Acne in Cats

Acne in cats is commonly referred to as cat acne or feline acne, and it is a feline skin condition that involves the development of of small bumps on the cat's chin. Though it's undetectable in mild cases, it can have a strongly negative effect on your cat if it becomes severe. Learning more about acne in cats can help you decide what to do if it occurs.

  1. Causes

    • While the exact trigger that causes acne in cats is not know, there are a few factors that are strongly associated with this condition. Acne in cats may be caused by poor grooming habits, skin conditions where abnormal amounts of oil are being produced, a malfunctioning immune system, or a suppressed immune system.

    Signs

    • There are several signs that might point to acne in cats. The cat's chin may have many small blackheads on it, which are also called comedones, and the cat's chin may always look dirty. The blackheads may abscess and burst, causing hair loss, swelling and crusting on the cat's chin. The cat may also scratch at the area, which can cause further infection.

    Identification

    • A veterinarian might diagnose the condition through skin scrapings, which will simultaneously rule out similar conditions, like yeast infections, ringworm, or allergies. A skin biopsy can be performed to pinpoint the issue, and a bacterial culture can identify a secondary infection.

    Treatment

    • Mild cases of feline acne do not need to be treated, but in severe cases, shampoos containing benzoyl peroxide or a benzoyl peroxide gel can be used to break down excess oils. Antibiotics or corticosteroid shots can be used to deal with infections. While some cats have feline acne only once in their lives, other cats are prone to the issue and will need repeated treatment.

    Considerations

    • If your cat is prone to feline acne, using glass or stainless steel food and water dishes can help alleviate the issue if it is caused by allergies to plastics and dyes. A very shallow dish where the cat's chin does not come into contact with the bowl or the food can also help. You may also start wiping the chin of a cat that does not groom itself well.