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.
