If you've ever noticed red bumps, black dots, or dirt on your cat's chin, your cat may struggle with feline acne, often called chin acne. At its basic definition, cat acne is a disease in which the hair follicles—usually ones on a cat's chin—produce too much keratin and become plugged.
- Why does my cat have black scabs on her chin?
- What is the black crusty stuff under my cats chin?
- How do I get rid of black spots on my cats chin?
- How do I get rid of feline chin acne?
- Why does my cat have scabs but no fleas?
- Does cat acne look like scabs?
- Why does my cat get black Crusties?
- What does a fungal infection look like on a cat?
- What are cat chin mites?
- What are these black specks on my cat?
- What does feline chin acne look like?
- Can I put Neosporin on my cat’s chin?
- Why does my cat have black scabs?
- Should I take my cat to the vet for scabs?
Why does my cat have black scabs on her chin?
Chin acne in cats is a poorly understood disorder of follicular keratinization (the overproduction of keratin, a protein found in the outer layer of skin). If this excess keratin is trapped in the hair follicle, comedones (blackheads) form. Pustules (pimples) may form if bacteria infect the comedones.
What is the black crusty stuff under my cats chin?
Feline acne usually looks like small, black, dirt-like spots on the underside of your cat's chin or on the edge of the lips. Your cat has sebaceous glands in these areas that help lubricate the skin and play a role in territorial marking.
How do I get rid of black spots on my cats chin?
Treatment involves removing excess sebum (oil), and preventing blackhead formation and secondary infection. You can treat cat chin acne by using an antibacterial wash like chlorhexidine or dilute peroxide to clean your cat's chin. Apply the antibacterial wash with a cotton ball and clean the affected areas gently.
How do I get rid of feline chin acne?
Here are some of the most common solutions to cat acne:
- Cleaning the area. Chlorhexidine antibacterial washes can be used to clean the area where the acne is developing. …
- Warm compresses. …
- Omega-3. …
- Replacing plastic bowls. …
- Medicated shampoos. …
- Ointments. …
- Systemic antibiotics. …
- Topical antibiotics.
Why does my cat have scabs but no fleas?
Allergies or dermatitis are usually associated with non-seasonal cat scabs. Several factors in your cat's environment can cause these scabs or allergies. Shampoo, plants, medication, and soap are all possible allergy triggers. Look out for itching and scratching as other known indicators.
Does cat acne look like scabs?
Appearing as small bumps, it often looks similar to the blackheads or whiteheads that humans get. Some cats have a single breakout, while others have recurring symptoms. If the condition is severe, you may notice hair loss, redness, and even nodules or bleeding scabs.
Why does my cat get black Crusties?
The black stuff on your cat's nose and eyes is generally caused by harmless boogers, mucous nasal discharge from dust, or scabs. However, they can be signs of cat illness too. Tiny pieces of dried blood are signs of a bacterial infection. Feline herpes or Lentigo may also be a consideration and a sign of an infection.
What does a fungal infection look like on a cat?
Infected cats most often have skin problems (draining skin lesions, lumps under the skin, abscesses), fever, lack of appetite, and weight loss. Less common signs in cats include difficulty breathing, lameness, neurologic signs, and eye abnormalities.
What are cat chin mites?
Infestation with Notoedres cati mites is a rare and a highly contagious skin disease of otherwise healthy cats. The mite's appearance and life cycle are very similar to that of the sarcoptic mange mite (see above). Mange is readily transmitted between cats by contact. Notoedric mange causes severe itching.
What are these black specks on my cat?
Flea dirt resembles little black pepper-like specks that are typically roundish in shape. You can spot flea dirt within the fur or on the skin of your dog or cat. Run a flea comb, or your fingers, against the direction your pet's hair grows to part the hair and better reveal flea dirt—or the actual fleas themselves.
What does feline chin acne look like?
“Chin acne tends to look like the common black or whiteheads that humans get, like black material stuck to the fur and skin, often with little discomfort shown by the cat,” says Dr. Klaus Earl Loft, a veterinarian at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston.
Can I put Neosporin on my cat’s chin?
It may be tempting to slather Neosporin on your cat when you see it has a wound. But this first-aid kit staple, otherwise called triple antibiotic ointment, isn't recommended for use on cats. Neosporin can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in cats.
Why does my cat have black scabs?
Fleas, mites, and lice are by far the most common cause of scabs on your cat. Regardless of whether your cat is allergic to bug bites, fleas and other blood-sucking pests can lead to scabbing and bleeding after they bite your pet. If you notice scabs on your cat, immediately check your cat for any type of parasite.
Should I take my cat to the vet for scabs?
If you notice these signs, your feline friend may have miliary dermatitis or possibly another skin condition, so it's best to consult your vet: Red, crusty rash or pimple-like wounds (usually around the neck, head, flanks, belly, and/or back) Frequent scratching. Lesions and scabs because of scratching.
