by your vet. The wounds on his nose look infected, but there is also a chance they are not wound and actually something else causing an infection.

    Best to have him examined either way.

    I hope that helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 3rd, 2017

    It appears It may be scabbed or scratched by something. You can try to gently wipe and clean it with mild soap and water. There are no topicals to place on it due to the location; he will just like them off too quickly. It is hard to appreciate how deep the injury is on that photo so it is best to get him check by a vet to see if oral antibiotics are needed to heal it.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. B. DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 2nd, 2019

    If there was a scab there and it was removed than this is likely the skin underneath. If the area was traumatized/injured then this may be healing tissue/scar. If there was no known trauma and an ulcerated area appeared before the scab then something else could be going on like an infection or a tumor. The best thing would be for your vet to take a look at this area to decide which scenario is most likely. Then it can be determined if any meds need to be prescribed and/or samples collected (such as a biopsy). I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Vet Q & A
My old outdoor cat has an open nose scab. Can it heal on its own?
Best would be if you could take Snowball to your vet for an exam. Without seeing even a photo of the lesion and how deep it is I am afraid I cannot tell you whether it will heal by itself. He may need some antibiotics to help it heal.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
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
Vet Q & A
What to do if my cat's nose skin is broken and won't heal?
It sounds like Mibaowa may have scratched at her nose, causing the scab to come off. It does need to heal, or it could get infected from her continually scratching at it. I would put an Ecollar on her, which will prevent her from scratching at it, and will allow it to heal. You can get an Ecollar from a pet store or your vet.
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
Vet Q & A
My cat's nose is raw and bleeding from rubbing. How can I treat it?
This looks very sore! In some cats a viral infection such as herpes can be involved, so ampling and testing the area can be very helpful as antviral drugs can be very effective. An Ecollar in the meantime will prevent her from clawing at the area and doing further damage, you could apply manuka hney to the area but I would not recommend using any medicated ointments etc as she will lick and swallow them!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why won't my cat's nose wound heal and keeps bleeding for months?
Thank you for including the picture, it is helpful. I had a situation in a patient like Bongo that I found a tooth in (likely from a fight with another cat). But an object festering could be the cause of a non-healing wound. Also there is the potential of a growth. Less likely because he is so young, but still possible. I would encourage you to have him evaluated by a veterinarian soon. It is small enough that they may just recommend removing it all together and sending it out for a biopsy. Best of luck and I hope he heals soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My senior outdoor white cat has nose scabs & a black mouth spot. Why?
The scabs on Moonbeams' nose could be small wounds, or could be from something like allergies. If the scabs are on the pink part of her nose and if they appear ulcerative at all they could be a sign of squamous cell carcinoma, a type of cancer that is more common in areas exposed to the sun. I would guess the black area near her mouth is normal pigment which sometimes forms as cats get older. I would recommend having Moonbeam examined by your veterinarian for a diagnosis.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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