Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My cat has black spots on her chin. Is it a bug or chin acne?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 2 years and 6 months old | 16 lbs

What is this regenerating bug that imbeds itself in my cats chin? It’s the only one and my other cat has nothing and they are indoor cats. After THREE attempts to remove it her chin has begun to turn black. It’s the holidays and I have hardly any money I live on Social Security but I’m scared for my

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Elva Ma DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 19th, 2017

Hello, and thank you for your question. The black spots look suspicious for chin acne, which is common in cats. It is not a bug at all, but in fact sebaceous secretions that plug up the hair follicles on the cat's chin. These can become infected, so the best thing to do would be to take Little to the vet to see if she needs antibiotics. For mild cases of chin acne, however, you can try wiping the area twice a day with hydrogen peroxide. This may help to open up the hair follicles and prevent them from getting clogged up again. Other possibilities for the chin issue may be infection, or tumours. Again, it would be best to get this checked out by a vet eventually to confirm the diagnosis. I hope this advice helps in the meantime!

Vote icon

6Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 12th, 2019

    This could be from feline acne. Cats can get this on their chin, and it appears as a cluster of black spots. I understand being very concerned about Max, but if he's eating, drinking, and otherwise acting normally, those are good signs! Good on you for taking him into the vet in the morning.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 30th, 2020

    Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about your kitty. It looks like he may have feline acne. He will need to see a vet to have this definitively diagnosed and treated. Treatment includes a medicated wash. I would also change his bowls to metal or ceramic if they are plastic. Give his vet a call now to make him an appointment. I hope this helps!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 11th, 2016

    It sounds like Ginny may have feline acne. Feline acne commonly occurs on the chin of cats, and the black skin is comprised of blackheads. I would take her into the vet in the morning. Feline acne can be treated with aniseborrheic washes, antibiotics if there is a secondary infection, and possibly corticosteroids if there is a large amount of inflammation present. The vet can prescribe which medications they feel is necessary to treat it.

    Vote icon

    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What to do if my cat has a small hole with pus coming from its ear?
Is your cat's ear hole oozing pus? A Petco vet explains potential infections like abscesses from bites, advising immediate vet care, antibiotics, and recovery.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My cat is chunky. What food and steps can I take to help him lose weight?
Is your cat overweight? A certified vet offers guidance to help your tubby tabby lose weight. Get essential diet and food recommendations to slim down your cat!
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Cat sick and still has fleas after vinegar treatment. What now?
Cat still scratching and not eating after vinegar flea treatment? A certified vet reveals why it fails and offers effective solutions for your cat and home.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My kitten had ringworm. Vet says in blood, untreatable, no meds?
Confused about your 6-month-old kitten's ringworm diagnosis, oral meds, or vaccinations? A trusted vet offers a second opinion on your pet's health concerns.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My cat has a weepy wound she keeps licking. Does it need stitches?
Is your cat's weepy wound concerning you? A certified vet offers guidance on home care, when to disinfect, and signs to watch for before seeking professional help.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why does my cat's chin abscess keep coming back after antibiotics?
Is your cat's chin abscess returning after antibiotics? A certified vet discusses why this happens, from resistant infections to foreign objects, and next steps.
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored