Cat keeps licking the scab off and making it bigger.
Urgency:S.O.S.!
Category: Health & Wellness
For: cats
Asked by: catandmice2 1 month ago
Bella our old cat keeps licking a spot, so I put on a cat cone collar so she couldnt lick it and scab can finish healing. However even when the scab has lifted off and is now only in the fur, once I take off the cone collar she bites at it again and makes it bleed a little again. When no scab and no fur (she bit the lifted scab off and "waxed" herself at the same time) she licks the smooth skin and starts another scab. This has been going on for 6 months. Had antibiotic injection from vet twice even though skin there does not seem infected. Also had cortisone injection. At a loss now. Vet said next step is to operate and cut out that patch of skin which may have damaged nerves. Cat is old and also limps because of arthritic pain. I'm thinking next step may be to put her down but she is a sweet and loving creature. Help!
Answers from Zootooers
Answered by: Amber (ThePlaidAvenger) 1 month ago
eesh. my first thought would be to try some "Bitter Yuck" or a similar product, if you haven't already. there are a variety of products out there that are intended to be sprayed on your pat to make them stop licking / biting an area. they don't sting, and they taste bad. works for some, not as well for others. worth a shot!
Answered by: Suzy (suziestreasures) 1 month ago
I use an herbal wash for Noodle's sores. Combine 1 tablespoon each of organic rose petals, dandelion, rosemary, chamomile, lavender and plantain leaves in one pint of boiling water. Let it steep overnight, strain. Put a small amount (enough for one use) in a container and dip a cotton ball in it. Wash the area, then dip another cotton ball in the solution and place over the wound. Let it sit for 10 or 15 minutes. Let dry and apply Bag Balm or ointment of your choice. I do this during Noodle's cuddle time and he has no objections. Keep your little ones hat on until the area is completely healed. Once the area has scabbed over you can add a tablespoon of calendula to the other herbs to speed the healing. Refrigerate unused wash and heat to body temperature before using. I also keep Noodle in a onesie or t-shirt to protect his wounds. Your cat may have a mycobacterial infection like Noodle. He did the very same thing after being bit by something and then when he was attacked and operated on it spread rampantly.
You can also keep your cat calm by brewing up a cup of tea made with 1 tsp. each catnip, chamomile and calendula. Give 1 to 2 teaspoons up to 3 times a day mixed with a little cream or tuna juice. Noodle loves this and he rests comfortably with it and it also helps him to heal from the inside out. When using herbs there is always a possibility of an allergic reaction, so use a small amount to start with. I hope your little one gets better real soon.
Suzy
