My cat has a scab on her head. Should I see a vet or treat it myself?

Poor cat. This looks wide enough where it should at the very least get a topical treatment. You can try an over the counter antibitoic ointment or spray from your local pet store. Ask a store representative as to what is available in your area. You should also clean this area with Betadine diluted 50:50 with warm water to help keep bacteria and infection at bay. If it doesn't seem to be healing well in the next few days, then a vet visit is warranted at that point. I hope that this heals up well soon! Best of luck moving forward. Take care. : )

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question. It looks like it could be from an injury if there is a scab on it. A scab means it's healing, so I would just keep an eye on it for now. If you see signs of infection, it gets bigger, it starts to bother her, or it doesn't appear to be healing, then have Fatina seen by a vet. I hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I think it would heal better and quicker if you did take her to the Vet. Clipping the fur in the area to evaluate it better and allow it to dry out would be best. Honey likely will need an antibiotic or a topical cream. If she is scratching she may need something to relieve the itch. Also check for fleas since she goes outside. It could be an allergy, in cats they can develop red plaques on their face, neck and belly with food and environmental allergies. I hope this helps and I wish Honey a speedy recovery!

It's hard to say without a picture or examining Pippa. I would say use your best judgement. An allergy wouldn't present as a scratch. If it doesn't appear to heal in a few days, or if additional symptoms develop, she should definitely get checked out by the vet. Don't pick the scab off. Be careful not to get any antiseptic cleaners in the eye.

It looks like she make have gotten a small wound on her head, maybe from getting swatted by another cat. Cat claws and bites tend to make wounds with small holes that seal over and trap bacteria inside. This will form a small abscess which will then rupture, which is what this appears to be to me. Keep an eye on it and keep it clean with a washcloth, warm water and a mild soap. Clean it two or three times a day and make sure to get all the soap off or it will irritate her skin. As long as it continues to improve and she is acting fine, eating and drinking, she should be fine. If it closes up again, swells, gets really red, hot, or if she starts acting sick or loses her appetite, get her in to see you vet as soon as possible as she may then need antibiotics to clear up the infection and heal.

Hello. It is very difficult to know exactly what this might be, but it does resemble a healing abscess. If she is constantly licking the spot, then you might want to put a light Elizabethan collar on her to prevent further self-trauma. But, if she is not bothering the area, then just keep an eye on this for the time being. Anything you put on it will just get her licking it off & perhaps doing more damage to the skin. Any additional concerns, it is best to have your veterinarian physically examine the skin for additional possible treatment. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

If it's scabbing over, I'd let it be but if Tink keeps scratching at it, then take her into the vet. Also take her into the vet if it appears infected. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pus, and the area being warm to the touch. I hope this helps!