My cat's nipple is inflamed from licking. When should I see a vet?

This looks like the nipple and surrounding skin is inflammed from an injury or contact with something irritating. You can clean the area with a warm wet cloth. I wouldn't put anything on it as that may make him lick it. This should improve over the next few days. If it gets worse, more discharge or he's itching the area then I would take him in for an exam. He may need an antibiotic injection and something to reduce the inflammation. From the photo this is nothing to be overly concerned about. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Harper.

I would try putting coconut oil on her nipples and placing a cone collar to prevent the licking. I would do this for a few days to see if they improve. If she is excessively licking secondary to anxiety this may not solve the problem as she will just start licking again when you take the cone off of her. You can add some feliway diffusers which is a cat pheromone that will sometimes help with anxiety. Finally, if she isn't improving or gets worse, I would take her to a vet for an exam. Your vet will likely recommend vaccines since she has never had them but in most places you have the right to decline them. Core vaccines are recommended to keep your cat healthy and safe throughout their life. Rabies vaccine is required by law in most if not all states. I hope this helps!

It may be a contact allergy to something in the environment. I suggest you put an E-collar on him to stop the licking and apply this spray to the affected area. If after a week it is not better then take him to your vet for an exam. ( https://www.amazon.com/Pet-Cute-Comfy-Cone-Water-Resistant/dp/B01M9I7NGK/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=cat+soft+e+collar&qid=1580747169&sr=8-2 ) ( https://www.amazon.com/Vetericyn-Plus-Feline-Wound-Skin/dp/B01M28PQLR/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=vetericyn+cat&qid=1580747200&sr=8-8 )

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!

That looks very angry. Curious needs to wear an elizabethan collar at all times. This is the best way to prevent licking. I do not advise to start any type or oral steroid without first checking with your veterinarian. Get him into the veterinarian as soon as you can. I hope this helps.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Lilly! Is the wound right by his penis? If so that is a very hard location to bandage without covering his penis. The skin around the wound is very swollen and red. i am concerned about an abscess or a warble/cuterebra, which is a fly larvae under the skin. I recommend that you take him to the Vet Monday to have the area evaluated and to start antibiotics. Otherwise he needs an E-collar or cone to prevent licking. Good luck!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Pixie! It is ok if Pixie licks a little of it. It would be best to consider an E-collar to prevent all licking and to give the skin a chance to heal. I do recommend that if her skin isn't better in a few days that you have a Vet look at her. Hope this helps!