Feline Acne Causes

Feline acne typically appears as blackheads or pimples, sometimes with a crusty surface, concentrated on a cat's chin and bottom lip. The pimples may occasionally also be white or red in color. The occurrence of feline acne may be a one-time incident or may become a recurring issue during a cat's lifetime. Various causes and factors contribute to the development of feline acne.

  1. Insufficient Grooming

    • Inadequate grooming habits can contribute to the formation of feline acne. A cat cleans the area around its mouth and chin by licking its paw and wiping that area. If a cat is unable to clean this area well or does not do so frequently, dirt and oils build up on the skin, which make the area susceptible to feline acne.

    Oil Gland Malfunction

    • Feline acne can be triggered by oil gland production problems. In this situation, too much oil is produced and builds up on the skin. This causes hair follicles to malfunction, making the cat's skin susceptible to acne.

    Dermatitis

    • Contact or atopic dermatitis can make a cat's skin susceptible to acne. In the case of contact dermatitis, a cat's skin develops bumps or lesions due to exposure to a chemical irritant. Atopic dermatitis appears as skin lesions or bumps due to an environmental or food allergy. Both types of dermatitis can make a cat's skin more prone to developing acne.

    Immune System Problems

    • An immune system disorder can make a cat susceptible to developing feline acne. Once acne has developed, a poorly functioning immune system can impair a cat's ability to fight off the acne on its own. A cat's immune system may also be weakened by the existence of other health conditions in the cat's body. In this case, the cat's immune system may not be strong enough to effectively ward off the development and persistence of the acne.

    Stress

    • In an article titled "Feline Acne: Signs, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Chin 'Blackheads' in Cats," Dr. Holly Nash includes stress as a contributing condition to the presence and development of feline acne. Stress in cats can be caused by physical stressors, such as illness or the presence of parasites; emotional stressors, including feeling bored or lonely; or environmental changes like a move to a new residence.