Hi, I have a problem with 2 of my 3 cat. About a month ago i noticed my grey and white cat has got black specs under his chin. I thought it was dirt from when he went outside. I tried to clean it off but the black specs where hard to move. The only way was to scrap it with my nail. not nice to do. I took him to the vet who was not sure what is was. I got told to clean everyday with warm water and cotton wool. I done that for a week and it got worse. It has become bald in places and itichey. I took him back for the vet to tell me to carry on. Which i have. Now i noticed the other day Another cat Bud has got it. They do not scratch everyday. I have been looking on the internet for skin irritations, and can not find it anywhere. I found a flea on my ginger cat the other day aswell. Could it be flea dirt? I do not think it is as flea dirt comes away from the hair quite easily. I use front line flea treament for all the cats every 4 weeks. Which does not seem to be working!!!! Any ideas?
2007-12-15 08:19:13 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
that sounds like dried flea poo! I think you need to give the cat a nice grooming session and possibly a dose of 'spot on' or something similar, ask the local pet shop.
2007-12-15 08:24:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
One of the few places a cat cannot wash is under its own chin so solo cats often get this problem. Maybe your cats don't groom each other. I'm surprised your vet didn't know this. Probably need some anti-biotics to clear it up.
The receptionist at our vet's (although not the vet himself) has told us that recently several clients have found that Frontline and Stronghold are no longer effective against fleas. Looks like the fleas have mutated worldwide to resists the products from the major chemical companies. Which is a bit of a problem for all of us.
2007-12-15 17:19:16 · answer #2 · answered by Sue C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ya it sounds like feline acne to me, too. Just try to keep their food dishes as clean as possible and i have used peroxide with a cotton ball to clean the chin once or twice a day. It should clear up pretty quick. Any gentle astringent should work. Pure rubbing alcohol might be kinda harsh although the first time just to really wipe out the bacteria would be a suggestion. Wash thier beds, blankets too.
Frontline does not have the best reputation for working. Try Advantage, it's expensive but you can find great deals on eBay and also, it works so well you shouldn't have to use it every month.
I would also like to add that it's LAME that your vet didn't know what that common problem might be. May want to shop for a new one.....Good luck!
2007-12-15 17:29:04 · answer #3 · answered by beeivi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You said that you were cleaning it with water and soap.....if it was flea dirt it would dissolve into bloody water......it is most likely a skin thing called feline acne.....My cats have had it from time to time, usually when they get stressed. There is some association to eating out of plastic food dishes but I am not sure why, maybe allergy related. Anyway, clean with warm water, antibacterial soap, sometimes have had to really scratch or scrub hard to break them open and clean it out. Topical antibiotic cream OK to apply and rub into skin.
Google Feline Acne for more information. Feline acne starts as small, oily black plugs in the chin, much like blackheads, which may progress to red, itchy bumps, which may become infected. Treatment varies, but most veterinarians will recommend daily cleaning with an antibiotic soap, followed by a topical ointment, either antibiotic, or anti-fungal. Oral antibiotics may also be prescribed, as well as a scrub with hydrogen peroxide.
http://cats.about.com/cs/healthissues/a/acne.htm
2007-12-15 16:31:32 · answer #4 · answered by lt4827 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Feline Acne may be affecting your cat if you've noticed black specks around Kitty's face and mouth, and if his or her fur is oily, too. Teens aren't the only ones who can have problems with skin acne- cats can too. Acne, which is a glandular disorder in humans, as well as in cats, is caused by overactive skin glands. When cats suffer from Feline Acne, it's because their sebaceous glands are producing too much sebum. An excess of sebum causes blackheads and pimples to form in the clogged skin pores, thus Feline Acne.
also you should search you cat for fleas pick up a tiny flea comb and check all of your cats.
2007-12-15 17:38:21 · answer #5 · answered by Briana L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hell othere My cat had this problem and after seeking a vets advise i was told it was in fact a form of feline acne. its actually a bacterial infection. it can be treated with a special soloution to be perscribed by the vet. you wash the cats chin with it daily until the infection has gone there is an ointment available too. apparently plastic feeding bowls irritate the situation and may be worth while changing them. the page ive linked has the information that will hopefully help you.
2007-12-15 16:31:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Could be cat acne, one of my sister's cats had that or maybe your cat now has an allergy to 'Frontline', Try a different product for a while and see if it makes any difference. Btw I am very surprised your vet cannot work this out, maybe even try a different vets after all they charge enough!
2007-12-15 16:26:28 · answer #7 · answered by mistickle17 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Might be feline acne. Make sure you are using Stainless Steel bowls, since plastic can make it worse. Clean the chin with Stridex pads every other day and see if that makes a difference.
I have two that have it, and that is all I need to do to control it.
TREAT FOR FLEAS TOO!!!
2007-12-15 16:24:40 · answer #8 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
it is just little black heads, basically spots, as others have said, make sure they have clean bowls and keep cleaning their chins, but it is really nothing to worry about -very unlikely to be fleas.
2007-12-16 08:10:36 · answer #9 · answered by MyCatty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