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

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 1 year and 1 month old | 7 lbs

My cat started out with a small mole like spot on her neck. it has progressed over the past few days into a major outbreak of something. it is red and puffy, hair loss as well. It is isolated to the scruff of her neck. Very red, swollen and inflamed.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on June 21st, 2017

Poor Evie! That does looks quite sore and painful. It's hard to say what might have originally started this problem (possibly a puncture wound, or an insect bite or sting), but it appears to be very infected and inflamed now. This is definitely something that she should see a vet for, since she will need antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication to treat the infection and make her more comfortable. I would recommend taking her today, if at all possible - especially since the problem seems to be rapidly getting worse.

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