Caesar Hargraves
Cat acne is a common skin condition in felines, characterised by inflammation and bumps on the chin and lips. It is caused by the overproduction of keratin, a protein found in the skin, which clogs hair follicles and leads to blackheads and pimples. While the exact cause of cat acne is unknown, it is often associated with the use of plastic bowls for food and water. Treatment options include improved hygiene, topical gels and shampoos, and in some cases, antibiotics and steroids.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is cat acne? | A poorly understood disorder of follicular keratinization (the overproduction of keratin, a protein found in the outer layer of skin) |
| What does it look like? | Small bumps accompanied by blackheads or whiteheads, similar to human acne. It can also look like dirt rather than pimples. |
| Where does it occur? | Mostly around the chin area, but can also occur on the cat's lips. |
| What are the symptoms? | Pain around the chin, crusty lesions that are sore when touched, hair loss, redness, bleeding, itchiness, swelling, and scabbing. |
| What causes cat acne? | The exact cause is unknown, but it is thought to be related to a primary seborrheic disease such as excessive sebum (natural oil) production. Other possible causes include stress, viral infection, immunosuppression, allergies, poor grooming habits, and the use of plastic food and water bowls. |
| How is it diagnosed? | Based on medical history and clinical signs, and physical examination. May also involve blood and urine tests, skin cultures, skin cytology, and dental x-rays to rule out other conditions. |
| How is it treated? | Treatment options include topical and systemic medications, such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, antifungal medications, antiseptics, antimicrobial gels, antibacterial washes, and fatty acids like Omega-3. Improving hygiene by regularly cleaning the affected area, using non-porous food and water bowls, and maintaining a strict cleaning and grooming schedule can also help. |
| How can it be prevented? | Use non-plastic (e.g. stainless steel, glass, or ceramic) food and water bowls. Keep the cat's chin clean, especially after meals. Avoid picking at or popping the acne, as it can worsen the condition and cause more pain and infection. |
What You'll Learn
Use antibacterial washes and wipes
To help your cat with acne, you can use antibacterial washes and wipes. This involves removing excess sebum (oil) and preventing blackhead formation and secondary infection.
You can use an antibacterial wash like chlorhexidine or dilute peroxide to clean your cat's chin. Apply the wash with a cotton ball and gently clean the affected areas. Be careful not to worsen the irritation on inflamed skin by cleaning too vigorously. If your cat has mild acne, you may not need any further treatment.
There are several antibacterial wipes available on the market that can be used to treat cat acne. These wipes are typically pre-moistened with antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiseptic formulas to help relieve the symptoms of fungal and bacterial infections. They often contain soothing ingredients like aloe leaf juice and moisturising glycerin. When using these wipes, follow the instructions carefully and avoid your cat's open wounds, cuts, or raw areas.
In addition to using antibacterial washes and wipes, it is recommended to switch from plastic feeding and drinking bowls to glass, ceramic, or stainless steel bowls. Plastic bowls can irritate your cat's skin and harbour bacteria, contributing to acne. Regularly cleaning your cat's food and water bowls, regardless of the material, can also help prevent acne.
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Switch to stainless steel, glass or ceramic food and water bowls
Cat acne is a poorly understood condition, but it is believed to be related to the overproduction of keratin, a key protein that makes up the outer layer of a cat's skin. This excess keratin becomes trapped in the hair follicles, causing the formation of blackheads, or comedones. When these blackheads become infected with bacteria, they form pustules that look like pimples.
One of the suspected causes of cat acne is contact allergies, including allergies to plastic. Plastic food and water bowls can be prone to bacterial contamination, as the irregular surface or scratches in the plastic provide an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. Therefore, it is recommended to switch to stainless steel, glass, or ceramic food and water bowls to help prevent and treat cat acne.
These types of bowls are non-porous and have a smooth surface, making them less prone to bacterial contamination. Stainless steel, glass, and ceramic bowls are also easier to clean than plastic bowls, which is important because regular cleaning of food and water bowls is essential for preventing and managing cat acne. By reducing the bacterial load on your cat's food and water bowls, you can help decrease the likelihood of your cat developing acne or experiencing flare-ups.
Additionally, it is important to note that some cats may have an allergy or sensitivity specifically to plastic. By switching to stainless steel, glass, or ceramic bowls, you can help eliminate this potential allergen from your cat's environment and improve their overall skin health.
When choosing a new food or water bowl for your cat, consider the size and shape that will be most comfortable for them to eat and drink from, ensuring that their whiskers do not touch the sides of the bowl. You may also want to elevate the bowls to a comfortable height for your cat, which can help improve their dining experience and facilitate healthier digestion.
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Treat with antibiotics
Cat acne is a poorly understood disorder, but it is believed to be related to the overproduction of keratin, a key structure that makes up the outer layer of skin. This excess keratin becomes trapped in the hair follicle, causing the formation of blackheads or comedones. When these blackheads become infected with bacteria, they form pustules that look like pimples.
