Feline acne is a typically mild skin condition that some cats develop. Acne in cats is not much different than acne in humans. Feline acne affects the faces of cats and is most common on the cat's chin.
Acne in cats often looks like blackheads on the cat's lips and chin. The blackheads may not be clearly visible in which cases the acne may make the chin look dirty. The acne may cause abscesses which open and crust over.
Most cases of feline acne are minor and cause no complications. Severe cases can cause hair loss, skin irritation, swelling, open sores, and infection. The risk of these complications increases if the cat is scratching the area.
Common causes of acne in cats include poor grooming, stress, allergic reactions, and dirt or food caught in skin folds of the cat's face. Cat acne can be due to overactive oil glands in the cat's skin.
Mange, ringworm, yeast infections of the skin, and bacterial infections can be mistaken for cat acne. The skin pigmentation changes that light-colored cats can undergo can cause black dots on the chin that resembles this condition.
Because other skin conditions of the chin could be mistaken for feline acne, the cat should be examined by a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. A biopsy, skin scraping, or other diagnostic tests may be performed.
Compresses of an Epsom salt solution or mild soap may be recommended by the veterinarian. Antibiotics, topical ointment, or special shampoo may be prescribed. A corticosteroid injection may be given to clear up this condition.
Some cases of acne in cats can be prevented. The cat's face may need to be cleaned more regularly by the cat owner, especially after the cat eats.
Feline acne from allergies may occur on the face if the food bowls are triggering the allergic reaction. Stainless steel or ceramic food and water dishes are often recommended over plastic ones to prevent skin allergic reactions.
The blackheads should not be squeezed. If this skin condition does not clear up with the recommended treatment, the cat should be examined by the veterinarian again. The veterinarian may prescribe a different treatment.
Acne in cats often looks like blackheads on the cat's lips and chin. The blackheads may not be clearly visible in which cases the acne may make the chin look dirty. The acne may cause abscesses which open and crust over.
Most cases of feline acne are minor and cause no complications. Severe cases can cause hair loss, skin irritation, swelling, open sores, and infection. The risk of these complications increases if the cat is scratching the area.
Common causes of acne in cats include poor grooming, stress, allergic reactions, and dirt or food caught in skin folds of the cat's face. Cat acne can be due to overactive oil glands in the cat's skin.
Mange, ringworm, yeast infections of the skin, and bacterial infections can be mistaken for cat acne. The skin pigmentation changes that light-colored cats can undergo can cause black dots on the chin that resembles this condition.
Because other skin conditions of the chin could be mistaken for feline acne, the cat should be examined by a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. A biopsy, skin scraping, or other diagnostic tests may be performed.
Compresses of an Epsom salt solution or mild soap may be recommended by the veterinarian. Antibiotics, topical ointment, or special shampoo may be prescribed. A corticosteroid injection may be given to clear up this condition.
Some cases of acne in cats can be prevented. The cat's face may need to be cleaned more regularly by the cat owner, especially after the cat eats.
Feline acne from allergies may occur on the face if the food bowls are triggering the allergic reaction. Stainless steel or ceramic food and water dishes are often recommended over plastic ones to prevent skin allergic reactions.
The blackheads should not be squeezed. If this skin condition does not clear up with the recommended treatment, the cat should be examined by the veterinarian again. The veterinarian may prescribe a different treatment.
About the Author:
Moses Wright is a big lover of cats. He set up this site to help fellow cat lovers with their cat health questions and provide more info on common cat diseases symptoms.
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