Cats often develop scabs on their skin. The most common cause is miliary dermatitis, a general term for a range of skin disorders. This condition can manifest itself in various forms, from feline acne and eczema to allergic dermatitis caused by flea bites. Miliary dermatitis is not a separate disease, but rather a symptom that signals problems with the skin or immune system. Therefore, the approach to treatment always depends on the root cause.
Ways to safely treat scabs in cats
A few words about millet and its relationship to cats. Millet belongs to a group of hardy grain crops that humans have been using for thousands of years. It easily adapts to different climatic conditions, has many uses, and provides food for both humans and domestic animals. In fact, the word “millet” refers not to a single plant, but to at least fifty different varieties of this grain crop. It is known for its drought resistance, fast ripening, and lack of gluten, which has made millet especially popular among people who follow a gluten-free diet. But what does this have to do with our pets and skin problems in cats?
Sometimes cat owners notice small scabs on their pet’s body when touching their skin. This condition is called miliary dermatitis. It is so named because of the characteristic appearance of the rash, which resembles millet grains. As with millet itself, this is not a single disease, but a general term that encompasses various causes and allergic reactions. Miliary dermatitis can be triggered by various allergens and most often manifests itself in the form of small scabs on the back, neck, or near the tail of the animal. Below, we will take a closer look at why these changes occur on cats’ skin and what factors can trigger them.
Feline Miliary Dermatitis
Due to the variety of causes and skin irritants in cats, the condition we call miliary dermatitis has several common names. These include feline acne, eczema, and flea-allergic dermatitis, as well as more descriptive options such as “a scabby cat disease” or simply “spots.” Most often, it is flea allergy that is the source of the problem, and it is this type of dermatitis that causes the most concern for pet owners. We will talk more about this later.
There are many factors that cause miliary dermatitis, both external and internal. But despite the variety of causes, the clinical picture is usually similar. The most noticeable symptoms are scabs on the skin, but they do not appear immediately. The first sign is often a change in behavior: the cat begins to lick, scratch, or even bite certain areas of the body excessively. Although cats usually spend almost half their lives grooming their fur, in the case of dermatitis, their attention is focused on one area.
The itching caused by inflammation may be subtle, especially in long-haired animals, but the rash gradually spreads. This leads not only to scabs, but also to hair loss in the affected areas. Most often, the rash is localized on the neck and at the base of the tail, although it can spread further. Next, we will focus on scabs in cats – how to care for your pet and treat then safely.
What causes dermatitis in cats?
Allergies themselves do not form scabs on the neck, back, or tail of a cat—they only cause discomfort, which the animal tries to get rid of by any means possible. The more the cat scratches, licks, or bites the affected areas, the more actively the skin is damaged, and this is what ultimately leads to the formation of scabs. When the cat tears them with its claws, it opens the door to secondary infections. Under normal conditions, the bacteria that live on the animal’s skin are harmless, but scratches and microtraumas allow them to easily cause inflammation.
At the same time, there are rashes and lesions that appear even before the cat starts actively biting or scratching itself. They arise under the influence of various irritants that provoke an allergic reaction. Among the most common factors are:
- New fabrics or materials in the interior — blankets, carpets, or furniture;
- Certain components of cat food or treats;
- Seasonal irritants, such as pollen;
- Household chemicals, including shampoos for coat care;
- Parasites — ticks, including ear mites or Cheyletiella (“walking dandruff”);
- Flea bites and their presence in the coat.
Of all these options, fleas remain the most common cause of miliary dermatitis in cats and the accompanying scabs.
Why even indoor cats can suffer from flea allergies
Many owners wonder: if a cat spends almost all its time indoors, the house is cleaned regularly, and the animal is protected by medication or a flea collar, where do allergies come from? For cats with increased sensitivity to bites, especially young animals and kittens with an undeveloped immune system, it is not so much the presence of fleas that matters as the fact that they bite. Even a single flea can be a serious irritant.
Cats take great care of their fur, so even if they get parasites, they often manage to get rid of them before the owner notices the problem. This means that it is not necessary to see a whole colony of fleas on an animal for it to have a reaction to their bites. For example, just one walk during the warm season, when the flea population is particularly active, and even a short stay outside can cause infection.
For cats with sensitive skin or those who live exclusively indoors, even a single contact with the parasite is enough. Flea bite saliva alone can cause a severe allergic reaction, even if the cat has never had problems with external parasites before.
Therefore, hypersensitivity to insect bites, especially fleas, is one of the most common causes of allergies in cats. This leads to the appearance of scabs on the back, tail, and neck of animals.