If your cat is suffering from severe acne with extensive secondary infection, your vet may recommend antibiotic therapy. The type of antibiotics used will depend on the results of sensitivity tests on the bacterial culture from your cat's chin. Antibiotics can be administered orally, via injection, or in the form of a cream or gel applied directly to the affected area. In extreme cases, your cat may need to take antibiotics for four to six weeks.
Your cat may also need to be put on steroids or other topical medications such as retinoids to reduce inflammation. Topical antibiotic preparations such as mupirocin, shampoos, or wipes may be prescribed by your vet. However, these can be challenging to administer to cats as they will likely lick off whatever you put on their skin. If topical treatments are helping, you can reduce their use gradually over two to three weeks.
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Improve hygiene and grooming
Improving your cat's hygiene and grooming habits can be an effective way to treat and prevent feline acne.
Cleaning Your Cat's Face
Daily cleaning of your cat's face, particularly the affected area, can help treat acne. You can use antibacterial wipes, gels, and shampoos to manage the lesions. It is important to avoid products containing alcohol and peroxide, as these can irritate the skin. Human acne products should also be avoided, as they can be too harsh for cats. Instead, opt for products specifically designed for cats, such as benzoyl peroxide facial wipes.
Washing Your Cat's Food and Water Bowls
It is important to keep your cat's food and water bowls clean. Wash these bowls regularly with soap and water, especially if they are made of plastic. Plastic bowls tend to harbour microbes, so switching to metallic, glass, ceramic, or stainless steel bowls is recommended. These non-porous, smooth-surfaced bowls are less prone to bacterial contamination.
Wiping Your Cat's Chin After Meals
Keeping your cat's chin clean, especially after meals, can help prevent acne. Use a clean towel or cloth to gently wipe away any food residue and keep the area clean. This is especially important if you notice that your cat isn't grooming themselves as often.
Brushing, Bathing, and Disinfecting
Brushing, bathing, and disinfecting your cat's chin and lip area can help keep their skin healthy and reduce the risk of acne. This is especially beneficial for cats who may not groom as efficiently as others.
Clipping the Nearby Fur
Clipping the fur around the affected area can help reduce the number of bacteria and improve the effectiveness of topical treatments.
Regular Cleaning and Grooming Schedule
Maintaining a strict cleaning and grooming schedule can help prevent relapses and extend the period between acne breakouts. Consult your veterinarian to determine the most effective management strategy for your cat.
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Identify and treat underlying causes
While the exact cause of cat acne is unknown, it is believed to be related to a primary seborrheic disease such as excessive sebum production (natural oil produced by the skin). Cat acne is characterised by the development of folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles) and furunculosis (larger sores similar to boils).
To identify and treat the underlying causes of cat acne, it is important to understand the various factors that may contribute to this skin condition. Here are some key considerations:
- Excessive Sebum and Keratin Production: Cat acne is often associated with an overproduction of sebum (oil) and keratin, a protein found in the skin. This can lead to blocked hair follicles, resulting in blackheads and infected lesions.
- Lifestyle Factors: Using plastic food and water bowls has been linked to cat acne. The irregular surface and scratches on plastic bowls can harbour bacteria, increasing the risk of follicle infection. Switching to non-porous, smooth-surfaced dishes like glass, stainless steel, or ceramic bowls can help reduce the occurrence of acne.
- Underlying Health Conditions: In some cases, cat acne may be related to underlying health issues such as hyperactive sebaceous glands, skin allergies, viral infections, immunosuppression, or poor grooming habits. Consulting with a veterinarian is essential to rule out other skin conditions or parasites that could be contributing factors.
- Stress and Environmental Factors: While not proven, stress, allergies, and poor grooming habits may also play a role in cat acne development. Keeping your cat's environment clean and free from potential allergens can help reduce triggers.
- Genetic Predisposition: While not conclusively demonstrated, there may be a genetic component to cat acne. If your cat is prone to acne, it may be worthwhile to explore potential genetic influences with a veterinarian.
- Other Diseases: It is important to rule out other diseases that may present similar symptoms, such as demodicosis (mange), ringworm, or other types of allergic reactions. A veterinarian can help diagnose and treat these underlying conditions.
By addressing these underlying causes and working closely with a veterinarian, you can effectively manage and treat cat acne, ensuring your feline friend maintains a healthy and happy life.
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Frequently asked questions
Cat acne usually appears as a "'dirty chin' or as grime accumulating on the chin. It can also manifest as small bumps, blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples. In more severe cases, it can lead to hair loss, redness, and even bleeding.
Consult your veterinarian. They may recommend antibacterial washes, fatty acids like Omega-3, replacing plastic bowls with stainless steel or ceramic ones, antiseborrheic shampoo, or mild cases of acne can be treated with antibacterial or antifungal shampoos.
To prevent cat acne, use non-plastic food and water bowls. Keep your cat's chin clean, especially if you notice food residue or if your cat isn't grooming themselves as often.
