Causes of Cat Acne: Understanding the Reasons

Many cats enjoy when their owners pet the area around their chins, but some felines have oily chins to the touch. Upon closer inspection, you might notice a dense covering of tiny black specks on the skin, giving the area a rather dirty appearance. These greasy, soiled spots are not just dirt that the cat has picked up, but rather comedones, or what we commonly refer to as "black下巴" (chin acne).

It's important to note that cats' skin, aside from a few sweat glands, is also home to numerous sebaceous glands. These glands secrete an oily substance that nourishes the skin and makes the fur waterresistant. The oils produced by these glands also aid in scent marking, which is why you often see cats rubbing these areas against objects or their owners, leaving their scent behind.

When these sebaceous glands malfunction, comedones form, appearing as numerous small black grains similar to dandruff, and the area feels excessively greasy. In severe cases, the chin may develop small pustules, leading to severe inflammation and infection.

Now, let's delve into the reasons behind why cats might develop black下巴:

Cat Food Too Oily

The greasy appearance of the chin in cats can also be attributed to a diet high in oil, which can contribute to the formation of comedones.

Health Issues

Parasites, bacteria, fungal infections, immune suppression diseases, hormonal imbalances, and allergies can all lead to the development of black下巴 in cats.

Dirty Cat Bowls

Unlike other parts of their bodies, cats cannot rely on their tongues to keep their chins clean. The chin is frequently in contact with the bowls that hold their food and water. If these bowls are not regularly cleaned, it can lead to the accumulation of dirt, which can then result in black下巴.

Stress

Changes in the environment, frequent handling, constant scolding, or the frequent arrival of unfamiliar guests can all be sources of stress for cats. With their sensitive nervous systems, stress can easily lead to illness in our feline friends.

How to Treat Cat Black下巴?

Cleaning Your Cat's Chin

Since cats can't clean their chins like other parts of their bodies with their tongues, it's essential to gently wipe their chins with a damp cloth when you notice comedones. Keeping the chin clean can prevent the growth of more comedones.

Maintaining Daily Hygiene

Regularly maintaining the cleanliness of your cat's chin can help prevent the recurrence of black下巴 and ensure your pet stays healthy and comfortable.