My cat has scabs but isn't itching. Is it fleas or a cat fight?

These scabs could be caused by scratching, and in cats, the base of the tail is a characteristic spot where cats scratch when they have fleas. If Kenchion isn't up to date on her flea treatments, I would get one now. First, I would give her Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash her bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. Hopefully, this will help clear up the scabs. If it doesn't, then she will need to see the vet. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Typically a flea allergy causes scabs at the base of the tail if a pet is allergic. A flea product (from a vet- not over the counter) would not hurt her, even if there isn't fleas. And even if you don't see a flea, it doesn't mean they aren't there. If it doesn't help, she may need an antibiotic if there is a skin infection. Good luck and kisses to Minxy!

The fleas don’t cause visible damage like this, so it’s probably from scratching. Fleas could certainly cause enough irritation to cause self-trauma from itching, ear infections are another cause. I would recommend staying a good-quality monthly flea preventative and you may need to have Tigger checked out by a vet to check for infections.

It could be that Ruby sustained a wound from trauma that has caused the scab, and I would monitor it for now for signs of infection. These signs include redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, and puss. Should any of those signs be seen, I would take Ruby into the vet for antibiotics. I would not put any topical treatment on it. Although quite safe on superficial wounds, cats groom and ingest most of the topical ointment you apply and therefore should be used only under direct veterinary supervision and if there are no other appropriate options. Many human ointments contain multiple other ingredients which are not necessarily safe to be swallowed. Hopefully, it should heal just fine on it's own.

If Morris is not on any sort of a flea control I strongly suspect this may be flea related. Cat skin off and have a flea allergy wear just the bite from one or two fleas will cause them to break out and scabs around the head and neck. Because cats groom so much you may not necessarily find any fleas or flea dirt on his body. If he is not on flea prevention I strongly recommend a product such as advantage board vantage multi for cats or Bravecto for cats if you have any problems with ticks in your area. It can take up to 3 to 4 months to get rid of a flea infestation by treating only the pets. If Morris is very itchy a veterinary visit for medication to help relieve some of the itching and assess for infection may be necessary while you get the fleas under control. If fleas are not a problem then other allergies can possibly cause the same type of skin lesions. I hope Morris gets some relief soon, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Unfortunately it is very hard to see exactly what is going on with the pictures you have posted. It does however look like there are little blood clots present, which suggests small little wounds or scratches present underneath. Possible causes of scratches/wounds on the skin would be fleas, fights with other cats/animals, mange and self-trauma scratching, tick bite craters, etc. I recommend you give her a bath and get it all cleaned up, and see if more are appearing or if they are healing up after a few days. They don't look infected so medications for the wounds themselves are likely not required. I would treat for fleas/mange if you are not already. Best of luck with Freckie!

If she has no fever, pain or lameness I would continue to keep the area clean using saline or dilute chlorhexidine or iodine based disinfectant and monitor for any additional marks which may indicate an infectious cause. Handle with care and wash hands thoroughly as ringworm can appear similar to this in some cats and can be contagious to people