Hi Dick,
It sounds from your description, like your cat could have feline acne or demodecosis, which started on his chin and is now spreading. A common cause of feline acne is eating from plastic food/water bowls. Plastic can harbor bacteria even though it's washed thoroughly, and that's why stainless steel, ceramic or glass dishes are recommended.
Other possible causes for the scabby bumps can be allergies, to food or environment, miliary dermatitis, which is a skin infection, flea allergic dermatitis (even if you see no fleas, they may be present), ringworm, just to name a few.
Please read the following re: feline skin conditions:
(from:
http://www.vetinfo4cats.com/cacne.html)
"There are several conditions that can resemble feline acne. These include Malassezia infection (yeast infection) of the chin, demodectic mange, deep bacterial follicle infections, usually with Staph bacteria or Pasteurella bacteria, ringworm (dermatophytosis) and immune mediated disease, especially eosinophilic granuloma complex. Several of these conditions are a little more likely in older cats, especially the bacterial and yeast infections which seem to take advantage of even minor decreases in immune system competency. Skin scrapings can sometimes reveal yeast infections or demodectic mange. Fungal cultures can rule out ringworm. Sometimes biopsy of the affected area is necessary to identify an underlying cause when acne is not responsive to therapy and simpler tests don't provide a diagnosis."
However, because this started on his chin, feline acne comes to mind, first.
Your cat really needs to see the vet ASAP to determine the exact cause of this skin problem and itchiness which is making him so uncomfortable. This discomfort is what's changing his behavior. When cats are miserable, they just want to hide and be left alone...
Take him to the vet to be evaluated, and you'll get a definite diagnosis and treatment which should make him feel much better real soon!
Cher : )
Edited by Cerecita on August 3 2006 at 2:39 PM
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