Why is my male cat's nipple hard, crusty, scabbing, or bleeding?

This nipple was irritated by a scrape or insect bite I think, then Mishi started licking it excessively causing it to be more inflammed today with the hair loss. I recommend using a cone on him to prevent licking. Then clean the area with hydrogen peroxide and you can apply a thin film of cortisone cream on it to soothe the skin. If it isn’t improving then you should bring him in for an exam and treatment. This will continue to get worse if he keeps licking the area. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Mishi.

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.

In your picture this looks like a fairly normal nipple, although it does seem a bit large. It's possible that this nipple is inflamed, or that there is a growth or tumor associated with it. I'd recommend having your vet examine the nipple in person to help determine what might be going on.

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 maybbe from an old injury or from a litter mate. You can clean the area with a warm cloth and mild soap to soften it and monito for any discharge. It if does not improve the i would worry and get the kitten checked

Hi, it looks like there is a little bit of dermatitis. You could wash the area with some salty water and cotton wool. Just add 1 spoon of salt to a cup of hot water and then mix well, let it cool down and use it on the area when lukewarm. Hope this helps !

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!