Cat with bumps under her chin

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Cat with bumps under her chin

by Lori
(az)

QUESTION

My 13 year old female tabby cat has a pink bump, about the size of a pencil eraser, under her chin. It began about 2 weeks ago as a brown/black crusty patch - there were several and still are but one turned into this lump.

I have seen the brown/black stuff before (it looked like dirt and I tried to pick it off in the past) She has been getting it for at least 12 months but it normally comes and then goes away. This time there was more and now the pink bump.

What should I do? She does seem to be eating less not a lot less...and has become increasingly picky about what she does eat. She weights about 7 lbs and was never any more then 8 lbs.

She is eating and will eat both hard and soft food. Thank you for your help...Lori and Moosey the Kitty ;)

Hi, Lori,

Sounds like she has feline acne. Try scrubbing her chin daily with a warm soft cloth. Also, if you are using plastic dishes for food or water, change to metal or glass or ceramic. Many cats have an allergy to plastic. Also, make sure her teeth are clean. If she needs a dental cleaning, that should be done because otherwise the heavy bacterial growth in her mouth can be affecting her chin as well through her food and water and bowls and saliva.

If it does not clear up after daily cleaning and change of dishes, etc. definitely see the vet. There is a special cream by prescription only that can be helpful in resistant cases.

Thank you for writing,
Dr. Neely

Comments for
Cat with bumps under her chin

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Oct 01, 2011

cat acne?
by: Anonymous

My cat Yoko 1 year, Outdoor cat, appeared to have a small lump on his chin. I thought he had grazed himself as it appeared to have a nasty brown/black (hard to tell as he is dark dark brown in colour) scab. Over the last few days it seems swollen and huge!! He doesn't bother with it, eats and drinks well, still very hyper and crazy as always. I do use plastic bowls so maybe I should change? Yoko does like to catch a lot of things, mice, voles, crows etc, could this contributed to the "Acne"? I checked for fleas and ticks but he's up to date and had all of his jags etc.Tthanks Karina and Yoko

Without examining him or at least looking at a good close-up photo, it is impossible for me to say whether it is from trauma or is acne or is a bite from another animal. It sounds a little large for feline acne. Also, the fact that it was small and now is larger would indicate that perhaps it is an abscess.

Certainly, there's no harm in eliminating plastic dishes. It could be contributing to the problem. However, only an examination by a veterinarian is going to tell you what is really going on. It's possible your kitty needs antibiotics in order for this to really clear up.

Best Regards,
Dr. Neely

Aug 15, 2011

Sores on kitty's chin
by: Judy

I adopted a kitty with this type of acne. I put Listerine on a cotton ball and put in on the area a few times. Sores & acne gone never to return after 5 years... It is worth a try...

My mother, who turned 92 last week, likes to tell the story of how, when my father began going bald in his 50s, she would rub his head with Listerine and his hair grew back. Though he died in his 60s, he did have a full head of hair!

That being said, however, please speak to your veterinarian before ever using a product like Listerine on your cat. Cats are not people, and though Listerine is a great product, it is not necessarily safe for cats. Cats' livers can't break down toxic substances like ours and other species can, and Listerine does contain alcohol, eucalyptus, benzoic acid and other substances that are actually toxic to cats and could potentially cause liver failure, even in small amounts.

Therefore, giving anything to your cat without at least talking to your vet can cause serious medical problems in cats. Believe it or not, cats can lick their chins!

All the best,
Dr. Neely

Jul 05, 2011

please helpp
by: Anonymous

hi this is katelynn. my cat, toby is 9 years of age and just recently I noticed a red lump almost the size of a pencil tip eraser on his chin area. when I go to touch it he seems to be uncomfortable with it. my dad said maybe he scratched himself but im still worried. any help would be appreciated. thank you

Please submit your questions for the doctor by submitting a new question form. The comments area is reserved for comments and discussion directly related to or directed toward the original poster's question.

Your kitty could have feline acne as well, but could also have scratched himself and formed a scab in the area. When in doubt, a trip to the veterinarian would be advised.

May 26, 2009

Same here
by: AmyKittyLover

My cat seems to have the cat acne as well. I recently switched their bowls, glass to metal. I understand that is fine, but I had to buy a new litter box. I had to buy a short but long storage box for a litter box to accommodate my larger cat. Can the plastic affect them even if they are just using it as a liter box? Please help.

No one can say for certain that a plastic litter box cannot affect cats, but it is very unlikely and not something I've ever been aware of in the patients I've seen. The food and water bowls are much more likely since their mouth and chin come into contact with them.

Best, Dr. Neely

Oct 14, 2008

Male cat of 2 licking kitten, sore swollen chin
by: Edinburgh Scotland

Hi, my cat bob (house cat) of 2 has been cleaning my 10 week female kitten constantly for 2 weeks, everywhere. He has a very sore chin, swollen, black bits and he is very quiet. He is still eating, however he has been eating the kitten food too.
We have not had any problems with bob, he is healthy, had all his jags and coat soft and shiny.
My kitten does not have fleas as I am allergic to fleas and everything else that bites, wasps included.
Will I take him right to the vet?
My kitten has not had her jags yet or been checked as I wanted to settle her with us for 2 weeks before taking her out in the car to the vets, as they get quite stressed.
All your help will be much appreciated.
Many thanks

Sounds exactly like Feline Acne. You can try scrubbing his chin for him daily with a warm wet wash cloth. Also, if you are using any plastic bowls for food or water, switch to something else. The cause of the acne is sometimes an allergy to plastic. If it doesn't clear up after a few days of scrubbing, see your vet.

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