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

These little bumps are often caused by knats and insect bite allergies. In addition to what you are doing before Luna goes out I'd put some cat safe flea and insect repellent on a cloth and wipe the ears, forehead and neck area. Please do not get this in her eyes and nose. This will help keep the knats and insects off her when she's outside. Then use the wound spray when she comes inside to treat the sores. Usually as the weather cools and there are less insects the skin sores will heal. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Luna.

Ouch! Those are some major hot spots in that photo. I would recommend having Lili seen by your vet so the area can be clipped and cleaned and any medications such as pain or antibiotics can be given to help it heal a bit faster. I'd also keep Lili from scratching or pawing at it as this can introduce bacteria and more inflammation which can slow healing. If only Lili is affected and you're not noticing other issues like parasites, etc, it is possible there is an allergy underlying. She could be rubbing up against something causing the itchiness, or could have an ingredient allergy to something in her food (or a treat if the spots correspond with intermittent feeding of a treat or wet food). Other issues such as an underlying illness like an immune or metabolic issue can also cause scabbing and skin issues that affect only one cat in the household. A vet visit is a good option at this point both to treat the current scabs and to see if a food trial, allergy meds, or additional testing such as bloodwork to rule out any underlying health issues may be beneficial in finding the cause.

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.

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.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Midnight. And thank you also for providing a picture, that really helps. I'm concerned she has a serious skin condition going on, that looks awful in the picture. I'm worried with all her time out in the sun, she could have developed squamous cell carcinoma. It could be she has been sunburned every summer causing the blisters and now may have cancer. She really needs to see a vet for it. I would see if you can catch her and get her into a vet asap. I hope this helps!

Skin problems in cats are usually secondary to an allergy. Puttie might be allergic to something that is in the air in your area over the summer. The best thing for him is have a good skin exam done by a veterinarian. Allergies can lead to secondary problems such as bacterial and fungal infections. Allergies can't be cured, but can be controlled with different medications. Allergies are difficult to treat, so be patient as your veterinarian finds the right combination of medications that will keep him comfortable. Your vet can also make sure that there isn't something else going on instead of allergies. They will check the lumps to make sure that it isn't something more serious like swollen lymph nodes.

Dark scabby areas on the head and necks of cats are often attributable to a complex known as eosinophilic plaques. Many are allergic in origin, and respond to a change in diet (hypoallergenic diets such as those made with "novel" protein and carbohydrate sources or hydrolyzed diets such as Hill's z/d) and treatment with immunosuppressive drugs. Some studies also point to a tie-in with feline herpes virus. Diagnosis is made via biopsy. These lesions can occur on the lips, inside the mouth, just about anywhere on the head or on the pads of the feet. I've also seen them on the abdomen. Again, it's really important to get a biopsy done, because the appearance can mimic some cancers (squamous cell carcinoma) and also some fungal diseases that are quite serious.