Feline Acne

Tags: Skin Conditions, Health Problems, Health

 

Acne is not only a teenage problem but a very common disease in cats. Feline Acne affects cats of various breeds and ages. It occurs in males and female cats alike. The condition can be so mild that it is hardly noticeable.

What is Feline Acne?

The sebaceous glands secrete an oily substance called sebum, which lubricates the skin and hair follicles in particular. Their function is to prevent dryness in the skin and to protect the skin's surface from irritation. The sebaceous glands are found at the bottom of the tail, the cat's back, its genital area, eyelids, lips and skin.

The sebaceous glands play an important role in cat behaviour. It is the cat's way of marking its territory or domain. If you see your cat rubbing its head or chin across a surface, it is marking its territory and over time it will leave greasy marks in those places.

Acne occurs when the sebaceous glands become blocked with a black substance that forms a blackhead and these blackheads can become infected, swollen and filled with pus.

Causes of Acne

We do not know the cause of feline acne at this point in time but we do believe that the following conditions may precipitate feline acne:

Over productive sebaceous glands

Feeding Bowls - plastic bowls can harbor bacteria that get trapped in the fibers. The bacteria will then attach to the cat's chin. Also the cat may become allergic to the plastic feeding bowl.

Poor grooming habits - If your cat tends to let itself go, get dirty and not lick its fur to groom itself, the oily sebum will accumulate.

Allergic reactions to some foods, such as wheat, fish, meat, eggs, and milk

Stress - Cats can be stressed for several reasons.

Traveling in a car, bus, or carrier

Moving into a new home

Sickness

Anxiety and depression

Abuse

A multi cat household

Adding a new cat to the household

New cat in the area invading territory

New family member

Visitors or guests

Parties

Crowded environments

Injury

Confinement in a room or crate

Cat Shows

Visits to the veterinarian

Bathing your cat

Symptoms

Black spots (conedomes) will appear on the chin or lips

Infection - the spots may become red, swollen and inflamed. They may also contain pus.

Diagnosis

It is always best to seek a veterinarian's advise, incase the infection is due to some underlying undetermined cause. The veterinarian will exam your pet. He may do the following tests:

Skin Scrapings to rule out other types of infections such as dermatitis, ring worm, allergies and yeast infections

A skin biopsy

Bacterial Culture

Treatment

Shampoo - using a topical ingredient such as benzoyl peroxide

Antibiotic soap, or boric acid, Epsom salts or hydrogen peroxide solution

Ointments and gels

Topical Vitamin A

Oral medication - retinoid

Corticosteroids - such as prednisone to reduce inflammation

Clipping the fur around the chin where the infection has broken out

Though feline acne is not a very serious condition, the veterinarian should examine the cat to make sure its does not have anything that is more serious. You could help prevent the disease by keeping the food and water bowls clean, and making sure you are not using plastic products. You might consider cleaning your cats chin as well.

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