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My cat has a nose burn, cuts on chin and mouth. Is it sunburn?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 5 years and 1 month old | 9 lbs

My cat came upstairs the other night with what looks like a burn on his nose. It is grazed and crusty on one side predominantly. He has a previous cut on top of his nose that has been reopened. Tonight he has come upstairs with cuts underneath his chin and also around his mouth. He doesn't seem to be in pain except for discomfort if I touch them but is cuddlier then normal. Could this be sunburn? It seems a lot like a burn or graze to me.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 5, 2017

It does sounds like Casper may have been burned or grazed as opposed to sunburn, and the cuts around his chin and mouth could be due to a fight with another animal if he's allowed outside. I would gently wash his wounds with warm water and antiseptic soap. Do not put any antibacterial ointment on them. Although quite safe on superficial wounds, cats groom and ingest most of the topical ointment you apply and therefore should be used only under direct veterinary supervision and if there are no other appropriate options. Many human ointments contain multiple other ingredients which are not necessarily safe to be swallowed. Keep an eye on the wounds, and if they become red, swollen, warm to the touch, or have pus, then they are infected and Casper will need to see the vet for treatment.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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