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What can I use to treat my cat's early chin acne before a vet visit?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 4 years and 11 months old | 13 lbs

My cat has feline acne on his chin. It hasn't spread, it isn't itchy or swollen. I've read up on it and it seems to be in the early stages so I'm keen to start treating it as soon as possible. I've just moved from Scotland to Manchester and am in the process of registering him with a local vets. He's been in the cat for four hours so I'm keen to let him settle into the flat before taking him straight to the vets. Is there an ointment or shampoo you can recommend that I buy?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Jessica Keay, DVM

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 31st, 2017

Mild cases of chin acne are sometimes treated with a benzoyl peroxide shampoo or gel (2.5% concentration) daily until resolution and then treated one to two times weekly. I am not sure what products are available in the UK without a veterinary prescription, as the human over the counter benzoyl peroxide products are often a higher concentration and can be irritating to pets. Some products may be found online such as this https://www.chewy.com/vetoquinol-benzoyl-plus-shampoo-dogs/dp/109500?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=hg&utm_content=Vetoquinol&utm_term=&gclid=CM7qoYmvmtQCFQYwaQodZOEJtw&gclsrc=aw.ds or Pyoben Gel or Oxydex Gel. Sometimes these guys also need topical antibiotics such as Mupirocin, which is prescription only in the US. Severe cases may need systemic medication.
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My cat has swollen, worsening chin acne. What should I do to help?
In this case (severe) of feline acne a check up would be absolutely needed as antibiotics are required. Anti-septic shampoos are required as well like benzoyl peroxide facial preparation or an antiseborrheic shampoo. Mupirocin ointment is highly effective in many cases.
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My cat has feline acne under his chin. How can I treat it at home?
Use a warm compress to soothe the area. Clean daily using dilute chlorhexidine or a mild cleanser containing benzoyl peroxide. Rinse the are thoroughly and pat dry. Try not to get any in his mouth. If the acne doesn't resolve, have Travis examined by your veterinarian.
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My cat has black chin acne. Is it serious? What home remedies work?
You can clean the area with a cotton ball and hydrogen peroxide or you can use acne pads with benzoyl peroxide if you have those. Do it morning and night and it should clear up. If it doesn't, have it seen by your vet in case she needs something else to help her heal.
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My cat has blackheads under her chin. Is it cat acne or mites?
I don't think it is skin mites. Blackhead (chin acne) is pretty common in cats and can be treated with daily Chlorhexidine solution OR you can use a topical human topical benzoyl peroxide gel 5%. Trimming away any long hairs is helpful as well.
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Why does my cat have a red spot on its chin? What should I do?
This is probably chin acne. ( https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/chin-acne-in-cats ) You can try these medicated pads on the affected areas once a day. If it doesn't seem to help within a week or so of treatment then I suggest you take him to the vet for an exam. ( https://www.amazon.co.uk/Douxo-recommended-antibacterial-antifungal-wipes/dp/B07JKTKZZG/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=duoxo+pyo+pads&qid=1581780497&s=pet-supplies&sr=1-1-catcorr )
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My cat has chin acne. Should I treat it at home or go to the vet?
Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Mittens. Yes, it does look like she has feline acne. You should head to the vet to get it definitely diagnosed, and the vet can prescribe a medicated wash. At home, use glass or metal bowls for her food and water, as plastic ones hold bacteria and aggravate the acne. I'd see if you can get into a vet today or tomorrow. I hope this helps!
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My cat has black stuff under his chin. Is it acne? How to treat it?
You should use a plate for Fluffy’s food and clean it frequently since oils from food or a reaction to plastic bowls can lead to acne. Occasionally medicated benzoyl peroxide wipes or ointments like mupirocin are needed to help with acne. Depression shouldn’t be related and can be a sign of a number of diseases so if it continues and you’re concerned your should see a veterinarian.
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