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My cat's lip and chin are swollen. Is it feline acne? Is it urgent?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 3 years and 9 months old | 15 lbs

Hello, My cat looks to have feline acne on the side of his mouth and under chin. His lower lip starter swelling and it has gotten worse. I’ve been the areas with witch hazel on a cotton ball. Does this look like an emergency situation ?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on July 4th, 2020

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Ronda and for providing pictures, they are very helpful. It is swollen but I would not say it's an emergency situation. As long as he is eating and drinking normally, you don't need to rush him into a vet asap but he should see one in the next few days. I am concerned that his lower lip is that swollen. Give his vet a call to see if you get him into a vet in the next few days. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 25th, 2017

    Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Yes, chin acne can definitely look like this especially if it has been scratched at. Given Willow's age, it is likely chin acne or an allergy that is causing this. This does not warrant an emergency and can probably wait until this week to be seen by a veterinarian during non-holiday / emergency hours. Especially if she is acting otherwise normal and does not seem to be in any overt amount of pain or the area is not progressively increasing in size, as that could be an indicator of an abscess and will need treatment sooner if that is the case. I would continue to monitor the area and schedule an appointment with a veterinarian for later this week. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

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