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Why is my cat's face red with thinning hair, but otherwise well?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Colorpoint Shorthair | Female | spayed | 5 months and 13 days old | 15 lbs

My year old flame point feral, neutered female cat has red skin on both sides of her upper face. The hair appears to be thinner but she is not excessively grooming herself and is otherwise well. She has been on the same high quality food for 4 months or longer and the same kitty litter.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on February 14th, 2017

This is probably caused by an allergic reaction. first of all make sure you de-flea Cricket regularly every month with a high quality spot on (ex. Advantage) as fleas are by far the most common reason for these reactions. If the fleas are not the problem, it could be an allergic reaction to food or an environmental factor. this is more complicated to treat and will sometimes require medications such as Steroids, anti histamines or cyclosporin in order to stop the allergy.
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