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My cat has scabs from over-grooming. What are the best solutions?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | 11 lbs

My cat has scabs from grooming herself(?) What are my options?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on September 13th, 2019

Jett can develop scabs on the skin for many reasons. It's possible she has developed an allergy (it could be environmental or food related), she is over grooming herself, she has fleas or that her thyroid is having problems.I think your best option is to have her examined by the veterinarian.
At home you can try giving her an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for pets but it may not correct the underlying cause. This can however improve over all skin health. There are two brands of food, Royal Canin and Nutro, which are aimed at skin health and they may help as well but again, they may not affect the underlying problem.Certainly you can check her for fleas with a flea comb (look near the lower back and between the hind legs) and/or treat her for fleas (it will take 2-3 months before you know if it helped).

I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 30th, 2019
Usually natural remedies will not help this. With a flea allergy dermatitis steroids are needed to stop the body's reaction to the allergens. You are better off getting him examined and treated by a vet. The steroids work very quickly and he will be feeling better almost immediately.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on January 15th, 2020
If you are still noticing scabs, I would be worried that fleas are still a problem or that he has a secondary skin infection. Not all flea preventions are created equal and not all work that well.
For a secondary infection, pets need antibiotics. I recommend to have him examined by the veterinarian for treatment and to discuss your flea prevention.An elizabethan collar will help prevent licking (but not the itching) and an omega 3 fatty acid supplement may also help improve skin health. I hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA
Veterinarian
Published on August 25th, 2017
It would take at least 2-3weeks after flea treatment to see significant improvement but of she is still itchy or the sores are moist she should be assessed by a vet for infections also. Regular flea prevention and an omega fatty acid supplement such as viacutan is recommended
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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