Treatment of dermatitis and scabs in cats
For an experienced veterinarian, diagnosing miliary dermatitis is usually straightforward. The location of rashes, irritations, or scabs helps determine the possible cause of the allergic reaction and becomes the starting point for selecting an effective treatment. The most important step in treatment is to identify the actual factor that caused the skin problem.
If a cat already has scratches and wounds from excessive licking or scratching associated with flea bites, this does not mean that the owner is not taking good care of the animal or neglecting cleanliness in the home. In such cases, the veterinarian may prescribe corticosteroid injections to reduce itching, and if there are infections, a course of antibiotics to heal the damage.
In addition to treatment, the specialist will recommend preventive measures. If the cat usually lives in an apartment but has a habit of going outside under supervision, the doctor may recommend regular flea protection. Such changes may require adjustments to your pet’s usual lifestyle, but following the new rules will help prevent recurrence of miliary dermatitis and keep your cat comfortable and healthy.
Parasites as the main cause of scabs in cats
Fleas, ticks, and lice are among the most common causes of scabs in cats. Even if the animal does not have allergies, insect bites can cause irritation, scratches, and minor bleeding, which eventually turn into scabs. Therefore, if you find such lesions on the skin, you should immediately check your cat for parasites.
This condition can go by different names: “cat scabies,” “papulocrusty dermatitis,” or “miliary eczema.” The rash is usually localized on the neck, head, and along the back. The term “miliary dermatitis” covers several different skin diseases, which are most often the result of an allergic reaction.
9 Methods of Natural Flea Control for Cats
If the scabs appear mainly at the base of the tail, this is almost always a sign of hypersensitivity to flea bites. This is the most common form of manifestation. Fleas are wingless parasites that live on the cat’s body and feed on its blood. To find out how to deal with them, it is worth referring to a special treatment guide.
Many cats are allergic to flea saliva, which causes a local reaction with itching. Constant scratching and licking leads to bleeding wounds and secondary infections. The size of such scabs can range from a few millimeters (3 mm) to more than one centimeter.
What is the best course of action?
The best protection is prevention. If your pet spends time outdoors, use a protective flea collar. After each walk, check their coat and skin for parasites or damage (don’t forget about ticks!). If scabs are found, your veterinarian may prescribe a medicated cream to speed up healing and reduce itching.
Cat Flea Collars Reviews 5 The Best
Before using any home remedies, such as Polysporin, be sure to consult with your veterinarian. Some medications can be dangerous for cats. Your veterinarian will select the appropriate ointment or flea control products. If you have several cats, treatment should be carried out simultaneously for all animals.
Keep in mind that flea powders do not always produce the desired result. It is best to check with your veterinarian to see if this option is right for your cat. It is also important to eliminate any possible parasites in the home: wash cat blankets, treat beds and toys to prevent re-infestation.
Write in the comments: Have you had experience treating scabs in your pet? Share your main tips and advice on treatment.
Creative content creation services from: 
My cat had a black scab on his nose for awhile….I thought it was originally dirt from outside. Waited for him to clean it, but it never went away…now his nose looks swollen and scabbed on the fleshy part. He eats fine, seems like his old self, but I suspect something is wrong…and tomorrow is a holiday! The vet is not in until December 1st! Is there something I can do to begin healing? Do you think if he has ear mites it’s related to the nose problem? Thank you!
Hi, Angie
I think have a some problem for your pet, you have changed his diet over the past months or there may have been a lot of stress, try to remember something.
What causes scabs on cats?
Flea allergy is the most common allergy in cats. … These scabs are often referred to as miliary dermatitis, a term that was coined because the scabs look like millet seeds (see handout “Miliary Dermatitis in Cats” for more information on this skin condition).
PS This website was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something which helped me. Thank you!
You’re very knowledgeable on this subject! Thank you! However, what drew me in to read your informative article was to learn how to treat my scabby cat as your title claims to but you dont mention even ONE treatment! You just say what you think a Veterinarian may do to treat my cat! So your title is most misleading even though you explain the condition very well you didnt offer anything a person can do about it except go see a Vet.
Hello Cindy
Each disease in cats has its own characteristics as in humans, a single medicine, as you know, does not exist for various diseases, therefore it is always recommended to consult a veterinarian rather than self-medicate, especially if your pet has this problem in the first. This article contains information about this issue and general recommendations. In the future, we take into account your comment and, if possible, recommendations will be described on the treatment for scabs on cats. Thanks
My two cats, male 19 year old brothers, both have recently developed chin acne. My problem is that they are not cats that tolerate being picked up or held at any time…ever. I can not even clean their face if they have eye goo. Our relationship is completely on their terms. How can I treat without stress or injury (to me)?
Hello. My cat is an inside cat and he has been getting these small bumps on one side of his neck he doesn’t seem to mind me touching them I just don’t know what they could be and how to help him get rid of them. Would you know by any chance?
