My cat's neck is red, swollen, inflamed, and losing hair. What is it?

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!

It could be that Claire is suffering from allergies, but this could also be due to fleas, mites, or ringworm. If she isn't up to date on her flea treatment, she will need a spot on treatment such as Advantage or Revolution. You will need to disinfect the environment as well. If she is up to date on her flea treatment, I recommend taking her into the vet for an exam tomorrow. The vet can do blood tests, skin scrapings, and use a Wood's lamp to diagnose allergies, mites, and ringworm. Once the cause of the redness and irriation is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment. Another cause could be a skin infection, due to bacteria or yeast. While at the vet, they can examine her for this possible cause, and can discuss treatment options with you.

Those look like pretty inflamed lesions. There are a few things that come to mind. Cats can get an autoimmune condition called eosinophilic granuloma that requires steroids for treatment and maybe antibiotics to control secondary infections. Check the house and make sure there's no possibility should could have touched something very hot or gotten into anything that could cause a chemical burn. Lastly, fleas and ringworm can be brought in on your shoes/clothing although this would be an abnormal presentation. Rarely, pets can get skin cancer that looks similar to this. I recommend to have Shadow checked out by her veterinarian since this is a mystery and she has two lesions. It's better to be safe. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Poor cat! If the wound is growing in size, it's time to go to your vet. Problems such as allergies to parasite bites, fungal infections such as ringworm, infections of the skin, abscesses/sores etc can all be potential causes which is why a vet visit is needed to determine the cause, provide treatment such as pain meds and antibiotics, etc. Until you can get to your vet, keeping the area clean and dry may help as well as preventing your cat from licking, but if he is acting ill and hiding away he is likely already painful or worsening so needs care.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Pippa and for providing pictures, they are very helpful. I agree there is redness and swelling around the area, and I do see hairless as well. It may be she injured herself. The redness and swelling do indicate infection, although I can't say that for certain without seeing her in person. I would have her seen by a vet. The vet can diagnose what is causing this problem and will treat her. Give her vet a call now to make her an appointment. I hope this helps!

The photos aren't that clear but this looks like inflammation/infection of the skin. It could have been caused by pathogen or injury or the mine system. To know more and for treatment you will need to go to the vet for an examination.

Poor Tora! This hair loss could be due to a skin or fungal infection, fleas, mites, allergies, or endocrine disorder. Having her seen by a vet tomorrow is a good idea, as the vet can diagnose the cause and can treat her. Best of luck.