Hairless red patches on his cheeks

Hello, everyone! We're talking about Dexter, my 7 weeks male kitten - 8 weeks this Monday . (He is with me since he was only 4 weeks old. Not my choice to have him at such an early age... but anyway, it's water under the bridge now.)

He has been checked for worms and fleas and seems to be clean, and he will see the vet again at 9 weeks (another round of de-worming). He is generally a happy, playful, totally loving and sugary dude.

And this is how his cheeks look:

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And his lips:

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I was wondering if anyone knows what could be causing the red, hairless patches. Initially I thought that he was just getting himself dirty while eating, but that's not it, and there are no ticks in that area... so I'm completely clueless (and worried).

I know the subject of his diet might come up, and this is an issue in itself - he eats only meat products and refuses anything else. Except sardines in tomato sauce once in a while. I am in the process of teaching him to like wet food for kittens, but if I may say so, that is not going so well.

Oh, and one more thing. Would it be possible for the patches to be an allergic reaction to the anti-fleas solution the vet put on his back? It was only a drop, but neither him, nor my older cat reacted too well - for a couple of hours they scratched like mad, and Dexter seemed to focus on his cheeks.

Thanks for reading!

The chin and lip area could be "acne" but not sure. The lips do look quite swollen. The red sores on the cheeks are not the typical area for the acne to appear. So not really sure. :dk: Could be allergies too. Was he able to lick off the flea treatment on his back? If the solution was put too far down on the back of the neck, then the kitten could have licked off the product causing this reaction. And if he was scratching like crazy after the application of the flea product, then I would guess that is the cause. :nod: There really are a few other things it could be as well. I think if it were my kitten I would take him to the vet to have a look or at least call and ask about the flea application. Also, I am not sure how safe it is to use flea drops on an 8 week old kitten. for Dexter.

Feralvr said:

The chin and lip area could be "acne" but not sure. The lips do look quite swollen. The red sores on the cheeks are not the typical area for the acne to appear. So not really sure.

Could be allergies too. Was he able to lick off the flea treatment on his back? If the solution was put too far down on the back of the neck, then the kitten could have licked off the product causing this reaction. And if he was scratching like crazy after the application of the flea product, then I would guess that is the cause.

There really are a few other things it could be as well. I think if it were my kitten I would take him to the vet to have a look or at least call and ask about the flea application. Also, I am not sure how safe it is to use flea drops on an 8 week old kitten.

for Dexter.

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Thank you so much for your answer! Dex was actually 6.5 - 7 weeks when the fleas solution was administered (!). Doc said it was ok, prescription said it was ok (still have the bottle)...but I have my doubts as well.

This took place a few days ago, and the redness progressed since, little by little. (Or maybe I'm just noticing it now more and freaking out.) I don't think he licked himself...though how could I know 100%? I was actually so worried with the little one after the flea stuff, that I gave him a bath within couple of hours after, and he did seemed to settle down after that.  

Anyway, yes. I will take him to a vet asap. We both thank you for the vibes!