Cat acne is a common skin problem

and usually easily treated
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Cat acne or feline acne is a skin disorder that is common in cats. Many cases are mild and respond to treatment in their early stages. If left untreated, symptoms can become severe and very unpleasant. Secondary bacterial infections can also develop.

There is no cure for feline acne ... but it can be controlled

It normally first appears on the chin and in milder cases appears as small black dots resembling blackheads, known as comedomes.

Although easily seen on light and short haired cats, these lesions will be less visible on longhaired breeds. Felines with greasy fur are often more prone to develop an acne problem.

(Thanks Oliver and Oscar for volunteering for the photos.)

What causes cat acne?

Your cat's sebaceous glands produce an oil (sebum). It waterproofs your cat's fur, lubricates the skin and is also used for territorial marking. Although researchers have not yet determined the exact cause, it has been suggested that overactive sebaceous glands play a key role in the development of feline acne.

If too much sebum is produced, hair follicles can become plugged and the comedomes will appear.

Some of the many other factors that can also play a role:

... dirty chins (cats usually don't clean under their chins when grooming)

... plastic food dishes

... existing allergies

... an already weakened immune system

... stress or a change in your cat's environment ...
    moving to a new home, a new family member

    or maybe a neighborhood bully cat is roaming around

Cat chin acne can appear as early as six months of age. It may surface only once, occur occasionally or be a life long problem for your pet. Hormones are not a factor, as they are in dogs. Both female and male cats of any breed can develop acne and the severity of the acne will vary from cat to cat.

The comedomes of the cat acne appear on both the chin and lip.

They are clustered together giving the chin a dirty appearance.

Many cases are mild to moderate ... and will require minimal treatment. My cat Sunnyman had one comedome breakout and then the acne disappeared. I did stop using plastic food bowls.

On the other hand, if left untreated, symptoms of cat acne can get a lot nastier

Secondary bacterial infections may develop. Your cat's hair follicles can become infected (folliculitis) resulting in the appearance of papules (raised, solid bumps) and pustules (blister like bumps, looking like pimples). If they burst scabbing or crusting will occur. If they become itchy, your cat will want to scratch, creating further injury.

In severe cases of feline acne the entire chin can become inflamed and swollen.  Hair loss and a massive drainage of pus can occur around the affected care. This skin condition can also be quite painful.

How is cat acne diagnosed?

Your veterinarian can often make a diagnosis based on a physical examination.

There are several other medical conditions that can easily be confused with feline acne, such as ringworm (which is actually a fungal infection), yeast infections or food allergies. Your veterinarian may perform skin scrapings, cultures and biopsies to rule out the existence of other medical problems.

Feline acne treatment

Some home remedies to control mild acne are gentle cleansing of your cat's chin with:

... a mild anti-bacterial soap

... a benzyl peroxide based gel, ointment or shampoo

... chlorhexidine, a disinfecting agent available in an ointment, shampoo and a scrub

These help control the formation of comedomes and levels of bacteria. Don't use human medications to treat feline acne unless advised to do so by your vet.

The healing properties of Epsom Salt has been known for generations

An inexpensive home treatment to discourage infection, reduce swelling and promote healing is a gentle soaking of the affected area with Epsom salt and water, once or twice daily (available at your pharmacy). To apply use a folded cloth applied gently to the affected area.

In severe cases, cat acne treatments become more complex

Antibiotics, anti fungal therapy (if a secondary yeast infection is present), retinoids or steroids are some of the remedies your vet may prescribe.

Preventing Cat Acne

... Help your cat to keep its chin clean. Gently wipe under the chin with a wet facecloth.

... Some cats are allergic to plastics and dyes. Plastic bowls tend to get nicked and scratched and are also porous ... allowing bacteria to collect and multiply. Replace plastic food and water bowls with stainless steel, glass or ceramic dishes.

... Don't use bowls that are chipped or damaged.

... Use wide, shallow bowls so your cat doesn't have to stick his head in deeply (and its whiskers won't get bent either).

... Clip the hair under your cat's chin.

... If your cat is a messy eater, switch to a food that is less messy.

... Ensure your cat's diet includes essential fatty acid supplements to help maintain healthy skin.

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Only your veterinarian is able to properly diagnose
and provide treatment for your pet.

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