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What causes a scab under my indoor cat's chin? Should I worry?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed

I found a scab under my cats chin and I am not sure what it is from. It has me very nervous. She is an indoor cat and I noticed it tonight.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 16th, 2016

Dixie could have cut herself with her nails scratching her chin, and that could cause a scab to appear. She could also have cat acne, causing her to scratch the area, leading to the scab. It could also be parasites causing her to scratch at her chin. I recommend taking her into your vet just to check to be safe, and to make sure there isn't a medical issue causing her to scratch at her chin excessively. Your vet can determine if there is a medical cause behind, and how best to treat it. I would not be too nervous about it, especially if she is eating and drinking normally, behaving normally, and is using the litter box normally :-)

9Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 18th, 2017
I am sorry to hear Maya isn't feeling well. It sounds like she has an infection on her chin. Sometimes this is from an allergy, such as weeds, pollens, grasses, dust- anything in her environment. Scratching it with her nails and eating out of her food bowl makes the area worse because she touches it to items with bacteria. If she will let you, I recommend washing the area with a mild soap (like Dial) and water and drying it well. You can do this 1-2 times per day. You can then apply a triple antibiotic ointment. If she is still scratching, she may need an E-collar to prevent the scratching and speed up healing. If she can't control the scratching, she may need to see the vet for steroids. Make sure to clean her food and water bowls daily so she doesn't re-contaminate herself. Good luck and kisses to Maya and her baby!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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