My cat has scabs on her back and is vomiting. Should I worry?

Hi, and thanks for your question. This could be due to an allergy, although it could also be infection or mites. First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to treat with a high quality flea treatment, then ask the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation. If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try to discover the cause of the allergy. Three main type of allergies are usually affecting pets: food allergies, flea and parasite related ones and environmental type (allergens coming from trees, pollens, dust etc etc). Some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair any possible skin lesions (like steroids and antibiotics). 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!

It could be a severe skin infection or an acute allergic reaction. I would recommend a vet check up so that she can get some treatment on board. These reactions can be quite painful and cause itchiness. Vomiting could also be a sign of allergic reaction, leave water down but no food until you see your vet. I would arrange a visit this morning, if possible.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It looks like Lily has a skin infection. I recommend taking her to a vet for antibiotic’s and something to relieve the itching. It is possible to be from a food allergy or an environmental allergy. This may be the cause of her vomiting as well. You need to speak with a veterinarian about what she eats and the environment she is in. They will then be able to treat her appropriately. Good luck and kisses to Lily!

It looks a bit like scar tissue. If pumpkin had a wound or local skin infection this could be the result. If you use a topical flea preventative she may have had a reaction. If you see any other spots in her body or under her belly, I would have her checked out by a vet. I don’t think it is related to the vomiting. There are many possible causes. But I would discuss it with your vet. Intestinal parasites and food sensitivity would be the most common cause.

It does sound like she is having an allergic reaction to something. This can be an insect bite hypersensitivity (such as fleas or mosquitoes) food or environmental allergy. A vet visit would be a great place to start if she is itchy or any of the lesions appear to be infected as she may need medication to feel better. I would recommend stopping the milk as this may be a cause and typically is not good for most cats. Discuss your concerns with the vet and they may also recommend a diet change but as long as she is on a good quality cat food I would not immediately change it. Make any changes one at a time so you can evaluate her response. It can take up to 4-6 weeks to notice a difference after resmiving a possible allergen. Good luck and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It looks like your cat has a skin infection, most likely caused by allergies or fleas. The allergies can be from a protein in her food or to something in the environment, like grasses, pollens, dust etc. I would recommend taking your cat in to see the vet so she can be started on some antibiotics to help clear up her skin. I would also recommend discussing with your vet some options for medication to help control her allergies and itch like Atopica.

These scabs could be caused by scratching, and in cats, the base of the tail is a characteristic spot where cats scratch when they have fleas. If Kenchion isn't up to date on her flea treatments, I would get one now. First, I would give her Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash her bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. Hopefully, this will help clear up the scabs. If it doesn't, then she will need to see the vet. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com