Unfortunately, acne is not a problem reserved for humans. Cat acne also exists and can affect felines quite often. Although it’s still unclear why it develops, there are a few things a cat owner should know to help their pet get back to their normal self. Keep reading to find out how feline acne manifests and what cat acne treatment is most effective in alleviating the condition.
If you’re seeing chin sores or black scabs on cat's chin, your cat might have cat chin acne. Cat acne does not solely manifest itself on the chin – cat acne on lips is also something to look out for. If there are scabs under cat's chin, check with a vet.
Cat acne, or follicular keratinization as it’s officially known, forms when the hair follicles are blocked due to an excessive production of keratin, a protein found in the skin. In cats, acne mostly forms around the chin area, which is why it’s commonly referred to as cat chin acne.
Feline acne manifests itself as small bumps accompanied by blackheads or whiteheads, similar to humans. But on a cat’s skin it can often take an appearance that looks more like dirt than pimples, which is why many owners don’t even notice the skin condition. Severe cases can lead to hair loss, redness and even bleeding.
The causes of cat chin acne are still largely a mystery. It’s thought to be caused by an over-production of keratin. However, lifestyle choices can encourage cat chin acne too:
It's been noticed in cats that use plastic bowls for food and water.
These feline acne causes can be changed fairly easily. However, there are a series of underlying conditions that can have a contribution as well:
If you’ve made the necessary lifestyle changes and suspect your cat’s acne is caused by an underlying issue, you’ll need to contact a vet.
When diagnosing cat acne, your vet might take blood samples, a skin cytology to check for abnormal cells or bacteria, and a urine sample. For unusual looking lesions, a biopsy could be taken and/or dental x-rays to rule out cancer or tooth infections.
Although cat acne usually disappears just as suddenly as it appears, there are cases where treatment is necessary, especially if the breakouts are regular or they start turning into a severe form of acne.
It’s important to talk to your vet before starting any treatment, and don’t use human acne treatments on your pet, as they are too harsh for a cat’s skin. Here are some of the most common solutions to cat acne:
Chlorhexidine antibacterial washes can be used to clean the area where the acne is developing. Use the treatment a couple of times of day until the breakout starts to subdue.
Warm compresses can help with mild acne and reduce the swelling.
Fatty acids like Omega-3 can help promote skin health and it is usually recommended for cats prone to acne breakouts.
Consider using a stainless or ceramic bowl for your cat’s food and water.
Mild feline acne cases can also be treated using antiseborrheic shampoo. Antibacterial or antifungal shampoos should be recommended by the vet. Although it’s tempting to reach for the human version of anti-acne products, don’t do so unless directed by the vet.
Applying an antimicrobial gel a few times a day can also help clear out acne.
For severe cases where an infection has developed, the vet might recommend a course of antibiotics.
Antibiotics in the form of cream or gel applied directly to the affected area can also be an effective treatment.
In severe cases, steroids can be prescribed by the vet to help fight inflammation.
In some cases, feline acne can turn into a recurring condition. You can help avoid relapses or extend the period between breakouts by maintaining a strict cleaning and grooming schedule.
If the episodes are reoccurring frequently, discuss with your vet what the most effective management strategy is for your cat.
Even though the causes leading to cat acne are still unclear, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the risk. Changing to steel or ceramic bowls for your cat’s food and water is often hailed as the easy and effective way to prevent acne from developing. Regular cat grooming is important as well as it helps avoid many skin problems.
If you’re wondering if your other cats will also get cat chin acne, the answer is no. Feline acne is possibly caused by the over-production of keratin so it’s not contagious to other cats. Your cat with acne can still play with your other cats.
Cat acne is not contagious to humans. To reduce the chance of avoid infecting their chin acne further, we suggest avoiding rubbing against your cat when they have it. It’s also important to not pick their acne and scabs.
You might have noticed black patches that look like dirt on your cat’s chin. If you see this, it’s likely your cat has mild acne. These small black spots are blackheads and are similar to the ones that we get.
Feline acne might be painful for cats when it swells and scabs. At this point, it’s important to contact your vet so you can get the right treatment for your cat.
Although cat acne will often go away with improved hygiene, it is still important to keep an eye on the symptoms and get in touch with the vet if you struggle to manage it on your own. Next, find out more about some of the most common cat skin problems in our handy guide with top tips on keeping your feline’s skin healthy.
