Feline Acne - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Feline acne is one of the most common skin conditions in cats. Cat acne is an inflammatory problem that occurs on a cat’s skin and lips. Cat acne on the chin can occur in cats of any age, breed, and gender.

Often, feline acne goes unnoticed as its symptoms are sometimes mild. In these cases, this cat acne will go away on its own and won’t require treatment. Other times, however, symptoms can be more severe and treatment will be necessary^[1]. For more, we recommend reading our article where we look at ‘My cat has scabs - skin conditions in cats.’

In some instances, a cat's lifestyle and environment can contribute to the development of acne. For example, stress from changes in their home environment or the introduction of new pets can exacerbate the condition. Regular veterinary check-ups can help catch and manage acne early.

Symptoms of feline acne on the chin include (less to more severe):

• Blackheads that, at first glance, can be confused with flea droppings.
• If the problem progresses, pustules and papules may appear, at times with an exudation of pus.
• In more serious cases, you may notice furunculosis (the infection of an entire hair follicle and surrounding tissue), cellulitis, and/or a cutaneous bacterial infection.
• These complications can give rise to edema (a swelling caused by fluid accumulation) and/or inflammation of the nearest lymph nodes.
• These aggravated cases can also generate severe itching.

Image: www.innovaveterinaria.com

It's important to monitor these symptoms closely, as untreated feline acne can lead to more serious skin conditions. Regular grooming and observation can help in early detection and treatment.

The cause of feline acne includes a follicular keratinization that is complicated/worsened by a secondary infection. Keratin is a protein present in the epidermis that, in this case, will form a plug in the follicle. The hyperactive sebaceous glands, associated with hair follicles located in the chin, will thereby produce more fat that will clog the follicles. This fat is what predisposes a cat to feline acne resulting in the presence of blackheads.

Additional feline acne causes include:

• Stress.
• Lack of proper hygiene.
• Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
• Allergies.
• Weak immunity.
• Excessive skin rubbing on objects.
• Hormonal imbalances.
• Other skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis.

For more on what to avoid if your cat has allergies, we recommend reading our article where we discuss the most common food allergies in cats.

Understanding the root causes can aid in prevention and treatment. For instance, managing stress through environmental enrichment and regular play can help reduce the likelihood of acne flare-ups.

It is important to know that feline acne is not contagious. As we’ve already mentioned, feline acne is caused by an excess of sebum in a cat’s skin. Cat acne on the skin cannot be transmitted to other cats or humans.

This means that even if multiple cats in a household have acne, each case is likely due to individual factors rather than transmission. Nonetheless, maintaining a hygienic environment can benefit all pets.

So, how do you get rid of cat acne? Cat acne treatment should be administered by a veterinarian only. A professional will assess your cat’s specific case and, depending on the presented symptoms and causes, will prescribe the most appropriate anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and/or disinfectant.

The goal of feline acne treatment is to eliminate the presence of excess sebum. This is done to prevent the formation of pimples and secondary infections. In milder cases, cleaning your cat’s skin with chlorhexidine (disinfectant and antiseptic) 2-3 times a day may suffice. The most serious cases of cat acne can be difficult to treat and may require prolonged treatment. In these cases, oral medication is recommended. Feline acne may return over time, and therefore, daily cleaning is necessary.

It's crucial to follow the veterinarian's instructions closely to ensure effective treatment. Additionally, dietary adjustments, such as incorporating omega-3 fatty acids, can support skin health and reduce acne recurrence.

Apply hydrogen peroxide onto your cat’s skin with a cotton ball. Make sure to clean off any excess chemical. The use of benzoyl peroxide for cats suffering from feline acne is also very common as an antibacterial. In fact, we recommend using a gel containing benzoyl peroxide rather than hydrogen peroxide for cats. The reason for this is that hydrogen peroxide can at times burn your cat’s skin, especially if it is very sensitive.

Remember to consult a veterinarian before applying any new gels or chemicals to your cat’s skin.

Proper application and careful observation after treatment are essential to avoid any adverse reactions. Always use products specifically formulated for pets to ensure their safety.

Apple cider vinegar is another great way of removing the allergens which cause feline acne and irritation. In addition, apple cider vinegar cleans a cat’s skin and can be used to kill off mites, fleas, and ringworm. For more, we recommend reading our article where we discuss everything you need to know about mites on cats.

Besides its antibacterial properties, apple cider vinegar can balance the pH of your cat's skin, promoting overall skin health. However, it should be diluted before use to prevent irritation.

You can also treat and prevent cat acne at home, as long as you’ve gotten the all-clear from your veterinarian. Here is our list of feline acne home remedies:

• Shave off your cat’s chin hair.
• Clean your cat’s infected area with chlorhexidine daily.
• Mild cases of feline acne can be controlled long-term by applying retinoids (inactive forms of vitamin A).
• Oral fatty acids may work for some cats.
• We recommend opting for metal and ceramic troughs and drinkers. Avoiding plastic troughs as they are commonly associated with the appearance of feline acne and symptom aggravation.
• Apply a little Aloe Vera on the affected area to soothe and reduce inflammation. This needs to be done very carefully making sure it IS NOT INGESTED orally, as Aloe Vera can be toxic for cats.
• If your cat often stains its chin when eating or drinking, you should clean it well. In this case, we recommend offering your cat drier food that doesn’t leave as much remains on the chin.

Ensuring your cat’s hygiene and making necessary environmental adjustments can significantly reduce acne outbreaks. Regularly cleaning food and water dishes, and providing a calm environment, can also help manage the condition.

Cat hygiene is KEY when preventing feline acne. For more about cleaning your cat, we recommend taking a look at our video below where we explain how to wash an adult cat for the first time.

Maintaining a clean living environment, including regular litter box cleaning and grooming, can also play a crucial role in preventing acne. Implementing a consistent grooming routine helps in keeping your cat's skin and coat healthy.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Feline Acne - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment, we recommend you visit our Skin problems category.