Feline acne in cats

Feline acne is a frequent skin problem in domestic cats, especially on the chin and lips. If you're like the majority of people, you're probably thinking, "What is feline acne, and how can I treat it?" Learn more about the reasons, signs, and cures of feline acne in cats by further reading.

Causes of Feline Acne

Cats, just the same as us, have oil-producing glands. Acne develops when the hair follicles near these glands get blocked. The cause of this blockage, also known as "folliculitis" (inflammation of the hair follicle), is unknown.

There appears to be a link between polycarbonate food and water bowls, which might indicate an allergy. Inadequate cleaning, irritation, sensitivities in general, hormones (particularly in 2 to 4-year-old cats,) poor immunity, and dietary sensitivities are some of the other possibilities.

Feline acne can be a one-time occurrence or a chronic, recurring problem that can progress to more severe, even draining diseases. There doesn't appear to be a breed or sex preference for this ailment, however, it is more visible in lighter-colored cats.

Feline Acne Signs

A filthy, dry chin tends to be the most typical indication of feline acne. In humans, they may first appear as "blackheads." Sadly, if the blackheads (also known as comedones) become irritated, bloated, reddish, or infected, it might worsen. They can become very painful and burst, becoming infected and spreading the infection to other regions of the body.

How can you know if your cat has acne?

Feline acne is frequently diagnosed solely based on looks and/or a history of eating or drinking from a plastic bowl. But it isn't always that simple. Fungal diseases like ringworm, asthma, parasites like fleas or mange mites, and even uncommon autoimmune illnesses like Pemphigus Foliaceous are all causes of skin infections that seem to be feline acne.

If your vet is still unsure after a comprehensive history and examination, he or she may offer additional testing, such as fungal cultures to check for worms, skin swabs to check for mites, and blood tests like a CBC and chemistry to check for evidence of autoimmune illness.

The most frequent technique to identify feline acne is by "response to therapy." This implies that if the skin lesions disappear after cleaning the chin region and replacing the food and water bowls, it was probably feline acne.

Feline Acne Treatment at the Veterinarian and Home

Before contacting to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian, there are a few things you may exercise at home. To begin, if your cat has been eating and drinking from plastic or even porcelain dishes, you can switch to stainless steel or glass food and water bowl. Ceramic bowls have been linked to allergies or abnormalities in cats, so go for stainless steel or glass instead. It's also a good idea to clean the bowls more regularly (at least once a day).

Use a moderate antiseptic hand with lukewarm water to wash your cat's chin, or a benzoyl peroxide wiping pad made for acne in people. Anti-seborrheic shampoo or chlorhexidine are also more helpful cleaning alternatives.

If your cat allows it, try a warm massage to soften clogged pores and stimulate circulation to aid recovery.

If any of the above seems to be working, it's time to take your pet to the veterinarian. To treat the acne or inflammation, your cat may require intravenous antibiotics, pharmaceutical topical medicine, or anti-inflammatories.

How to Avoid Acne in Cats

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to avoid feline acne is to serve your cat's food and drink in stainless steel or glass bowls, as previously suggested. Cleaning those bowls daily, such as once a day, is also essential.

Reducing stress in the house is also beneficial to your cat's general health. It's always a smart idea to utilize soothing pheromones using a diffuser to make your cat feel peaceful, protected, and comfortable in its surroundings. Keep an eye on your cat to see whether it needs to be groomed frequently. A reduction in grooming may signal a root issue.