Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Cat has red bumps and swelling under eye. Is it infection or allergy?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 6 years and 8 months old | 13 lbs

My cat has little red bumps under her eye and a little swelling and I’m not sure if it’s an infection or allergies or if she scratched herself. The inner eyelid doesn’t seem to be red or swollen. The sparse fur around her eyes is her normal amount of fur. She doesn’t like me touching it, and she is also leaving it alone.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on February 13th, 2020

That looks like an infection with how red it is and the fur lose. Allergies and skin mites would be other potential causes though less common.
There may not be much you can do at home. You can try adding in an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for pets, this can help improve the skin health. You may also try changing her diet to something like Royal Canin or Nutro as they are aimed at skin health. Also protect the area from trauma by having your kitty wear an elizabethan collar at all times. If the lesions do not start improving within a week or if they are getting worse, have her examined by the veterinarian. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 31st, 2017
That looks like an area of a moist bacterial infection. It may have initially been caused by fleas, allergies, an allergic reaction to something she came in contact with at that spot on her skin, a small superficial wound, etc. It is probably uncomfortable and very itchy. It would be best to have your veterinarian examine her to see if any underlying cause can be identified and to also prescribe a treatment regiment of antibiotics and possible an anti-itch medication.
13Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 3rd, 2020
Hello. It looks like she scratched herself. Most likely from some local irritation. Make sure she is receiving a regular flea treatment, even if she is strictly indoors & if the area worsens, please see your veterinarian.
Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on August 21st, 2019
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely an infection possibly due to allergies. If you are able to it would be best to have him evaluated before that time as this is likely causing her to be in discomfort. Otherwise, this is not an emergency and can likely wait until Saturday. In the meantime, before seeing your veterinarian try to get an e-collar to prevent her from licking at it and causing more trauma. You can find an e-collar at your local pet store. Best of luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My cat scratched his eye, now has a white bump. Is it an infection? What should I do?

That is an odd bump on Moteur. I think a warm compress twice daily is a good idea. It may be something like a minor infection or perhaps a fluid filled cyst. Make sure to protect it from Moteur scratching at it (make him wear an elizabethan collar if you need to). Given that its so close to his eye, I would be hesitant to try to apply any ointment as I fear he would move and end up getting something in the eye. If that lesion starts to swell, look inflamed, ruptures, or is still there in a month, then I think you should have him examined by his veterinarian. Although it does not look like it is connected to his actual eye, monitor that as well for redness, squinting or excessive tearing. I hope this helps and hopefully that goes away quickly! Please feel free to post any additional questions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat has a soft lump above her eye. Is it an allergy or vet visit?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Betsy. She may have experienced an insect bite or sting as you mentioned. If this is the case, the swelling should start resolving within 24 hours. If it gets bigger or she develops difficulty breathing, these are signs of an allergic reaction. She will need to see her veterinarian. If the eye itself is red or develops discharge, she will need to have this evaluated as well. If the swelling starts to come down and she is otherwise acting normal, then she will be just fine. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Swelling under my cat's eye: What is it and what can I do at home?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Snowball. He may have a skin infection affecting the skin surrounding his eye. This can happen as the primary problem such as the result of an allergy. It could also be the result of self trauma. If he is continually paw at the eye, then can cause damage. If his eye hurts or itches, he will want to paw at it. His veterinarian will examine him and may recommend some eye tests. In the meantime, place an E-collar on him to prevent her from pawing if he has been doing so. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why does my cat have small hard bumps on his neck and belly?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely a skin infection which may be secondary to something like allergies. The infectious component would have to be taken care of but it is crucial to take care of the possible allergy as well so this does not continue to happen. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat has a swollen, leaking bump under its jaw. Is it infected?

This is likely to be an abscess that bursts open. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths twice daily. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any scratching (if any). If not resolving in 4 days a check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My kitten has a red eye bump. Is it an infection? Can she lose vision?

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Maple. Eye problems are considered to be emergency appointments in my opinion. The eyes are very important sense organs and problems with them can spiral out of control quickly which can affect vision and even blind the pet. I would advise that you take Maple to your veterinarian. They will want to get a history, perform an exam, evaluate the eye, and probably want to run some tests. One important test to run is an eye stain that evaluates the surface of the eye known as the cornea. Corneal ulcers, scratches, infections need to be documented before an accurate treatment plan can be discussed. Some eye problems require topical steroid use but if the cornea is damaged, they are NOT to be used since they delay healing of the cornea. So best advise here is get Maple in to see your vet as soon as possible.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

What's causing my cat's swollen face, red spot, and hair loss?

She is a cutie! This could be from an insect/spider bite that has cause a local infection/abscess which is why is has started to swell. This could potentially be a cancerous mass that has caused an inflammatory reaction as well. Since it has recently become swollen, I would strongly recommend for your vet to take a look at it. Your vet will be able to aspirate the mass or swelling if needed. They can even take X-rays if needed if they are concerned about sinus or honey involvement. They will also be able to start her on some antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory if needed. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share