A Veterinarian Explains the Causes and Treatments of Feline Acne

Please try touching your cat’s chin. Are there any black specks or bumps?

This condition is feline acne, which is officially diagnosed as "feline acne."

In this article, we will explain the causes of and remedies for feline acne.

Why do cats get acne?

Feline acne is caused by the clogging of secretions from the sebaceous glands, leading to inflammation. It most frequently occurs on the chin, an area with high sebaceous gland activity that is also difficult for a cat to groom, making it prone to acne. In addition to the chin, it can sometimes appear around the lips.

Other potential causes besides clogged sebaceous glands include a high-fat diet, a cat's individual constitution, stress, unsuitable food bowl materials, and allergies.

What are the symptoms of feline acne?

Acne symptoms are classified as mild, moderate, or severe.

Mild

Sebum becomes matted in the fur, appearing like black grains of sand. At this stage, there is no itching.

It may be possible to resolve this with home care.

Moderate

As symptoms worsen, hair loss occurs and the skin becomes red. Itching develops, causing the cat to frequently scratch with its paws or rub its chin against furniture.

This state cannot be handled with home care alone. We recommend visiting a veterinary clinic.

Severe

Bacterial infection occurs, causing the affected area to become sore and ooze pus. Because it is also painful, the cat may not let you touch its chin.

Appropriate treatment at a veterinary clinic is necessary, as antibiotics will be required.

How do you remove feline acne? Remedies for feline acne

If the acne is mild, it can be improved with home care. Furthermore, since recurrence is common once it has developed, daily care can help prevent it from coming back.

Wipe the chin

If the area around the chin is dirty, it can cause the sebaceous glands to clog. It gets dirty easily, especially after eating, so be sure to keep it clean. Mild acne may improve with this. Use a clean towel moistened with tap water to gently wipe away the dirt. Using slightly warm water can also be effective. Rubbing too hard will have the opposite effect. If your cat resists, it may be because of pain; do not force it.

Also, never use human disinfectants, as they are too harsh for a cat’s skin.

Grooming

Feline acne is thought to be caused by clogged sebaceous glands due to insufficient grooming. The chin is not only a difficult area for a cat to groom itself, but it is also a place where a cat will only allow grooming from someone it truly trusts. Consequently, your cat might resist if you suddenly touch its chin. In such cases, you need to slowly get it accustomed to having its chin touched.

You can use a toothbrush to groom the face. Since the texture of a toothbrush is similar to a cat’s tongue, many cats enjoy it. When your cat is calm, try stroking its face with the toothbrush. Once it gets used to it, it will eventually let you touch its chin without resistance.

Be careful, as doing it forcefully or applying too much pressure will have the opposite effect.

Grooming with a toothbrush is intended for cats that do not currently have acne. If your cat currently has acne, stick to wiping with a towel, as brushing could exacerbate the inflammation.

Change the food bowl

Old plastic bowls can develop scratches where bacteria can breed. Additionally, an unsuitable material may be the cause of the inflammation.

Try getting a new food bowl or switching to one made of ceramic or glass.

Change the food

If the food itself contains ingredients the cat is allergic to, or if it is high in fat, it can lead to acne. Trying a different food is also a good option.

If you are struggling with how to switch foods, consult your veterinarian. They can suggest a low-fat diet or food for allergies.

Visit a veterinary clinic

If the condition is mild with just black specks, there is probably no need to visit a vet. However, moderate to severe acne with inflammation or infected sores requires treatment at a veterinary clinic. Also, actions such as using human disinfectants or popping the pimples may actually worsen the inflammation. Avoid treating acne based on your own judgment.

At a veterinary clinic, they will prescribe disinfectants or antibiotics suitable for your cat. In addition, for cats with food allergies or a constitutional tendency toward high sebum secretion, dietary therapy may be necessary. They can also provide guidance on how to switch food and proper feeding amounts, so don't wait to see if it gets better—visit a vet.

Very rarely, what you think is acne turns out to be a tumor. While feline acne causes inflammation and pus, it does not grow in size. If the bump is getting bigger, it is highly likely that it is not acne, so see a vet immediately if you notice this.

Summary

Feline acne is caused by the clogging of sebaceous glands. Once it occurs, it is common for many cats to have recurring episodes. Since factors like constitutional predisposition can be involved, if it continues to recur, consult a veterinary clinic.

Grooming your cat for them can also be a form of bonding. Do it to an extent that the cat does not dislike, and try to help them prevent acne from developing.