Strange Kitten cuts! Please Help!

[MeredithsAnswer]

Hello. I have a kitten, 4 months, that has quite suddenly developed what look like scrapes around her head and neck. It started with one and within two weeks now has 5. It looks the same as when a human would say scrape their knee. If she lets it (doesn't scratch) a scab will heal over the wound. My vet is stumped. Not fleas/mites, waiting on ringworm culture but that's a long shot, antibiotics have no effect. There is nothing in the house, that we can tell, that she would be rubbing against to cause this. She does not throw up, has normal bathroom habits, runs and plays as a kitten should. Full of life. We are stumped. Any ideas?

[Traci]

Tell the vet to rule out environmental allergens, and food allergy.

Was a skin scrape done?

Did the vet note if the areas were/are infected?

What are you feeding her?

Are you sure the vet has ruled out various types of mites? (for example, food mites)

Are you sure she's not scratching? Check her back paws and nails for any signs of debris, dirt, impacted cat litter.

Have you noticed any fleas?

Do you have any other pets who are getting rough with her?

Do you have kids?

Do you let her outdoors? If so, please, INDOORS ONLY!

Also clear the home of any plants she could be nibbling on or rubbing up against - keep out of reach chemicals, carpet powders, other cleaning agents she could be exposed to. Check everything in the home at her level and think back on what you might have used (cleaning/sprays) on any of those areas.

Lastly, if all the above eventually ruled out, check immunological function.