Can cats get acne? Symptoms and prevention

Are you familiar with feline acne?

If your cat is scratching its chin, has black spots on its chin, or is losing hair on its chin, feline acne may be the cause.

In this article, we will discuss feline acne in detail, including its symptoms, causes, and necessary treatments.

What are the symptoms of feline acne?

Just like humans, cats can also get acne.

Known as "feline acne" or "acne vulgaris," it is characterized by small black bumps on the cat's chin or around its mouth. They may look like blackheads.

In the early stages, it may only look like dirt or debris, but as the condition progresses, the skin can become red.

Due to itching and pain, the cat may rub its chin on furniture or scratch it frequently with its paws. If the cat scratches so much that it bleeds, it can become infected, so caution is advised.

Could it be feline acne? Signs of feline acne

If you notice any of the following, it might be a sign of feline acne:

• Scratching the chin
• Rough texture on the chin
• Dirt on the chin
• Black, sand-like particles on the chin
• Hair loss on the chin

What causes feline acne?

Feline acne, just like in humans, occurs when sebaceous glands become clogged and inflamed.

A cat's sebaceous glands are located on the forehead, cheeks, around the mouth, chin, ears, and around the anus, producing a odorous secretion. Cats mark their territory by rubbing this secretion.

Of course, cats are fastidious and groom themselves to stay clean. However, the chin is a difficult area for them to groom. The sebaceous glands there are prone to clogging, which is thought to lead to feline acne.

Other possible causes include:

• Stress
• Hormonal imbalance
• Allergies to food or materials
• Bacteria or mites
• Genetic predisposition

Feline acne can affect cats of any age, and there appears to be no difference based on breed or sex.

What are the treatments and medications for feline acne?

If feline acne is properly cared for in its early stages, it is unlikely to become severe.

If you neglect to notice your cat's discomfort, it can lead to bleeding and infection. If feline acne worsens, the treatment period will also be prolonged.

It is also prone to recurrence, so if you notice itching or redness of the skin, consult a veterinarian.

First, wipe it clean

First, it is important to keep the affected area clean. Rubbing vigorously with a brush or dry towel will have the opposite effect, so gently wipe away dirt with a clean warm towel or cotton dampened with lukewarm water.

Do not squeeze or force out feline acne

While searching online, you may find information like "how to remove feline acne," but we do not recommend forcibly removing feline acne. It can cause inflammation, so scratching with a brush or nails is a no-go.

Use prescribed medication appropriately

Veterinarians prescribe steroid ointments or antibiotics for feline acne. Follow the instructions for use and dosage, and continue treatment patiently.

If the cat keeps scratching, use an Elizabethan collar

If your cat persistently scratches its feline acne, use an Elizabethan collar. Many cats dislike them, but it's worth trying to prevent the acne from worsening.

Poponeko's Elizabethan collars are light, soft, and don't obstruct vision, so many cats even fall asleep while wearing them.

Learn the correct prevention methods for feline acne!

There are several possible ways to prevent feline acne. Try implementing methods that suit your cat.

Grooming

Keeping the areas around the mouth and under the chin, which are prone to getting dirty, clean at all times can help prevent feline acne.

Also, the area under the chin is a spot where cats enjoy being petted. Try to groom your cat by wiping it clean after meals or during relaxed times, as if you were grooming it yourself.

Eliminate sources of stress

Try to identify the causes of your cat's stress, such as loud noises or furniture rearrangement. Make improvements where possible to reduce stress. It's also important to provide stress relief, such as adding a cat tree or their preferred scratching post.

Review food and dishes

If feline acne recurs frequently, food allergies may be the cause. Have your veterinarian identify the allergens and consider changing your cat's food.

Keep dishes and cat beds clean

Plastic dishes are prone to small scratches, which can harbor bacteria. This can also lead to food poisoning, so consider switching to ceramic or glass dishes.

Also, always strive to keep things that come into contact with your cat's skin, such as cat beds and blankets, clean.

Summary

It is crucial to notice feline acne in its early stages. Make it a habit to observe your cat's condition while interacting, looking for anything out of the ordinary.

Furthermore, it is important not to neglect feline acne but to seek early treatment and proper care.

When visiting the veterinarian, it is helpful to make a note of when you noticed the feline acne, any changes in your cat's living environment or behavior. This can help in diagnosing the cause of feline acne.

With Poponeko's original "Cat Health Journal," you can easily record subtle changes in your cat. Why not start a habit of keeping records for your cat's longevity?

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