Feline acne - causes and treatments for your cat

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Anyone who has had a good dose of acne during their teens knows how hard it can be to eradicate, and feline acne is no exception. It may sound peculiar, but acne in cats is a relatively common disorder. Like humans, cats can also break out in blackheads (comedones), papules and pustules.

Feline acne affects cats of any age and sex. It looks like black debris and it usually forms around the lower lip, face and chin. Feline acne also comes in different degrees of severity, in mild cases the pores may become blocked with black sebaceous material causing blackheads. A secondary infection may also develop causing inflammation of the hair follicles and the formation of papules and pustules. In its most severe form, the infected area can become swollen, cystic or even scarred.

It is thought the condition is caused by over active, enlarged sebaceous glands around the cat’s face. These glands are used for territorial marking, and they leave an oily secretion, when a cat rubs its face against various objects. These oily secretions also help to waterproof a cat’s coat and protect the suppleness of their skin.

Cats that overproduce these oily secretions create a greasy layer on their fur and skin which often results in acne. You may also notice over time that these secretions build up on favourite objects and they may look like black greasy patches. Feline acne is more noticeable in pale or white coloured cats as their fur takes on a yellow, greasy look.

Factors such as food allergies and contact allergies are also thought to contribute to the development of feline acne. Some believe that plastic food bowls play a part, because they tend to act as a breeding ground for bacteria which can then infect nicks and scratches. So try using a glass or metal bowl and wash it daily.

Stress or environmental changes can also trigger this condition. Owners should try to work out what is causing a problem and then remove or eliminate it. This could be something as simple as furniture being moved around from where it normally is, or a new dog in the household.

There are several different options for treating feline acne depending on the severity. In mild to moderate cases you could try using an antibiotic soap, benzyl peroxide or human acne pads. In severe outbreaks, oral antibiotics can be prescribed. Feline acne can be a potentially serious condition if it is ignored, so always book an appointment with a veterinarian if there is no sign of improvement.

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