Terramycin for Cat Acne

Feline acne is a minor issue, medically speaking, but it can advance to the point where it makes the cat miserable. The clogged pores and the resulting scabs often itch so badly that the cat will repeatedly rub the affected area on furniture, floors and walls to attempt to relieve the discomfort. This can cause further irritation and bleeding, which allows bacteria to gain entry into the skin, making the problem worse. In some cases, the acne is caused by a different bacteria that may not respond to traditional acne treatment. For these cats, Terramycin can be the answer.

  1. What Is Feline Acne?

    • Most commonly found on the mouth and chin, feline acne can happen at any point in the cat's life. As the pores become clogged with dirt and bacteria, they grow larger and form blackheads. This sometimes leads to a minor bacterial infection that produces pus, resulting in acne. The mouth and chin area are continuously exposed to moisture and are difficult for the cat to groom, so bacteria are easily able to take hold. This is especially true if the cat's immune system has been weakened by a virus, stress or even another skin infection.

    What Is Terramycin?

    • Terramycin effectively kills bacteria by inhibiting their ability to produce the proteins they need to live. This not only kills existing bacteria over a period of time, but it also prevents them from reproducing until the infection is eventually wiped out. Terramycin is a tetracycline drug, and long-term use may create a resistance to other tetracyclines. It is available as an oral, topical or injectable medication, although the topical form is most likely to be prescribed for acne.

    Will It Work?

    • Terramycin is not effective against the most common bacteria found in feline acne, but specialized cases do develop. The vet will normally prescribe a broad-spectrum antibiotic, either topical, oral, or both, and monitor the results of treatment. If no progress is made, he will culture a sample of the acne to determine what bacteria is at work. If the culture reveals E. coli, Klebsiella, Pasteurella or any less-common tetracycline-sensitive strain, the vet will prescribe Terramycin.

    Is There Anything Else?

    • If your cat demonstrates a sensitivity or allergic response to Terramycin, the vet may switch her to a course of oral clindamycin or other antibiotic. Soaking the affected area in Epsom salts or even plain, warm water can help purify the pores, and bathing with a shampoo formulated for oily skin can keep the pores from clogging. Some cat owners have found benzoyl peroxide creams to be effective at drying out and preventing outbreaks.

    What Else Can I Do?

    • Occasionally, a fungal infection will develop on top of the acne, warranting a round of anti-fungal medication. Wiping the cat's face clean after mealtime will prevent the buildup of dirt and bacteria that leads to breakouts, as will the daily washing of the cat's food bowls. Many vets recommend using only glass, ceramic or metal bowls, as plastic is just porous enough to allow bacteria to grow on the surface and contaminate the cat's face.