RJ, a grey and white cat, lying on a bed with his chin now clear of cat acne

Cat Acne: What Causes It and How to Help

By Jessy, founder of Kitty Corner

Those little black specks on your cat's chin? They might not be dirt.

My cat RJ (short for Ralph Jr, who's just turned 17) had black specks on his chin for ages before I worked out what they were. I assumed he'd been rubbing his face in the garden. But no matter how often I cleaned it, the "dirt" never went away. It was cat acne.

It sounds alarming, but cat acne is common, and most cases are mild. Here's what I learned about what causes it, what to watch for and the easy changes that can help, including the one that worked for RJ: his food bowl.

Quick summary

  • Cat acne shows up as blackheads on the chin and lower lip, and mild cases often don't bother the cat at all.
  • Nobody knows exactly what causes it, but plastic bowls, poor chin grooming and stress are all suspected.
  • Switching to stainless steel or glass bowls and keeping the chin clean are easy first steps.
  • See your vet if the chin looks swollen, sore, crusty or infected.

Jump to:

What Is Cat Acne?

Cat acne, also called feline acne, is a skin condition where hair follicles on the chin get plugged with keratin and oil, forming blackheads. It usually appears on the chin and lower lip, and occasionally the upper lip. Cats of any age, sex or breed can get it, though it often first shows up around one year of age.

What Does Cat Acne Look Like?

Mild cat acne looks like a dirty chin: small black or dark brown specks that don't brush away. Many cats with mild acne don't seem to notice it at all.

In more severe cases, the follicles can become infected. You may see:

  • Red bumps or pimples
  • Swelling around the chin
  • Scabs and crusts
  • Hair loss on the chin
  • Signs of pain when you touch the area

Itching is uncommon unless there's a deeper infection.

Close-up of a tabby and white cat looking up, with red bumps and dark specks of acne on its chin

What Causes Cat Acne?

The exact cause isn't known. Vets have linked several things to it, including:

  • A cat not grooming their chin well
  • Stress
  • Extra oil production in the skin
  • Eating and drinking from plastic bowls

Because the cause is unclear, treatment focuses on easing the things that may make it worse.

Can Plastic Bowls Cause Cat Chin Acne?

They may play a part. Plastic bowls are one of the things most often linked to cat chin acne, possibly because of a reaction to the plastic. A vet-reviewed guide from PetMD recommends swapping plastic bowls for stainless steel straight away, and says that change alone may be enough for some cats.

It was for RJ. Once we switched all his food and water bowls to stainless steel, his chin cleared up. Every cat is different, but it's an easy, low-cost place to start.

RJ, a grey and white cat, resting on a grey couch with a clear white chin

RJ today, chin all clear.

Stainless steel and glass are both easy to clean and hard to scratch.

Ready to make the swap? Browse our cat feeders and bowls, including the Stainless Steel Gravity Feeder & Water Bowl and the Gravity Water Bowl Set with its removable stainless steel food bowl.

How Can I Help My Cat's Chin Acne at Home?

Keep the chin and the bowls clean, and leave the spots alone.

  • Wash food and water bowls every day.
  • Gently wipe your cat's chin after meals, especially after wet food.
  • Never squeeze or pick at the spots. It can make them sorer and lead to infection.
  • Don't use human acne products, as they're too strong for cats. Ask your vet for a cat-safe cleanser if you need one.

If your cat has a long coat, your vet may suggest clipping the fur on the chin to make cleaning easier.

When Should I See a Vet About Cat Acne?

Book a vet visit if the chin looks sore, swollen, crusty or infected, or if the acne keeps getting worse.

Your vet can check whether it's acne or a skin condition that looks similar, such as ringworm or mites, and test for infection. Depending on what they find, treatment may include medicated wipes or shampoo, an ointment, or antibiotics for deeper infections.

Can Cat Acne Come Back?

Often, yes. For many cats, feline acne comes and goes throughout their life, usually staying mild. Keeping up the bowl washing and chin wipes can help keep flare-ups small, and your vet can suggest a maintenance plan if it keeps coming back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cat acne contagious?

Cat acne itself isn't contagious. Some skin conditions that look like it, such as ringworm, can spread to other pets and people, so if you're not sure what you're looking at, ask your vet.

Will cat acne go away on its own?

Mild cases often don't need treatment, and they may come and go without bothering your cat. If the spots spread, get bigger or start to look sore, see your vet.

Are ceramic bowls OK for cats with acne?

Ceramic is a better choice than plastic, but replace it if it's chipped or cracked, as damaged surfaces are harder to keep clean. Some vets prefer stainless steel or glass, because there have been reports of cats reacting to ceramic bowls too.

Can stress cause cat acne?

Stress is one of the things linked to it. If your cat's acne flares up during unsettled times, like a move or a new pet joining the family, stress may be part of the picture.

Give Their Chin a Fresh Start

Swapping to a stainless steel bowl is one of the easiest changes you can make. Find your cat's new favourite in Kitty Corner's bowl and feeder range, with free shipping Australia-wide.

Written by Jessy, founder of Kitty Corner and proud cat mum to RJ and Tortie. This article is general information only and isn't a substitute for advice from your vet. If you're worried about your cat's health, please contact your vet.

References

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