readers recently learned that i squeeze my cats’ blackheads, and were surprised to hear that cats even get blackheads. they’re more commonly referred to as feline acne and usually occurs on their chins. all of our cats have white or very light-colored chin fur, so the blackheads are hard to miss, and usually they look like dirt that you can comb out. and most of the time, you can. these guys, however, sometimes get a couple of really big ones that you can tell are just ready to go. the other day, in fact, i squeezed one out of Angelo that–well, you probably don’t want to hear about it. 
i took steps years ago to prevent breakouts–the cats eat and drink from stainless steel bowls. plastic bowls are harder to clean, especially if they get scratched up. bacteria is more likely to stick to plastic rather than stainless steel, ceramic, or glass. well, nowadays, they eat out of disposable plastic bowls or paper bowls-just like we eat off of paper plates. (it’s a depression thing; less clean-up to worry about.) the important thing is that they eat and drink from clean bowls.
for more information you can read this article, “Acne in Cats,” that our vets have published on their Web site. there are no disgusting pictures, though the site itself is really cute. just so you know, my cats’ acne are nowhere near as bad as i’ve seen it on other cats.
those of you owned by cats with light-colored fur are going to be checking out their chins! admit it!
That’s pretty funny!
It’s not about cats, but I wanted to mention…
I thought of you when we repeatedly kept going back to the Star Wars slot machine in Vegas… My buddy has a picture of it, so I have to wait for my copy…
But it exists.
I knew there had to be a rational reason why I didn’t like cats!
Hi, I’m visiting from Jane’s blog. I’ve enjoyed your blog so far and I will return, – promise.
Love life; live life!
*goes downstairs to check out Rincewind’s chin*
If it’s any of interest, rats get them on their tails!
maggs, it is pretty funny, isn’t it? heehee.
dan, there is never an inappropriate time to bring up Star Wars! can’t wait to see that pic!
Mark, thanks so much for stopping by.
i will pay you a visit, as well. even if you don’t like cats. 
Ratty, i knew i could count on you! and actually, cats can get them on their tails, too! yuck! but they call that “stud tail.” ???
I have had cats nearly all my life & I never knew this. No offense, but not only will I not go & burst Bitsy’s blackheads, but now that I know this, I will promptly try to forget it. It is pretty gross. BTW aren’t you worried about scarring
cube, your cats are very lucky! and nah, not worried about scarring. none of my cats have scarred yet, but then again, their cases aren’t severe. i guess i should have mentioned that they don’t break out that often, either. but when they do…they better watch out!
Cats with acne is still a TMI for me. Ew! You are a good cat mom for taking care of this unsightly issue.
Its not acne… its CATNE!!! ew!
yuck, LOL just one more reason why I dont like cats I guess. Hell would freeze over before I would pop a cats zit!
good one, bLitch!
Mrs., what’s with this “another reason not to like cats”? LOL did you know that Yorkies don’t have fur, but hair? go ask bLitch, she’ll tell ya!
Hmmm… Now that you’ve described it, I may have recently scraped a blackhead off of my calico’s chin! I thought it was just dirt. Well whaddya know? Now I’ll be checking that chin regularly. I’ll look at the tabby/tortie’s chin, too.