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Cats/irritating rash on kittens chin

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Expert: - 4/7/2009


Question
My kitten has been having swelling under his chin. Ive tried to pop it a couple of times with no luck. Though it doesnt seem to affect his day other than the itching all over, it is bothering me to see him like this. They are different sized bumps from small(pencil eraser to almost the size of a dime. They make the affected area pink as well as make him itch to the point of bleeding sometimes. Im concerned. I thought it would pass but no. It doesnt seem to be worsening just healing than spreading. He is going to the vet on wednesday so well see what hey say this time. When he first got it we took him in and they werent sure. Any ideas of a prognosis? His chin does look a little dirty, but I have almost ruled out acne because his bowls are all glass and the bumps dont ooze but become bumps than they scab in a day or two, though once I noticed this formation i switched from plastic to glass. It has been about three weeks now. Any answers would help.

Answer
Mark,

I'm not a vet so I can't provide a diagnosis, but I wonder if it's a skin infection of some sort...Maybe small cysts? Chin acne can sometimes take a fair amount of time to clear up if you've recently switched from plastic to glass dishes this may be the end of a mild bacterial infection caused by chin acne which got aggravated for one reason or another. A vaccine reaction? Some vets trained only in conventional medicine may not recognize a vaccine reaction as a possibility, however there is growing research to suggest that we have been over vaccinating our cats for a long time to the detriment of their long term health and potentially causing renal failure, autoimmune diseases, increasing incidences of certain cancers, etc. I can provide information about studies suggesting newer vaccine protocols if you wish. Have you tried antibiotic ointment such as polysporin? I'd also recommend that you wash the food/water bowls daily in hot soapy water then disinfect them using a weak bleach solution (5 parts water, 1 part bleach) and see if that makes a difference...If not you may want to see the assistance of a holistic vet, this is a vet trained in conventional medicine as well as one or more alternative therapies which can include homeopathy, acupuncture or massage among others. My vet is a holistic vet and she's given my cats homeopathic remedies with fairly dramatic results. A more natural treatment will likely be better for your kitten's long term health.

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Ali

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I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

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I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

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I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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