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Parent623561
Mon, Nov 27, 2023
Skin
Scabbing

Found a scab-like area on his back right foot pad, he was biting/itching at it so it made me notice. notified my vet and put coconut oil on it. Would like to really skip the vet if I’m able to treat it at home. Hes not fidgety or in pain but just can’t get a good picture.


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Dr. Millden
Dr.Tail Vet

The scab-like area could be a result of a minor injury, such as a scratch or a puncture wound, which your cat might have gotten from playing or exploring. Cats are curious creatures and can sometimes get into small scrapes without us noticing. Another possibility is a skin infection or an allergic reaction, which can cause irritation and lead to scratching and scabbing.

Applying coconut oil can be soothing for the skin and has antimicrobial properties, but it's not a cure-all. It's important to keep the area clean to prevent infection. You can gently wash the affected foot pad with mild soap and water, then pat it dry. After cleaning, you can apply a thin layer of coconut oil to keep it moisturized and to provide a barrier against irritants.

Keep an eye on your cat's behavior. If he continues to bite or itch at the area, or if you notice any swelling, redness, discharge, or an increase in the size of the scab, these could be signs of infection or a more serious condition. In such cases, a vet visit would be necessary.

Additionally, if your cat starts limping, becomes lethargic, loses appetite, or shows any other changes in behavior, these could be indicative of pain or discomfort and warrant professional attention.

To prevent further irritation, try to distract your cat from biting or scratching the area. You can use toys or engage in play to keep his mind off the itch.

If the scab falls off and the skin underneath looks healthy, that's a good sign of healing. However, if the scab persists or the area doesn't improve within a few days, or if new symptoms arise, it's important to reconsider a vet visit for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to come back to us! Thank you.