Possible cat infection/injury question

[margotb822]

Ok, I have two male cats, about 18 months old. About a week ago, I noticed a scab-like spot on one cat's chin. It's very small, maybe the diameter of pencil lead, so me being curious, picked at it. It didn't seem to hurt him, he just sat there and let me. And what came out looked like a blackhead. His fur in the area is right where the black and white overlap, so I thought maybe it was an ingrown hair that got infected. Well, then I noticed another scab like spot the next day. And today I noticed one very close to his mouth. They don't seem to be causing him pain, they don't interfere with his eating and I haven't seen him scratch them. But, around each one, all the fur has fallen out.

(Also, I once had a cat with fleas, and this did not appear to be flea-like)

Is this a scratch from cat roughhousing or is it something I need to be worried about and take him to the vet?

I did cat-sit for a friend who has an indoor/outdoor cat, but is up to date on all shots and appeared to be clean. My other cat is fine and does not have any scab spots.

Thanks!

[flvegan]

1. Get him to the vet.

Could be a tiny abscess, nothing or worse.

[kiva]

2. Cat acne--one of my boy cats has breakouts periodically.

Feline Acne
Feline acne is a skin condition affecting the cats chin. Overactive oil (sebaceous) glands in the chin produce excess oil or sebum which predisposes cats to developing Feline Acne and Stud Tail. The oil, which is also called Sebum, plugs up the hair follicles in the chin which causes black heads called Comedomes to form. Secondary bacterial infection may or may not occur. Occasionally in very severe cases, the chin becomes visibly swollen but usually acne is an incidental finding. Acne occurs in male and female cats of all ages.
SIGNS OF FELINE ACNE

Black specks that look similar to flea dirt on cats chin.

<break>

WHAT YOU AND YOUR VET CAN DO

Use Benzyl peroxide based solutions or Betadine scrub mixed with water to clean the chin and eliminate excess oil. Rinse with water and air dry.

Make a solution of white vinegar and water (50/50) and dab onto chin with a cotton ball twice daily, this helps dry out the chin area.

Avoid topical acne preparations. Cats tend to lick them off.

Edited to add--obviously I'm not a vet, and if it continues it's definitely worth getting him checked.

Antibiotics are used if bacterial infection is present

Mild cases often resolve themselves without therapy.

http://drcarol.com/v/Articles-about-cats/Feline_Acne.html

Just google cat acne and there are lots of sites. It's a good idea to treat it--I wasn't paying attention a couple of months ago and the boy ended up with an open sore--antibiotics and salve, and a really unhappy cat. Good luck!

[margotb822]

3. wow, interesting

I didn't even realize this was possible. Thanks for the info!

[kiva]

4. You're welcome, hope it helps.

I've had several cats, and this is the first one with this problem. Of course, he's the problem cat--he once tried to swallow a needle, is on meds to keep him from being too aggressive with the other cats, has developed hyperthyroidism, and just finished a round of drugs because he had a massive allergic reaction to something. His vet and I are now on a first name basis.

[KathieG]

5. Yep...feline acne. Plastic bowls are often the cause...

they hold bacteria. Get stainless steel, or ceramic if you are using plastic. I cleared up my cats acne by cleaning his chin twice a day with warm diluted betadine solution.

[Connonym]

6. I agree with this answer

I don't think you need to rush off and have a vet visit unless it doesn't resolve by changing bowl types and twice a day cleaning of the area. When my cat got feline acne I had never heard of it but I guess it's pretty common. Give kitty a scritch for me, kay?

[margotb822]

7. Where can I get this solution?

Is it found at a pet store or drug store or will I have to go to the vet for it? I have to head out to get new bowls, so I will try to pick this up, too.

[KathieG]

9. You can get betadine solution in the first aid section of any pharmacy...

or Wal Mart. It is a brown solution (hospitals use it for surgical prep), it is both antifungal, and antibacterial. I just put a little bit of warm water in a cup, then squirt a little bit of betadine into it to make it tea colored, then apply it with a cotton ball...rub it in really well, then pat dry with a piece of paper towel.

[Orrex]

8. I had a "Visible Dog" model when I was a kid. It had plastic bowels, too.

:evilgrin:

[KathieG]

10. oops...fixed it!

If the cat had plastic bowels, I think a little cat acne would be the least of it's problems!