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What's this red swollen bump on my cat's lip? Is it cat acne?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 6 lbs

My kitty has a red bump on her lower lip, what can it be, it looks swollen, it just appered 2 days ago

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on December 10th, 2016

Your cat may have what is referred to as cat acne. It appears often on the lower lip or chin and may develop a pustule. An allergy to plastic is one possible cause, so if she is eating out of plastic dishes, substitute glass, ceramic, or steel bowls and see if that helps. To help heal the bump she has now, clean it twice daily with a cotton ball moistened with hydrogen peroxide or, if you have any benzoyl peroxide acne pads, clean her chin with one of those. If the bump does not improve in the next couople of days or gets worse, starts to bleed, if you cat displays any other symptoms of not feeling well, get her in to see your vet as there may be a more serious underlying problem causing her symptoms.

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6Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 11th, 2017

    Poor kitty. This looks like a potential chin acne condition which is commonly caused by a food allergy. Other possible causes are a resistant bacterial infection or an environmental allergy. Plastic bowls can cause irritation to cats so I would start by replacing all plastic bowls (if applicable) with metal ones instead. Then I would suggest trying Leah on a hypoallergenic diet such as Royal Canin hypoallergenic hp, Royal Canin Ultamino or Hill’s Z/D. These are prescription diets so a vet visit is needed for purchase. Another brand that can be tried that isn’t prescription is the California Natural by Natura. It’s best to take Leah to your vet for a short course of antibiotics and allergy medicine to clear up this infection right away. If the infection does not clear within 7 days then a bacterial culture is the next best step to rule out a resistant bug. I hope this helps and best of luck managing your pet Leah’s chin acne. Take care.

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