Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become 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 senior cat has a black growing scab on her nose. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed

My cat has a black growing scab on her nose. She is 14 years old. I do have pictures..

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Christie Long, DVM

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on May 2nd, 2016

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.

8Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA
Veterinarian
I strongly recommend to get this assessed by a vet as soon as possible and they may wish to sample this with a needle, scrapes orr biopsy. Any skin lumps, wounds or lesions which are growing or changing quickly in size, colour or discharge in older pets are always a major concern
6Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My senior outdoor white cat has nose scabs & a black mouth spot. Why?

The scabs on Moonbeams' nose could be small wounds, or could be from something like allergies. If the scabs are on the pink part of her nose and if they appear ulcerative at all they could be a sign of squamous cell carcinoma, a type of cancer that is more common in areas exposed to the sun. I would guess the black area near her mouth is normal pigment which sometimes forms as cats get older. I would recommend having Moonbeam examined by your veterinarian for a diagnosis.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

What's causing my senior cat's scabby fur loss on her nose?

This is actually very concerning. I suggest you get her to your vet as soon as possible. I would be very worried that this is skin cancer (like squamous cell carcinoma) because of her coloration (white), the location of the lesions and the duration of the lesions. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/skin-squamous-cell-carcinoma-in-cats

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat has a hard black scab on her nose. Is it cancer?

Hi there and thank you for using Pet Coach! It is difficult to say from the pictures but because it is black and is on an area where there is not much hair, I am concerned it could be a melanoma, which is a type of cancerous tumor. I would recommend having a veterinarian examine this and consider further testing on this to ensure it is nothing to be worried about. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat has recurring scabs on her nose. What's wrong and how to help?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Ruby. Was she ever tested for ringworm the past? This can cause crusty lesions and the face is a common site. Typically the veterinarian will pluck hairs and perform a fungal culture. If positive, then medication can be prescribed. If this is not the case, a bacterial infection or mites could be the cause. Either way, she will need to see her veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis. In the meantime, you can place an E-collar on her to prevent any further self trauma. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My cat has a recurring black lumpy scab on her chin. What is it?

This lump/growth should be ideally examined by your veterinarian to have a definitive diagnosis. Your vet will examine it and possibly perform with an FNA (fine needle aspiration) or a biopsy. Differentials would include skin cyst, infections or benign or malignant type of tumors. 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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat has a sore or scratch on her nose. Should I be worried?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly an infection. However, this is a somewhat common location for a tumor in cats as well. I still think that a focal infection or traumatic lesion is more likely. You can use a topical medication like Douxo 3% PS pads which you may find online. You can apply this to the affected area twice daily for 2 weeks. If this does not resolve or appears to be progressing, have Lovey evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a great day!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why does my healthy indoor cat have a scabby nose for a week?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share