Bald patch on cat's chin? Any idea's?

Question

My daughter has just called me in a state of panic regarding her 5 year old cat. She has come in from work and found that the cat, a female, has a 'bald patch' on her chin area with redness on the skin. I asked her all the usual, does the cat seem well? She said yes, she seems fine. Is the cat scratching it? She said no, it does not seem to really bother her. Is it weeping? No it isn't.

Naturally, I will call the vet in the morning and take her tomorrow evening when my daughter is home from work (cat will NOT come to anyone but my daughter so cannot take her before as we would never get her in the basket),

Has anyone got any idea's what it could be?

Also, my daughter has a friend currently staying with her who is pregnant, should the cat be kept away from her?

Thanks to everyone for your help.

Answer 1

The chin is one of the areas where ringworm is commonly found, so you are at risk for that.  It probably would be safest to keep the cat away from the pregnant friend, just in case.  Ringworm certainly isn't fatal, but when you're pregnant the fewer drugs you'd need to use the better.  

Answer 2

Sounds like ringworm. Not itchy, red, bald. Highly contagious but not very serious, except if your daughter gets it in her hair that will fall out too - don't worry, it grows back! Needs treatment with a fungicide if that's what it is.

Cats are OK around pregnant women as long as the women wash their hands after playing with the cat, the cat will wash after anyway they're cleaner than humans. Cat f***s can be dangerous so don't ask your friend to clean the litter tray!

Answer 3

Could be feline acne or ringworm but of course it's best to always  check with the vet.

No worries about your pregnant friend and the cat. It's safe.  

Answer 4

Some cats get feline acne, which shows up normally on the chin.  What kind of dishes does she eat out of?  Plastic can harbor bacteria and make acne worse.  Choose stainless steel or ceramic bowls, and wash them often.

Of course, all of this is just a guess based on your description.  It's good that you're taking her to the vet -- they can give you a real diagnosis and will get her the appropriate treatment she needs.