Although it may be a greater embarrassment to humans, acne is not just a problem reserved for us. It may sound strange, but did you know that your cat can get acne, too. I’d read about it as I researched ideas for the paper, but wouldn’t have imagined it was very common since none of myyyyy cats had ever fallen victim to blemishes. But guess what? One of mine was recently stricken with a big, fat, juicy pimple on her little white chin.
So, how did I know that my cat had acne? It looked just like the descriptions I read & when it finally got big enough to be pop-able, (don’t try this at home) I popped it and it behaved just like every zit anyone that has ever had a zit has ever experienced. A tiny eruption of a mashed potato-like substance. It was disgusting, but her blemish is now a memory & the spot has healed up quite nicely, thank you.
Feline acne is not uncommon in cats and presents symptoms similar to human acne. Pores become clogged with an oily substance (sebum), and inflammation results. Feline acne can present itself in cats of all ages and usually manifests itself on a cat's chin. It often begins as a tiny dark "plug" of material (i.e., blackheads) around the hair shafts of the chin and lower lip, and he may also develop little bumps with some swelling and possibly some hair loss. It is obviously easiest to notice acne on cats with short, light-colored coats since the area takes on a darker, dirty appearance.
As with humans there is no specific cause for feline acne, and some cats will have the condition for life. One common cause of feline acne, however, is thought to be a hypersensitivity reaction to plastic bowls. If you cat eats out of an old plastic bowl, the bacteria can collect in scratches and grooves, re-infecting your cat with each meal. The bacteria can also be passed to other cats in the house. If you're using a plastic bowl, replace it with a glass, porcelain or metal. If you're already using a porcelain bowl, try switching to a metal bowl, or vice-versa. If you still insist that your cat must eat from plastic bowls for some reason, replace them regularly, and make sure that you thoroughly wash and disinfect the bowls after each meal (extra work I’m sure you can live without).
If you do suspect that your cat has acne, don't try to treat the area yourself with human over-the-counter products. Your cat's skin is more sensitive than human skin, and could become ill of he happens ingest the product. Additionally, DO NOT do what I did & literally take matters into your own hands. Call your Vet first and find out whether or not your cat should be seen. Your Vet will likely want to take a quick peek just to make a proper diagnosis. If it is in fact acne, he/she will most likely suggest a cleansing routine. In some cases, just as with humans, the area can become infected, resulting in swollen pustules that require draining or blisters around the mouth. At this point, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics.
Provided there is no infection or other problem, the treatment may be as simple as cleaning the area a few times a day with warm water and a pet-safe shampoo. Your Vet may also recommend that once you have washed the area, swab it with a cotton ball or wipe soaked in peroxide. Your Veterinarian may also supply you with a benzoyl peroxide gel, which will likely relieve the problem.
While the symptoms of acne can often be controlled with appropriate topical or oral medications, maintenance treatments may be needed to keep the symptoms from recurring. Even though the appearance of acne has disappeared, continue to clean your cat's chin daily. Don't worry. In most cases, acne is neither painful nor harmful. It's a bit unsightly, but that's it.
