All 3 cats have rash on chin...

Hi Everyone,
I am looking for a bit of help, after searching to archives of this forum to no avail.
I have 3 male cats, all between 2 and 3 years of age. They are all neutered, and live exclusively indoors.
About two weeks ago, we noticed a small bald patch on one cats cheek. Then we noticed that the other two had the same thing. This bald patch, upon further inspection, showed little red dots on the skin. The red dots are very tiny, very close together, not bumpy, and appear to be un-itchy. The rash is on all three, mainly around their lips and chin. On our oldest cat, the red bumps have become black, making it look like this skin is very dirty or something. This is rather alarming! Has anyone else experienced something like this?

The only thing I can think of is the feline acne they can sometimes get... I've never experienced it personally with Oliver, but maybe someone who has can give you a better idea whether it sounds like it or not... you could also try searching it online to see if you can find some pictures to compare... it's not a big deal if they do have it, but you'll more than likely have to take them in for a vet visit

feline acne or flea dirt.... Take a white piece of paper under the chin and rub some off add a sprinkle of h2o if it turns red you have fleas... If it is acne and not fleas change there dishes to stainless steel or glass/ ceramic

Sounds like feline acne but I would get it checked by your vet. It can get nasty if it gets infected.

Princess had it, only it was difficult to see because hers was still covered in fur, and was under her chin, and plus she never showed any discomfort! By the time we saw it and got her to the vet it was infected and she had to have it surgically cleaned - which not only cost a fortune but she reacted to the anaesthetic, died, was revived and then was blind for three days.

Just realised how that sounded and am completely positive that will NOT happen to your kitties - but it certainly would pay to have them looked at before it gets any more serious.

Could be juvenile pyoderma, I beleive that they usually get that around there mouth and chin,

sharky: I'm totally sure it's not flea dirt. I meant to say in my first post that I checked that. It's definitely part of the skin, not just on it. I've heard of the thing where the cats get rashes if you use plastic bowls. I've been using all ceramic forever, since I know that cats are not pleased by the smell of plastic, and that it holds bacteria.

KitEKats4Eva!: Oh my! That is a horrible story! I am so sorry to hear you went through that. Do you happen to know anything more about this cat acne thing? Is it contagious? Whatever this is, it seems to be contagious, as all three boys got it at once...

halfpint: I can't seem to find much on this disease, except as it occurs in dogs and is then refered to as "puppy strangles". Do you know anything else about this disease in felines?

BuzbyJLC10: I found some pics of kitty acne, and I'm pretty sure this is not it. They don't have any sores whatsoever.

Thanks for your replies everyone! I am grateful for all your suggestions.

my two male kittens had feline acne. It looks like dirt on their chins. They have always eaten out of ceramic dishes, so I have no idea how they got it. The vet suggested washing it with peroxide or using a mild benzoyl peroxide wash on it. Sunshines went away, and doo's is still hanging on. I guess doo wont' get any dates.

rirunyan: that is too funny about doo getting no dates! I'm sure he's still very pretty anyways!
When you say it looked like dirt, do you mean on the skin? The one cat who we can see it on really well has white chin fur, but the skin underneath is all black looking. Is this what has happened to your doo?
How did you administer the peroxide? With a cotton ball?
Thanks for the advice.

That may be what they call it in dogs then, its kinda like acne, I just remember hearing it called juvenile pyoderma

Originally Posted by apathyinspades

Hi Everyone,
I am looking for a bit of help, after searching to archives of this forum to no avail.
I have 3 male cats, all between 2 and 3 years of age. They are all neutered, and live exclusively indoors.
About two weeks ago, we noticed a small bald patch on one cats cheek. Then we noticed that the other two had the same thing. This bald patch, upon further inspection, showed little red dots on the skin. The red dots are very tiny, very close together, not bumpy, and appear to be un-itchy. The rash is on all three, mainly around their lips and chin. On our oldest cat, the red bumps have become black, making it look like this skin is very dirty or something. This is rather alarming! Has anyone else experienced something like this?

Click to expand...

Cats get feline acne on their chins usually from plastic bowls... Those dark ones are probably black heads Not a huge issue, just get rid of the plastic

You say you are not using plastic dishes so that's good. As for the rash, I would have it vet checked just to be sure it's taken care of and not something serious.

Also, I understand it's not a good idea to use hydrogen peroxide on your kitty.

Even though you're using ceramic dishes I would try changing the dishes. Not all ceramic is created equal. Maybe try some new dishes - ceramic or glass. Also clean the dishes regularly and often with a non-toxic cleanser.

Have you talked to your vet about this?

Wash your dishes daily also. Don't just plop new food in a dirty dish. The bacteria will rub from the chin to the dish and never go away, even if using ceramic or glass.

My new kitty had the acne when we got her a week ago. Clean glass bowls daily and it went away and I never cleaned it. She was in a less clean environment before (plastic bowl that wasn't washed.)

My kitty had that (feline acne) as well.
I found that ceramic bowls were just as bad as plastic bowls, I've switched to all stainless steel bowls now and it's getting much better.