This is my first time to this site and I was wondering if anyone has/had a cat with the same problem mine is having. About a month ago, we noticed that under her chin, she developed something that looked like "dirt". Most would come off when wiped with a wet towel, but would not completley go away. The problem has become worse. She is now scratching and digging at it, making her chin bleed and it is not going away. We thought this would be something that would pass on it own, but it doesn't seem that way. I would like to see if anyone has dealt with this and what it could possibly be, before taking her in to the Vet. She is a long haired Calico, Just incase that info is needed. Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

If it is not flea dirt because that is usually what it is. You need to look into a "condition" called feline acne. One of my cats has it. You can go to the vet and get some medication for it. It is usually not something that goes away. If it is not infected, warm compresses help!!

Yeah, sounds like feline acne to me.

Longhaired cats are more prone to getting this condition. Like in humans, it happens when the hair follicles become plugged by sebum.

I read that canned/wet food is associated with feline acne and also plastic food bowls, so you may want to stir away from these.


I checked "The Purina Encyclopedia of Cat Care" and here's their recommendation for home care of feline acne:



Apply damp heat (a cloth dipped in warm water) to chin daily, clean twice daily with plain water or use cleansers such as benzoyl-peroxide-type solutions.



They also warn against trying to "squeeze out" blackheads or pustules because this may cause further infection.

Treatment really depends on the severity of the problem. If you say that her chin bleeds from time to time, this could indicate a more serious infection. I would say, get her to the vet for a professional diagnosis and treatment. It could very well be that she needs topical and maybe even oral antibiotics.


p.s. I hope you don't mind but I think I'll add the words feline acne in brackets to the title of this thread.


[Edited by Anne on 12-01-2000 at 04:34 AM]

Wow, I had never heard of such a thing! I guess that is what we are here for, to learn more about our cats and get good advice. (not to mention make new friends) I hope your cat gets better....keep us posted. :)