Stray cat has scabies: Can I treat it at home or should I see a vet?

Poor kitty. Unfortunately without having this cat seen for a physical exam and treated once the underlying cause for the scabs is found, you won't be able to help much. Most skin issues in cats involve an allergy, and this will require either medication in the form of an injection that the vet can give or an oral medication that is prescribed. Cats don't really respond well at all to medication found over the counter for skin allergies and most medications that can be tried in dogs are not well tolerated in cats, so we have to be very careful with them. I would recommend trying to trap this kitty somehow so you can take it in to see a vet soon. You can also try to apply a flea preventative (i.e Advantage, Revolution) in case it has a flea allergy that is causing these skin lesions. This may help some, but from your description, this kitty likely also has a secondary bacterial infection that needs to be treated with prescription antibiotics as well. I do hope that this poor cat can get some medical attention soon! Best of luck and take care.

How lovely of you to look after this stray cat! It does sound like he needs treatment badly for his symptoms, but it needs to be diagnosed first so he can be treated properly. I would take him into the vet if you can so he can be diagnosed and treated. If you don't want to assume financial responsibility for him, I would take him into the SPCA. They can treat him and find him a home. I hope this helps!

As he was a stray i believe it is important that you take him to the vet for a checkup, vaccination and deworming treatment. you can de-flea him with Advantage spot on, a very effective over the counter flea treatment.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Baby. Oh that looks awful. I'm concerned he could have mange or a severe skin infection. Without seeing him in person, I cannot make a definitive diagnosis. You cannot treat this at home, and you need to take him into a vet today get this treated. Best of luck.

This looks like mange but it could also be ringworm or a bacterial skin infection. If she is handleable I suggest you get her to a vet for an exam. There are many low cost clinics in your area including the Humane Society. It would be great if she could be spayed and vaccinated too even if you plan on just putting her back outside.

These lesions can be caused by a few different things, including fleas, mange, lice, infections (bacterial or yeast), ringworm, allergies, among others. They can also be self-induced trauma from itching. If you can't catch her, it will be very difficult to treat. If you can catch her, you can try either a topical flea preventative or flea collar like Seresto, or a medicated shampoo that is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial like Dechra MalAcetic Ultra Shampoo. But I really think this needs to be seen by a vet as the yellow coloring may indicate bacterial infection and she may benefit from antibiotics.

Prior to bringing her into the house with your other cats I would recommend she be evaluated by a veterinarian. You would want her tested for any diseases she could transmit to your cats, such as feline leukemia or feline AIDS. If she has fleas or mites, I would recommend treating her prior to coming home. At the same time, she can have her skin lesion looked at. Finally, I would give her a rabies shot as well. Good luck!