Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo
  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My 4-month feral cat has nose scab & hair loss. Should I treat?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 3 months and 26 days old | 3.5 lbs

I have a 4 month old feral kitty at my house. he is fixed. he had a scab on his nose, it just fell off. slight loss of hair in that area and next to it. should it be treated?? thank you

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on August 27th, 2017

Without further testing, it's impossible to determine what is going on with Felix. It might just be a scab from where he scraped his nose, and the hair will grow back normally. However, it could also be an infection (either fungal or bacterial). If there is any crusting in that area, the fur doesn't grow back normally or Felix has any other areas on him, I would have your veterinarian examine him sooner rather than later. Otherwise, you can likely just have your veterinarian examine it when he has his next routine scheduled exam.
Please let me know if that was helpful and if you have any other questions. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

    Published on January 19th, 2018

    There are a number of skin problems that young cats can have that can look like that. Some are contagious to other cats and some are not. Unfortunately, there isn't any way to know by just looking at the skin. You veterinarian can take some samples to look under the microscope for a fungal infection, parasitic infection (such as mites) or bacterial or yeast infection. Any of them can cause the hair loss and crusting that you are seeing with Felix, but all are treated differently, so you will need to have your veterinarian examine Felix to determine the best treatment.
    Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share

Styled arrow button