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My cat has a tiny hairless red spot on its face. What is it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 17 lbs

Hello - this morning I noticed a tiny hairless spot on my cat's face with red skin beneath. He's not scratching it and doesn't seem particularly irritated by it. Any help in identifying what it is would be immensely appreciated. Thank you!

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lauren Celestin, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Dentistry Resident

Published on July 29th, 2017

Hi there! There are a few things this could be including, primary dermatological problem, trauma (especially if you have another cat in the house that could have swatted Hugo and scratched his face), or potentially tooth related. I would recommend having the area evaluated by a veterinarian for diagnostics like skin scrape for skin problems, clip/clean if trauma, and an oral exam/oral x-rays to identify a tooth related problem.

Another option would be to continue to monitor the area. Any changes such as spreading hair loss, swelling, drainage, or if Hugo becomes bothered by the lesion he definitely needs to be seen by a veterinarian. I think it is worth going ahead and taking him in so that things do not progress.

Hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Anna M., DVM
Veterinarian
Hello! Poor Hugo. It's difficult to tell from the photo, but it looks mostly like a scratch or mild traumatic injury - if he's an outside kitty I'd be wondering if he might have had a run-in with another cat who swiped him with a claw on the face.

Another thought based on that location, especially if the area feels swollen, is it could be related to an infected tooth. Tooth abscesses often present with a swelling and open sore on the cheek just below the eye - but if this is the case, it will be a bit tender and you'll start seeing some drainage.

For now, my input is to keep it clean and dry. It looks pretty mild and dry in the photo so you may not need to do anything but monitor - but if necessary you can gently wash it with a mild soapy water (Dawn dish soap works well) and pat it dry with a clean towel. Watch for further redness, swelling, or discharge that would indicate an infection. And, of course, if it's not continuing to look better, the best bet will be to have a vet take a look, so your vet can check the rest of him out as well as do a good oral exam to see if his teeth are involved.

Hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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