My cat has those scabs you talk about. Suspect it’s a flea allergy. I was a bit late using flea control. He’s a young outdoors Siamese. They are not open sores yet. Fleas are gone. Do you think the scabs will go away on their own?
Yes, Joanne, the scabs will go away on their own if if you monitor the health of your pet. All be fite.
My 12 yr old ginger male short hair, allowed outside, cat just had an inter-dermal sore removed from his head. He now has to wear a cone for 3 weeks to protect stitches on the head.
Over the last year he has developed flea dermatitis and has bad miliary scabs all over top of head and around the bases of the ears. His head was shaved for surgery so now the scabs are very obvious. He gets expensive flea drops monthly and since the allergy, capstar tablets if I ever see a flea. I also flea bombed the flat again and washed everything possible.
Yet, a week after surgery the scabs are more obvious and seem worse than ever!
Is there something topical I can use to speed the healing of the scabs? Especially those in the shaved areas while they are exposed??
Please help! 6 months of fighting fleas and cat still suffering!
Forgot to mention… vet diagnosed flea dermatitis but gave no other treatment apart from anti-inflammatory for healing surgery stitches. Only advice was continue flea treatment.
Hi Rachael
If vet diagnosed flea dermatitis but gave no other treatment apart from anti-inflammatory for healing surgery stitches, I reccomend go to other vet clinik.
“Having read about scabs on cats I thought it was very enlightening. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this article together.”
My cat’s scabs have dried and are quite crusty but the moment I removed the cone she started licking the lesions and wouldn’t stop. I immediately put the cone back on. She has been wearing the cone for two weeks now and is very grumpy and desperate to go out. When can she go out.
Hi, Helena
It is advisable when the itch passes and the cat will not lick itself. There are a variety of treatments to soothe itchy skin associated with allergies, but avoiding exposure to the irritants is the best strategy.
Hello!!! What cream can I put on my cats scabs?
Great article.
Best regards,
Sarah Belle Murphy
Hi Sarah
Clean the sore with hydrogen peroxide on gauze or a cotton ball, and after it dries, spray the area with cortisone cream Zymox Topical Pet Cream with Hydrocortisone. Do this twice a day until the sore starts to dry out or a scab begins to form.
Hey, How do you treat miliary dermatitis in cats?
Hey, Amy
Your veterinarian may prescribe a short course of anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids to make the cat feel more comfortable and reduce the constant itching while the specific treatment takes effect. Other treatments may include antihistamines, essential fatty acids, and cyclosporine (brand name Atopica®).
Should you pick cats scabs? Thanks
Hello, Millage S. Some cats have a single breakout, while others have recurring symptoms. If the condition is severe, you may notice hair loss, redness, and even nodules or bleeding scabs. For this reason, it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t squeeze, pick at, or otherwise try to remove your cat’s pimples.
I ask all, how do I treat my cats scabs?
PS You need to be a part of a contest for one of the highest quality websites on the internet. I am going to highly recommend this website!|
Hello, Vendra
Usual first need clean the sore with hydrogen peroxide on gauze or a cotton ball, and after it dries, spray the area with cortisone cream. Do this twice a day until the sore starts to dry out or a scab begins to form.
PS Thanks, Ok
Somebody know why does my cat have scabs on his chin?
Hi, Teneva
Feline chin acne can often be mistaken for just a “dirty chin.” This dirty look is caused by scabs and crusts stemming from infected hair follicles and plugged oil glands. Your cat’s chin may be swollen and painful. In a single cat household feline chin acne is often labeled “idiopathic” or without known cause.
Hi, how’s it going? Just shared this post with a colleague, she cats have scabs. Can she put Neosporin on cats scabs?
Hi, Karly. In combination, the three topical antibiotics in Neosporin are effective at keeping small cuts and scrapes bacteria free. They are very safe for topical use in people. For these reasons, despite the fact that Neosporin is technically safe for topical use in cats, it is not actually recommended for use in cats.
I found your blog on Google. Good Job! My cat does not have scabs on the body, but I think it will be useful to know about it.
I went to this blog again, there was a problem with scabs in a cat, while we are studying information, I hope we can quickly overcome this ailment in my cat. Thank you for the article.
Hello everybody. I have not noticed the scabs on my cat, we always try to monitor its nutrition and the things that surround it. But thanks anyway for your blog Katrin, it is very beautiful and informative.
I’ve been surfing online more than 2 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me.
Thank you, i are very pleased to read your comment that my work was done not in vain.
I was examining some of your posts on this cat blog and I think this website is real instructive! Retain posting.
Thanks, welcome to my blog about cats life
Great website. Lots of helpful info here. I’m sending it to a few of my friends. thanks for your hard work!
Thanks for your comment.