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

Why is my cat losing hair around her eye with discharge and bumps?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat has hair loss around her eye and discharge but left it alone todaymy cat turned her head and saw more hairloss on her neck and 2 yellow bumps

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 10th, 2015

There are a multiple things that can cause hairloss in cats including bacterial infections, fungal infections (ringworm), allergies, mites, and fleas. She should be examined by a vet to determine the cause and treatment. Your vet may need to do some diagnostic tests to diagnose the problem.

4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Rebecca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 6th, 2018
Thanks for using PetCoach. If AnnaBelle has continuous discharge from her eye she may have an infection. If it continues I recommend a vet visit to see if she needs medication. If she is squinting, rubbing her eye or painful she should be checked. The hairloss is likely just from irritation from the discharge.
Some eye inflammation in cats is caused by upper respiratory infections - watch AnnaBelle for signs of sneezing or nasal discharge as well.
https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951824
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Veterinarian
Published on July 20th, 2017
Sometimes this happens as cats age, but it is important to make sure she doesn't have something infectious going on like ear mites. If she is scratching her ear or shaking her head at all she may have an ear infection going on, and the scratching causes hair loss like this. Also, I would make sure your veterinarian does full bloodwork to identify any metabolic or endocrine disease that might be related to the hair loss. If all of these diagnostics are negative, it may be allergy related or be due to some unknown cause. Hope that helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

What causes sudden hair loss and inflammation around my cat's eyes?

I am sorry to hear about Onyx. I would wonder with the change in location if this could be allergy related. We can sometimes see irritation/inflammation around the eyes due to allergies. We can also see this with some mites, bacterial or viral infections, or autoimmune diseases. I would recommend an examination by a veterinarian to try to pinpoint the underlying cause. They can then prescribe either oral or topical medications depending on what they determine the cause of the hair loss to be. Best of luck to you and Onyx!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my 5-month-old cat suddenly losing fur around his eyelids?

I am sorry to hear about your kitty! The hair loss around the eyelids we see here is not a normal hair loss. I would be concerned about possible allergies, ectoparasites such as mites, or bacterial infection. I would recommend bringing Cairo in for an examination by the vet. They can test for parasites and determine the appropriate treatment for him based on examination. This may include topical medications, oral medications or injections depending on what they find on his physical examination and history.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

What causes hair loss around my cat's eye? When should I see a vet?

Hi and thank you for your post.! It is hard to see and make out the detailing the pictures- there is a flash there. However, hair loss around an eye in cats may be suspicious to fungal infection (ringworm) which typically occurs around the face. A veterinarian can diagnosis this with a fungal culture. Sunshine may need to be on an anti fungal mediation if this is the diagnosis by your veterinarian. Best to you and Sunshine! Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat is losing fur under her eye. When should I take her to the vet?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It looks like just minor hair loss. This could be from rubbing her eyes (allergies or irritation maybe?) or if she accidentally rubbed too hard against something. If you notice hair loss in other places too, or if you develope a red area or rash, we should add ringworm to the list of possibilities. I would say, watch for a few days. If nothing else hanged and Bella still seems happy, and eating well, keep monitoring. If any new signs arise including more bald spots, it’s time to see the vet. Best of luck to you and Bella!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat has hair loss around eyes and green eye discharge. What to do?

It may be but I can't say for certain without seeing her. Any eye problem needs to be checked out by a vet promptly as leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. I'd have her seen by a vet in the morning.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

What causes hair loss between my cat's eye and ear? Is it ringworm?

This is a tricky question because a bacterial skin infection, ringworm, and skin mites can all appear very similar. The only way to tell them apart is by either treating for one of them or doing specific skin tests like a skin scrape, a skin cytology, and a fungal culture. I think it is ok that you are using the Malaseb shampoo for now. If the issue does not resolve over the course of a week or so then you may want to have your cat examined by your vet to determine the exact cause of hair loss. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my cat losing hair around her ears and eyes? Could it be mites?

I agree that is considerable alopecia. I would take her in to your vet and have her skin tested for a possible Demodexx mites issue. If she is scratching these areas a lot then a fle allergy or atopic dermatitis have to be considered and treated. I hope that you get to the bottom of Brownies hair loss soon. The treatment she needs is entirely dependent on the underlying cause. Best wishes moving forward with her care.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share