Cat with a swollen chin: causes and what to do

Author: Laura McKinney
Date Of Creation: 6 August 2021
Update Date: 12 May 2024
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Cats are very independent and resistant animals, it is not with anything that makes them manifest that they are sick or in pain.

There are certain diseases that remain imperceptible to the owner until the cat changes its routine and behavior. However, problems that cause visible anatomical changes, such as a swollen or lumpy chin, are more easily identifiable by tutors, making them act faster.

In this article by PeritoAnimal we will explain what are possible causes of a cat with a swollen chin and what to do in each situation.

Causes of Swollen Chin in Cats

Below we show you the most common causes for a cat with a swollen chin and what to do in each situation.


feline acne

Feline acne results from a change in keratinization and subsequent accumulation of sebaceous material (sebum) in hair follicles, called blackheads (comedones). These hair follicles can swell and, in case of bacterial invasion, can infect and give rise to vesicles with purulent material (pus).

It appears more in the chin (chin) or above the mouth in the form of blackheads on the cat's chin, pimples, papules, pustules and local swelling. In some cases, considerable swelling of the chin may be observed.

Although it can appear in cats of any age, breed or gender, there is a greater predisposition for stressed animals, with weakened immune systems (young and elderly animals), with skin problems and with poor hygiene habits.

Therefore, if you notice blackheads on the chin or on the cat's nose, as if it were black dirt on the cat's snout, it is very likely that it is feline acne. Don't worry, it's mostly harmless and may even go unnoticed unless you feel it when you touch your pet's chin.


Feline Acne Treatment

And then you ask yourself: my cat has a swollen chin and white spots, what can I do? How to remove black dots from the cat's chin?

Treatment for feline acne involves local cleaning, which can be done in the following ways:

  • Moisten a cotton pad or swab in a solution of diluted chlorhexidine (about 5ml) in Water (100 ml) and clean the cat's chin twice a day. Chlorhexidine is non-toxic and is a great antiseptic.
  • Another alternative is to dissolve a teaspoon of salt in warm water and moisten a compress or towel with the mixture and clean locally, also twice a day.
  • There are authors who argue that the vinegar for feline acne (acetic acid) can also be used for local cleaning of these lesions, as it has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and moisturizing properties. join equal parts of vinegar and water and moisten a cloth or towel in this mixture and gently wipe the cat's chin, always being careful with open wounds and eyes as it causes a lot of burning.
  • still exist specific shampoos with 2% benzoyl peroxide and chlorhexidine lotions or shampoos, also very helpful for this problem.

Don't forget that any medicine should always be evaluated by your trusted veterinarian.


Blackheads and feline acne symptoms can be confused with flea droppings, demodicosis (such as demodectic mange), dermatitis. Malassezia or dermatophytosis, for this reason it is very important to rule out other causes.

Cat with chin swollen from flea infestation

A flea-infested animal usually has black particles resembling ground black pepper spread all over the body like dirt. Also, the cat can develop Allergic dermatitis to flea bites (DAPP) which is characterized by:

  • Intense itching;
  • Excessive licking;
  • Alopecia (hair loss), more located in the lower back near the base of the tail and on the limbs;
  • Wounds;
  • Crusts;
  • Peeling;
  • Weight loss;
  • Pale mucous;
  • Fever (in more severe cases).

Regular deworming is very important to keep these and other ectoparasites away from your pet.

Swollen chin in cats due to allergic reaction to insect or plant bites

In addition to the flea, your pet can be bitten by bees, mosquitoes, spiders or other insects. As a result of this sting, there is a local swelling with erythema (redness) that may or may not be very itchy. In severe cases, the reaction can diffuse and cause the anaphylactic reaction causing the animal to die. The symptoms of anaphylactic reaction are:

  • Dyspnea (difficulty breathing);
  • Edema (swelling) of the tongue and face;
  • Vomiting;
  • Diarrhea.

You can apply ice to the area and if any of these more severe symptoms start to appear. take your pet to the veterinarian immediately.

Cat with chin swollen due to chemical contact allergy

This reaction can also cause a cat's chin to swell if it has come in contact with a chemical. There are certain products that will resemble an insect sting reaction and others more like burns, but they are equally serious. Remove all cleaning products and drugs from the cat's reach.

Swollen chin in cats caused by food allergy

Most situations have associated other symptoms, gastrointestinal and dermatological, such as:

  • Vomiting;
  • Diarrhea;
  • Nausea;
  • Itching in the abdomen and limbs;
  • Erythema and alopecia on the skin.

However, they can make the animal's chin and mouth swollen. To find out if it is food-borne, you should go on the elimination diet to find out which component is causing the allergy.

Cat with swollen chin from scratch or bite abscesses

Tissue infections induced by the inoculation of bacteria, either through scratches or bites, which are more common among cats.

if there was a fight between cats or between dogs and cats and they scratch or bite the inoculation site can become infected and lead to a painful swelling (swelling) which, over time, begins to infect and accumulate pus, which may lead to systemic infection and fever. When this purulent material creates tension in the tissues, they can rupture and begin to drain the liquid out, causing an unpleasant odor and appearance to the observer.

There is no specific location for these abscesses, however cats are more likely to develop them on the face, neck, back or limbs as they are the most common attack regions.

Swollen chin in cats from abscesses due to dental problems

Although more common in dogs, cats can also have abscesses resulting from inflammation and infection of the roots of certain teeth, causing a lot of pain and discomfort when eating.

Symptoms are the same as in the previous topic and local and systemic treatment is required, and tooth extraction may be necessary.

Cat with chin swollen by eosinophilic granuloma complex

It has three distinct forms:

  1. Indolent ulcer;
  2. Eosinophilic plate;
  3. Eosinophilic granuloma.

The etiology is varied, from viral, genetic, bacterial, autoimmune, parasitic or allergic.

Eosinophils are cells that are involved in inflammatory reactions and when they appear increased in blood tests, they are usually indicative of allergic reaction or parasitic infestation.

Despite presenting these three forms, in this article we will focus only on eosinophilic granuloma. It appears in young people up to one year of age and is characterized by a firm, rounded structure that does not cause itching. It is more common on the hind limbs and chin, and is often asymptomatic (no symptoms).

O treatment involves corticosteroid therapy (methylprednisolone or prednisolone acetate) for a few weeks and antibiotic therapy to treat/prevent secondary infections.

Swollen chin in cats caused by tumors

The last cause of this article about cat with swollen jaw they are certain skin, bone, or other structural tumors that may manifest as a swelling of the chin and other associated symptoms.

They are more common in older animals (over 8 years old), but this diagnosis should never be ignored in younger animals.

This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Cat with a swollen chin: causes and what to do, we recommend that you enter our Skin Problems section.