Reasons for Black Coal Dust on Cat's Chin: Possible Cau

Actually, this is a common condition known as "black chin" in cats, which is essentially a type of acne. Mild black chin is characterized by a small or large amount of dark specks around the cat's chin or mouth area. In severe cases, it can lead to hair loss, swelling, itching, and even ulcers.

Research indicates that black chin is quite prevalent in cats, and it's quite similar to the acne we humans experience.

In summary, black chin occurs due to blocked hair follicles on the cat's chin, leading to infection. The image below, from left to right, shows: a normal hair follicle, a blocked hair follicle, and an infected hair follicle.

There are three main reasons for its occurrence:

1. Excessive sebum production, which is more common in male cats.

2. Abnormal sebum production, such as that caused by allergies to fats.

3. Food residue around the cat's mouth not being cleaned properly, leading to blocked pores and the development of black chin.

Don't worry too much if your cat has black chin. Generally, it doesn't interfere with the cat's normal life.

For mild cases, simply clean the affected area with hydrogen peroxide or saline solution, and you can also use iodine tincture for disinfection.

If your cat's chin has already shown signs of hair loss, swelling, or ulcers, first clean the area with hydrogen peroxide or saline solution, then apply some ointments, such as erythromycin ointment, Bactroban ointment, or canine/feline ear cleaner ointment. No matter which medication you choose, be sure not to get it into your cat's mouth to avoid poisoning.

Of course, the most important thing is to identify the root cause.

For cats with excessive sebum production, especially male cats, neutering can be a good solution. After neutering, the hormonal levels in the cat's body change, which can improve the condition of black chin. Even if some cats still have black chin after neutering, as they age, the condition will improve over time.

For cats with abnormal sebum production, lip allergies are the most common cause. Some people believe that black chin in cats is due to overly oily cat food, and switching to less oily food can help. However, this is not the case. Cats with black chin may be allergic to the fats in their current cat food, leading to abnormal sebum production and the development of black chin. The oiliness of the cat food is not the issue. By simply switching to cat food with different types of fats, your cat's condition can be improved.

Some cats have poor selfcleaning abilities, and Siamese cats, also known as Persian cats, are a common example. These cats, due to their unique mouth shape, often have food residue around their mouths, which can lead to black chin over time. In such cases, it's best for owners to clean their cat's mouth and face daily to keep the hair follicles open and breathable.

Prevention is always the best approach for any illness, and black chin is no exception.

The main preventive measures include:

Maintain your cat's cleanliness to allow the hair follicles to breathe freely.

Pay close attention to your cat's condition when eating various types of cat food, and choose the most suitable food for them.

Use ceramic or stainless steel bowls. Plastic bowls can easily scratch, and the scratches can harbor dirt and debris, leading to blocked hair follicles.