Cats can develop scabs from allergic reactions, infections, parasites, bacteria or immune system diseases. While food is often the culprit, the most common cause is fleas: some cats are highly sensitive to flea saliva. This causes such intense itching that the cat scratches sores in its skin, even scratches away its fur, often leaving scabs. A vet can help determine the cause.
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Cats who itch often have scabs.
Fleas
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If your cat is scratching a lot, check for scabs. Cats who are highly allergic to fleas develop a condition is called miliary dermatitis, so called because the scabs look like millet seeds. Check especially around the neck and the base of the tail. Even if you can't see a visible flea infestation, if your indoor cat has scabs, he could be reacting to the flea residue from your shoes or clothing.
Food
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Check for food allergies if your cat has frequent scabs. Discovering which food can be a lengthy process. The diet must be strictly restricted to hypoallergenic food for up to 7 weeks. Then foods are reintroduced to see which causes an allergic reaction. Some owners are able to discover the source of the allergen themselves by checking ingredients and switching brands of food.
Contact
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Your cat could be reacting to a foreign substance on their skin such as a flea collar or the material in their cat bed. You will notice the scabs form at the point of contact rather than be generalized over the skin. Testing for such allergic reactions is quite simple: remove the substance. It the scratching---and scabs---stop, you've found the cure.
Inhaled
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You cat's scabs can also be caused by inhaling a substance that causes an allergic reaction, much the same as in humans. Observe your cat to see if the scabs are seasonal. If they appear in the spring or fall, that's a clue to what could be causing them: plant pollens or molds present at certain times of year. Dr. Eric Barchas, DVM, says there are literally millions of potential allergens in the environment.
Treatment
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Topically applied monthly flea products are frequently effective. If that type of flea control is not possible, veterinarians can inject cortisone or steroids. These block the allergic reaction and stop the itching. Cats are often less susceptible to the side-effects of steroids than other species. Since cats groom themselves constantly, topical treatments are often licked off the skin, so oral antibiotics prescribed by a vet are more effective. Even when they are not effective, Dr. Barchas advises letting the scabs heal naturally.
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