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Cat has a scab on its neck. What can I do if I can't afford a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | unspayed | 6 lbs

Hello, my cat has this weird scab on her neck. I don't have the money for a vet visit, could you tell me what it is?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 12th, 2017

It looks like it may be a wound that has developed a scab. This may habe been from a cat fight wound. I would be concerned with how deep this wound goes and a secondary infection. You can make up a light brown solution of Betadine and sterile saline to clean the area and monitor it. If it worsens, I would strongly urge you try to get in to see a vet for proper treatment.

7Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 14th, 2017
With that scab and discharge it is likely infected. To can be from either a scratch or injury that tried to heal wth a scab but the bacteria got trapped underneath to form the infection. You can gentle get the scab off to clean the area with soap and water then apply neosporin twice a day until you can get it checked by a vet for oral medicine
9Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on August 8th, 2017
Poor Nelli! That looks very much like a pustule which is basically a small accumulation of pus which may be because of a focal infection or inflammation. Often times it pops open and drains on its own and resolves and in other cases it requires further work-up and antibiotic therapy. It sounds like Nelli is all better now. However, if it does not resolve or reappears, it would be a good idea to have your veterinarian examine Nelli to ensure there is no other lesions or signs of infection that warrant further diagnostics and treatment. It appears that her vomiting, diarrhea and hyperventilation have resolved which is great as those are more concerning clinical signs that are most likely unrelated to the skin abnormality. Best of luck!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Amber Da Silva, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 8th, 2017
It looks like a small hole. It could be any number of things such as a ruptured cyst, a puncture wound or a little abscess. If it is superficial, you could try a warm compress to encourage drainage and then apply a topical triple antibiotic a couple of times a day. If it continues to drain or doesn't heal up, I would recommend a visit to the veterinarian for an exam so they can come up with a treatment plan for Nelli.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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