Feline Acne: Causes, Treatment And Prevention

If you see your cat rubbing itself vigorously on the couch or on the edge of the bed, check immediately for the presence of blackheads on its body. Chances are that your pet might be suffering from feline acne. As the name suggests, feline acne is breakout of lesions in cats. These outbreaks are commonly seen on the chin and lips of the cat.

Causes of Acne in Cats

Just like a human body, a cat's body too has sebaceous glands found below the surface of the skin. When these glands start secreting more oil, it leads to the blockage of pores on the surface of the cat's skin. These pores contain hair follicles. The pores gather dust and dirt and the presence of hair follicles leads to formation of blackheads and whiteheads. When left untreated they become red and inflamed, causing formation of acne. In some severe cases bleeding may also occur.

A few other reasons of acne in cats might be:

Use of plastic bowls to serve the cat food. Plastic is conducive to bacteria's growth because of its porous quality. These bacteria settle on and around the lips of the cat causing pustules.
Not giving the cat regular baths. A dirty body is more open to infections.
Allergy to certain foods especially those with preservatives.
Stress. Yes, your cat could also be leading a stressful life!

Signs That Your Cat Is Suffering

The area around chin and lips has broken out into blackheads. These will appear to be lesions filled with dirt.
These lesions will be red and inflamed.
The cat will try to find relief by rubbing itself vigorously on sharp objects.

Treating Feline Acne

Medical community remains divided on the subject of treatment for feline acne. While some say that it is not totally curable and only controllable, there are vets who claim that the disease can be cured if given proper treatment. However, treatment depends on the severity of the condition. If secretion of excess oil can be controlled, feline acne becomes easier to cure.

Treatment includes

Application of topical creams and gels after washing the area with antibacterial soap or iodine. Epsom salts and hydrogen peroxide can also be used.
Use of creams with Vitamin A or retinoid.
Using water based creams with benzoyl peroxide. This medication is used only in severe cases.
Oral antibiotics in some cases to treat painful swelling.

If you notice lesions on your cat, take it immediately to a veterinary doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Under no circumstances can you treat your cat's acne with medication meant for human acne.