My cat has black crusts on his chin. Is it flea eggs or acne?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 3 years and 2 months old | 37 lbs
My cat's chin is infested with what looks like flea eggs.. I tried to wipe them off but i think im just hurting my cat and nothing will come off except for dried up blood. Please help! I dont know how to make them go away or if it's hurting him. Oh and I tried using flea shampoo but i don't want to get it near his mouth so I dont use it with his chin. If u have any solutions that doesn't cost much money I would be so grateful.
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on July 14th, 2018
Hello there! I have great news for you- it doesn't look like flea eggs, but it does look a different problem with a very cheap solution! It appears that Alex has something very common, called feline chin acne. This results in accumulations of blackheads on the chin. Rarely, these can become infected and need antibiotics, but it is almost always just a cosmetic problem. Signs of an infection requiring antibiotics would be swelling, redness, warmth to the touch, and greenish discharge. You can use an acne wipe with salicylic acid (oxy, stridex, etc.) on his chin once a day and that will help reduce the acne over time. :) I hope this is helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
5Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on September 18th, 2017
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Tootie! It looks like chine acne to me. I recommend a novel protein diet. Chicken is the most common protein allergen so try to get venison, salmon or duck. There are also prescription options. I would make sure all his water and food bowels are stainless steel are are cleaned daily. She likely needs several weeks of an antibiotic, since she is hard to pill ask your Vet about Convenia, which is a 2 week injectable antibiotic. The topical I recommend is pyoben but it has been on back order for a year or so. Instead look for a 2-3% benzoyl peroxide shampoo and clean his chin every other day. This shampoo can be found online and likely at your Vet. I hope this helps and I wish Tootie the best!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on September 6th, 2019
Hello, The signs of a deeper and more serious bacterial infection are increased swelling, redness, oozing, pain, and behavioral changes, such as not wanting to eat and hiding. An in-focus picture of his chin may help us visualize this if you are unsure. Feline chin acne can be difficult to control, so it may just need more time for the medication to work. You can continue with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid (Stridex is fine) wipes. This will be something you need to do long term and is not a quick fix. You do not need to comb or manipulate the area, as this may push infection deeper into the pores. I hope this is helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on June 9th, 2019
It looks like feline acne from what I can see in the photo. If he eats or drinks from plastic dishes, get rid of them and use glass, steel or ceramic instead. Cats are sometimes allergic to plastic bowls. If you have acne pads with benzyl peroxide (don't use the kind with salicylic acid) you can use them to clean off the affected area twice daily. Or you can use a cotton ball and regular hydrogen peroxide to clean his chin. If it does not significantly improve in a few days, get him in to see your vet as this may indicate a more serious problem.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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