Why does my cat have scabs around its neck after scratching?
Expert Answer
Scabs that appear after a cat scratches its neck may be caused by a bacterial, fungal or parasitic infection. If no parasites are found on the cat’s body and it is dewormed regularly, a bacterial or fungal infection is the main suspect. However, to correctly identify which infection it is, you should take the cat to a veterinary hospital for a skin scraping test. Bacterial infection is generally not contagious, and the sick cat can recover quickly with active treatment.
But if a fungal infection is not treated promptly and effectively, it is very likely to worsen and the cat may take a long time to recover. If you cannot get to a vet for the moment, it is advisable to put an Elizabethan collar on the cat first to stop it scratching the area and making the skin damage and infection worse. Then apply a pet skin spray and zinc oxide ointment to the affected area, and observe for about 3 days to see whether the symptoms ease. If there is no improvement or the problem keeps spreading, take the cat to the vet promptly.