Feline Chin Acne: Why Does My Maine Coon Have ‘Dirty’ Chin?#
You are scratching your Maine Coon’s chin, and you notice something weird. It looks like dirt. Or coffee grounds. You try to brush it off, but it’s stuck to the skin. Congratulations, you have discovered Feline Chin Acne.
It sounds ridiculous—cats getting zits?—but it is incredibly common in Maine Coons. While usually mild, it can turn into nasty, bleeding scabs if ignored. The good news? The cure is usually sitting in your kitchen cabinet.
What Causes It?#
Cats have sebaceous (oil) glands on their chin. They use them to scent-mark things (the head bunt). If these glands get clogged with oil and keratin, they form blackheads (comedones).
- The #1 Culprit: Plastic Food Bowls. Plastic is porous. It traps bacteria. When your cat eats, the bacteria transfer to their chin, infecting the pores.
Identification#
- Mild: Looks like “flea dirt” or black specks on the chin and lips.
- Moderate: Red, swollen bumps (pimples).
- Severe: Bleeding, crusty scabs, hair loss.
The Fix: The 3-Step Cleanse#
1. Ditch the Plastic#
Throw away every plastic bowl you own. Switch to Stainless Steel or Ceramic.
- Hygiene: Wash the bowls every day with hot water and soap. Maine Coon saliva is bacteria-rich.
2. The Chin Wash#
If the acne is active, you need to clean the area.
- Chlorhexidine Wipes: These are medicated pads (available on Amazon) that kill bacteria/yeast. Wipe the chin once a day.
- Warm Compress: Use a warm washcloth to open the pores and gently wipe away the black crust.
3. Do Not “Pop” Them#
It is tempting to pick at the scabs. Don’t. You will cause a secondary staph infection. Let the medication do the work.
Conclusion#
Chin acne is ugly but manageable. 90% of the time, switching to steel bowls and washing the chin for a week clears it up. If the chin becomes swollen or bleeds, see a vet for antibiotics.
Resources & Further Reading#
- Dermatology for Animals: Feline Acne Overview.
- Tufts University: Why Plastic Bowls are Bad for Cats.