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Why is my cat's chin bloody and matted? What should I do for it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Maine Coon | Female | spayed | 9 lbs

I see blood and matted hair underneath my cat's chin in one spot. I removed what felt like a scab or bump and I could tell my cat was in pain or discomfort when I did it, but I managed to get it off her. When I looked more closely at what I pulled off, it just looked like matted hair, which I threw away. What could this be and is it cause for concern? Attached is a pic of what my cat's chin looked like after I pulled it off. Should I put anything on it? Any help would be great. Thanks

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Penelope Graben, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 19th, 2021

Hello,

Thanks for the good photo. This looks like it may be either a bad chin acne lesion or a small abscess or infection. You can gently clean the area with a warm saline or epsom salt water solution. Otherwise, keep it dry and don't apply any ointments, as these can sometimes trap bacteria and worsen infections.
If it's not significantly improved within a week, I'd have Freya seen by her veterinarian when possible.

I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers
Veterinary Technician
Published on June 24th, 2022
Unfortunately, that looks like it's affecting a large part of Kitty's face, and if the area is also bleeding, it should be checked out by a vet ASAP. It's possible there's an infection brewing, a tumor or growth that needs to be treated, or an allergy causing problems.

Until you can get to your vet, it would be best to keep Kitty from rubbing at it with an Elizabethan (cone) collar so she can't cause more bleeding or wounds. Keeping it as clean and dry as possible with a clean washcloth can help prevent any dirt or debris from crusting up and causing problems. However, if the site is bleeding a lot even with home care, is oozing debris, smells bad, is painful (which you mentioned it was) or isn't healing, it needs to be seen by your vet.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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