Scabs are raised areas on the skin that can be itchy and painful for your feline friend. They can be caused by many things, such as flea infestations, allergies, skin infections, and sometimes even stress. Fortunately, there are several home remedies for cat scabs that you can try to provide relief for your furry companion.
There are two elements to treating miliary dermatitis and other cat scabs. First, you need to determine the cause of the scabs and eliminate the source. Second, keep your cat from worsening the scabs before they are healed. You will need to deal with both aspects of treatment at the same time.
Check for Fleas and Mites
Fleas, mites, and lice are the most common causes of feline scabs. Whether or not your fur baby is allergic to insect bites, fleas, and other blood-sucking pests, these pesky can still cause bleeding and scabbing after your pet is bitten.
Once you see scabs on your cat, immediately check for any bloodsucker. This blog can help you deal with fleas in your cat and home.
Apply Topical Treatments
You can use several topical medicines to minimize the discomfort and irritation of cat scabs. Topical steroid creams can help reduce irritation and protect against itching. Make sure you keep your feline from licking off the cream. Your car might need to wear an e-collar for this.
You can get topical medicines over the counter or via the vet. You need to consult your veterinarian before trying this technique-- they might identify it's needed to use injectable or oral medicines, which will require to be recommended.
Try Removal Diets
If the cat scabs do not go away after fleas and mites treatment, they may have developed a food or environmental allergy. If you recently changed your cat's diet or added something new at home, try removing them.
Cats can be picky about food, so a diet trial can be difficult for you and your cat. You need to try one with your veterinarian's support. After a thorough check-up, your veterinarian might recommend other food brands or prescription diets to your feline.
Cat Scabs are Connected to Hair Loss
Scabs cause a lot of itching and discomfort, and your cat tends to lick itself more and more. Some cats may even bite themselves. This creates a cycle of itching and overgrooming, and hair loss is the common result. Whatever's triggering your cat's scabbing, you'll likely see some hair loss, too.
Common Causes of Hair Loss in Cats
You'll need to talk to your vet to learn what's happening. Fortunately, in most cases, the reason isn't serious.
Allergies: They're the number one cause of hair loss. Like humans, your feline can be adverse to food, insect attacks, medications, dust, or pollen. Treatment is simple, but you might have to give them medication for the rest of their life. They'll lick their fur to relieve the itch until bald spots appear.
Parasites: Fleas, termites, lice, and ticks can make them scratch and lick, too, triggering bald places and sores. Treatment is usually quick and simple. Ask your veterinarian which medicine you should use.
Ringworm infection: No, it's not a worm. It's a fungal infection. A scaly ring of missing hair is a common symptom. Your vet can prescribe antifungal lotions or ointments, medicated baths, and even oral meds.
Anxiety: When cats are stressed and maniacally groom themselves, they can shed hair. Vets call this "psychogenic alopecia." Cats suffering from this tend to groom most at their stomach, sides, and legs. It's seen most in female breeds with anxious personalities, like Siamese cats and other Asian breeds.
Pain: Cats suffering from arthritis may lick themselves at the site of the pain, causing bald spots.
Home Remedies for Feline Scabs
Here are the most effective natural remedies to soothe your cat's skin problems.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal remedies for scabs can help because it is high in protein and fat material. The high protein can be absorbed and used by your cat's body. You can ground oatmeal and rub all of it over your feline's body; you can also soak your cat in an oatmeal bath by mixing grounded oatmeal into a warm bath.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is used as a cream for dry and flaking skin. It has high lauric acid that helps with antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal buildings. This can help in soothing your cat's scabs. Coconut oil is safe for your cat to lick, so you don't have to worry about them ingesting it. Olive oil and vegetable also aid in soothing your cat's scabs.
Apple Cider Vinegar
This can be used for cat scabs caused by fleas and ticks. It won't kill the parasites but can help remove them from your cat's body, bringing relief. You'll want to use a 2:1 ratio with water and spray your cat's coat.
Plain Yogurt
Plain, unsweetened, and unflavored yogurt can help your cat's scabs. Plain yogurt can quickly cool and bring comfort to the area where the cat scabs are located. You can also add yogurt to their meals if they're not sensitive.
Lemon
The citric acid in lemon is powerful in treating cat scabs naturally. You'll need to fill up a spray container halfway with watered-down lemon juice and use it at the locations where the skin concerns are. Be careful not to get them on your cat's eyes, though.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is a natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent that can help soothe your cat's scabs and promote healing. Apply the gel directly to your cat's skin, but remember to use only pure aloe vera gel without additives or preservatives. If your cat licks the gel, it's safe for them to ingest.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea possesses anti-inflammatory and calming properties that can help soothe your cat's scabs and reduce itching. Brew a cup of chamomile tea like usual, then wait for it cools down at room temperature. Apply the tea to your cat's scabs with a clean cloth or cotton ball.
Epsom Salt Bath
An Epsom salt bath can help relieve your cat's scabs by reducing inflammation and promoting healing. For this, you need to dissolve a tablespoon of Epsom salt in a bowl of warm water. Apply the solution to your cat's scabs with a clean cloth. You can also put one drop of lavender essential oil in the concoction to help relax your cat.
When to See a Vet
If your cat has scabs, you must constantly contact the vet. While rare, scabs can be a symptom of something serious, like skin cancer or infections. If you notice your feline hemorrhaging, you should go to the vet instantly.
Final Thoughts
Feline scabs or Miliary Dermatitis can be prevented by taking straightforward measures like visiting your vet routinely and keeping your cat tidy.
Cat scabs are caused by several factors, such as allergies, parasites, diet, and even stress. If you can not determine the cause and the natural remedies suggested for feline scabs are not helping, you must visit your veterinarian immediately.
