What is this stuff on my cat's chin?

Question

My cat has what appears to be flea dirt on her chin. It looks like it, but it isn't flea dirt. According to my research it could be feline acne. I have cleaned the area and it keeps coming back. Like black scabs or something. Is there a way to be sure this is it short of going to a vet?

If it is feline acne, treatment ideas would be great as well. Any help appreciated.

Answer 1

It's possibly also a allergic reaction to plastic, if you use plastic, remove and replace with stainless steel. Otherwise I'd say it's feline acne. Going to the vet is not a bad idea cause skin scrapings may be performed to rule out other causes of similar lesions such as demodicosis, Malassezia (yeast) infections, allergies, ringworm, and a condition called eosinophilic granuloma complex. A skin biopsy may also be performed to rule out these conditions. A culture and sensitivity may be performed if a secondary bacterial infection is suspected.
Antiseborrheic shampoos, such as those containing benzoyl peroxide (at a concentration of 3% or less), are used to break down the excess oils. Supplementation with fatty acids may be beneficial. Oral or topical antibiotics may be used if there is a secondary bacterial infection. Topical vitamin A (0.05% Retin-A) can often be used, but it is irritating, and needs to be applied very sparingly. Oral retinoid (Isotretinoin) therapy may be used in severe cases, but the drug is teratogenic (causes birth defects) in cats and humans, and needs to be handled very carefully. If there is a large amount of inflammation, a short course of corticosteroids, such as prednisone may be given.
Any underlying conditions such as ringworm, a Demodex infestation, or a yeast infection should be treated appropriately.

Answer 2

My cat had feline acne. She loves to rub her face on everything. She was allergic to plastic. Her food dish as well as her water bowl were plastic. I had to get her to the vet. They gave me antibiotic's for the secondary infection that had started, and special antiseptic the clean her chin. (Do not use any human products on cats) After the infection was gone, the thing that kept it from coming back was to change her food dished to glass, no more plastic. If your cat is a messy eater don't feed canned food, the moister on her chin can make it worse.

Answer 3

Feline acne can be stress related (get her Rescue Remedy), or it can be caused by plastic feeding dishes or food allergies.

Change her bowl to a metal or ceramic one and switch her over to natural, high quality pet foods like Wellness, Paul Newman's, Felidae, Natural Balance, Avoderm, etc.

Answer 4

The black-scabs like on your cat's chin might be a form of fungus which can be treated by antiseptic cream(can be obtained from farmasi)..or if you less sure of what it is,you may need to consult veterinarian..

Answer 5

it's feline acne...many cats have it...just like humans. get a flea comb and comb it out at least once a day.....it may bleed at first if you have never done this.....then wash the area with a good medicated shampoo from the vet (NOT OVER THE COUNTER)..rinse...repeat at least once a day.
also this could be allergy related and will flare up more at different times of the year (ie summer & spring).
good luck

Answer 6

Feline Acne :]

Just get a bit of alchahol on a q-tip and dab it, or if you have a facial anstringent, that could work too.

My cat had it, and it goes away after a few months, even if you dont treat it, but its totally harmless

Answer 7

It probably is Feline Acne and it's pretty much harmless. Next time you take her to the vet for shots, mention it then and the vet can give you advice.

Answer 8

try antibiotics