My cat's nipple is red, swollen, and losing hair. Should I worry?

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. From the image there is nothing abnormal that can be seen. It is possible that there is just a fat pad under the nipples in that region, and that is why the skin is hanging down low. I recommend monitoring it for now, and having your vet take a look the next time you are in. If it becomes uncomfortable, has discharge, becomes swollen, red, hot, or cold, then have it seen right away. It is likely just a fat pad that sits in that region. Best of luck with Shay.

I see what you mean about Pepper's nipple, it is a big redder around the base and more enlarged than the nipple in the third picture. What I am a bit worried about is the small lump, and due to that, yes I think it should be checked out by a vet to be safe. I don't think it's a serious issue, but I cannot say that for sure without seeing her, so having it checked out by a vet is best. Give her vet a call now to make her an appointment. I hope this helps!

Hello. Although it is not usually noticeable, you do indicate that Oreo has not been spayed. I would suspect then she is in heat. If you could post a picture, that might help, but if she seems to be comfortable, not licking or excessively grooming the area, & you are not seeing any discharge, then just watch the area. If the redness does not go down in a week, do have your veterinarian take a look. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It would be hard to determine what the growth is without having it examined by a vet. Infections such as abscesses often are hot to the touch, painful, swell rapidly and may ooze debris from them if they pop open. Tumors and other growths may have different rates of growth and may or may not be bothersome to your cat. It is best to bring him into your vet to have the area looked at, and it may be drained or aspirated to take a sample for sending off to the lab. If the area is an infection, it can be drained and antibiotics given to prevent its return. Until you can get to the vet it is best to not allow your cat to lick or chew at the area with the use of a T-shirt or Elizabethan (cone) collar so that bacteria or a secondary infection are not introduced.

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This mass looks pretty serious. Any type of color change, especially dark like this one, makes us suspicious of cancer. I suggest you take her to your vet for an exam. Likely this mass will need to be surgically removed and sent to a laboratory for histopathology testing. I don't mean to scare you but I don't think this is something to ignore. I hope this helps. Best wishes.

It probably wasn't her nipple but a build up of dead skin and sebaceous material collecting around the nipple itself. If it doesn't bother her and she's not licking excessively, then there is likely no cause for concern. Monitor the redness for resolution.

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.