Cat Question: Black scab on head?

Question

Hi all, I got a kitten off the street about 2 months ago and she is a high energy happy pouncing cat. However, she has dried black looking sand on her head between her ears. I think it may be a scab. However im worried it might be somthing else, i dont think its fleas because the black dots dont move and the cat doesnt scratch her head at all. Should I be worried?

Answer 1

Probably landed on head when tossed off a building.

Coach

Answer 2

Get Frontline and apply it to your cat according to the instructions (DO NOT use the cheap similar stuff like "Heartz" that can actually kill your cat. I know from experience). A bath will not necessarily clear it up because fleas can still live in water. They cannot escape the Frontline because it's in the cat's blood and the fleas get infected and die once they bite your cat. Even if it is not fleas there is a good chance the Frontline will clear it up. You shoule still take the cat to the vet too get meds for the scabs and make sure nothing more serious is going on. Your cat is most likely in ALLOT of pain. You should not put off getting your pet the medical attention he/she needs. You can purchase the "Frontline" at PetCo or Petsmart.

Answer 3

Can you add to that? Is it an actual crusty scab or is it discolored spots in front of the ears? If it is an actual scab it might be hot spots which can be caused by anything from stress to allergies.
If its discolored spots it could be flea dirt but you said no sign of fleas. It could also be a sign of earmites or simply dirty kitty syndrome. Try wiping at the spots with a damp wash cloth and check inside the ears for build up.

Answer 4

My initial reaction is to declare it "flea dirt" or the crud fleas leave behind, especially if it is loose rather than attached to the skin. The best way to find out one way or another without causing harm is to take a warm, damp washcloth and wipe the area. (Go with the fur, not against it.)
If it comes off easily without leaving pieces of scabbed skin or raw skin beneath, you most likely need to treat for fleas. If you happen to notice rawness, or open bleeding, and your kitten doesn't seem to be complaining, continue to clean the area, no soap, to ensure germs and dirt are not going to cause an infection. I would also use an over-the-counter antibiotic cream on the area.
Good luck!

Answer 5

If your concerned and really not sure what it is, take the cat to the vet. My cat at one point had several dark scabs on her head & body. I took her to the vet and was told it was from seasonal allergies to the Acacia plant. I had to give her Prednisone pills(Like the kind people take, but in a smaller dose) that made the scabs go away.

Answer 6

The real question is, how long has it been there and how big is it? Does it have a tendancy to ooze puss? If so, it could be an abcess (shudder, gross), which will require a lot of care and cleaning, alternating hot water compresses to get the crap out, and rubbing alcohol, or bactine, or whatever your preference is, to keep it clean.
My hairy "son" had one on his neck once from a cat fight, and it was so gross. It smelled, and would open and drain puss, and because of the position on his neck, had a tendancy to make a really nasty sucking noise, which was the outer skin sticking to the inner membrane-type sheath of his neck.

Answer 7

im not sure of the exact spot,but maybe monitor where it scratches itself.....my cat leaves little scabs on his head from scratching too hard......there nothing serious at all....but then again you can judge it better than i.....good luck,and cats rock!

Answer 8

are you sure it isn't flea poo? if it comes of easy in little pieces, it is! treat for fleas! if it is a scab on the skin(one Peace), it's okay and is something(cut, exc.) healing!!!

Answer 9

It is probably road rash from being chucked out of a car.I thought they landed on their feet though.

Answer 10

is it Ear mities?thats black stuff around the ears!