Cat has red bumps and swelling under eye. Is it infection or allergy?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 6 years and 8 months old | 13 lbs
My cat has little red bumps under her eye and a little swelling and I’m not sure if it’s an infection or allergies or if she scratched herself. The inner eyelid doesn’t seem to be red or swollen. The sparse fur around her eyes is her normal amount of fur. She doesn’t like me touching it, and she is also leaving it alone.
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on February 13th, 2020
That looks like an infection with how red it is and the fur lose. Allergies and skin mites would be other potential causes though less common. There may not be much you can do at home. You can try adding in an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for pets, this can help improve the skin health. You may also try changing her diet to something like Royal Canin or Nutro as they are aimed at skin health. Also protect the area from trauma by having your kitty wear an elizabethan collar at all times. If the lesions do not start improving within a week or if they are getting worse, have her examined by the veterinarian. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.
5Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on July 31st, 2017
That looks like an area of a moist bacterial infection. It may have initially been caused by fleas, allergies, an allergic reaction to something she came in contact with at that spot on her skin, a small superficial wound, etc. It is probably uncomfortable and very itchy. It would be best to have your veterinarian examine her to see if any underlying cause can be identified and to also prescribe a treatment regiment of antibiotics and possible an anti-itch medication.
13Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on November 3rd, 2020
Hello. It looks like she scratched herself. Most likely from some local irritation. Make sure she is receiving a regular flea treatment, even if she is strictly indoors & if the area worsens, please see your veterinarian. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on August 21st, 2019
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely an infection possibly due to allergies. If you are able to it would be best to have him evaluated before that time as this is likely causing her to be in discomfort. Otherwise, this is not an emergency and can likely wait until Saturday. In the meantime, before seeing your veterinarian try to get an e-collar to prevent her from licking at it and causing more trauma. You can find an e-collar at your local pet store. Best of luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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