Skin Problem Break Out Around Cat Eyes

by Reader Question Followed By Suggestion From Our Vet

I noticed the hair falling out & small sores around my cat's eye. It has occurred in past few days.

He is 14 yrs old & Siamese-Persian mix. It does not look like there is any drainage, nor does he seem to be scratching, so it does not seem to be bothersome to him..just to me.

Suggestion From Our Veterinarian Regarding a Cat Skin Problem Around the Eye.

Hello,

Your cat’s skin problems could have a number of causes. If he were my patient, I would start the diagnostic work up with a complete health history and a physical exam and then would probably need to run a few simple diagnostic tests like a skin scraping to look for mites, skin cytology to rule out a yeast or bacterial infection and a fungal culture for ringworm.

Treatment recommendations would depend on the results of these tests (the fungal culture can take several weeks to complete).

Sometimes additional diagnostic testing is necessary to get to the bottom of feline skin problems. These might include allergy testing for environmental allergens like pollen and mold, a hypoallergenic food trial to rule out food allergies, or even a skin biopsy.

Best of luck,

Jennifer Coates, DVM