Expert: Jessica - 9/30/2009

Question
Hello,  I have two  7 (almost 8) month old kittens.  One is black and white.  I recently switched them over from one kitten food to another ( half and half and slowly transitioned)  Today I noticed some black spots that looked almost like a scab that had came off so I took a wash rag to wipe it and see.  She did not act like the spot hurt but as I looked closer it looks like there are these little black "specks" in this little section (probably no bigger than two pencil erasers width) I could not wipe them away.  Is this something I should be concerned about or is it possible it is just the remainder of a scab?  

Thank you!

Kelsey

Answer
Hi Kelsey.  I'm not entirely certain.  A vet is the best one to ask about this.  Are the specks part of the skin, or ON the skin?  

Cats can actually have freckles on their lips, nose and eyelids.  As in people, they are very commonly found in orange-haired cats, but cats of other colors can have them, too, provided they have pink skin that the pigment will show up on.  If what you're seeing is actually pigment on the skin, and it's flat and not irritated, it is more than likely just freckles.  You can do an image search for it by entering "lentigo cats" (the condition is called lentigo simplex), but you could certainly have a vet check it out to be sure.  Freckles tend to start showing up as cats get to be at least couple years old, so this might not be the most likely scenario.

There is another condition called feline acne that actually DOES cause small black flecks and scabbing.  The condition usually starts on the chin and it looks from a distance like the cat dipped its chin in dirt.  But upon closer examination, it's found that the appearance is actually caused by a build up of, essentially, black heads.  The waxy debris sheds off and some of it can usually be removed pretty easily, but the skin underneath can be irritated and sensitive.  If the case is severe, some scabbing may occur and even infection.

Feline acne is not well understood but appears to be a sensitivity of some sort, perhaps to bacteria, or maybe to certain substances such as plastic, which is used for many food bowls.  The best way to avoid feline acne that we know of so far is to switch over to all stainless steel food and water bowls.  Most cats don't seem to have a reaction to stainless steel.  It also inhibits bacterial growth better than glass, plastic and earthenware bowls.

Another reason for black build up around the mouth can be oral infections.  Sometimes these come along as part of upper respiratory infections.  Some kittens have early onset gingivitis.  If your kitten’s gums appear red at all, if he has bad breath, is drooling, or if you can see any sores or bare patches on his tongue, you should get him to the vet for an exam right away.

Best wishes!

Jessica