Acne in Cats

Feline acne is a mild condition that does not usually cause long term damage, although cats may have multiple episodes throughout their life. Acne may be more visible in cats with light fur, which may bother owners. Veterinary care is useful to differentiate feline acne from other, more dangerous skin disorders.

There has been a correlation discovered between plastic water and food dishes and cat acne. In homes where the cat develops acne while using a plastic bowl, the first step is to change to a glass or stainless steel bowl to see if there is an improvement in the symptoms.

The severity of feline acne depends on if it is an isolated instance or becomes chronic, and whether it is accompanied by infection.

In most cases, feline acne is short lived and never returns once it is resolved. In more severe cases, the cat develops recurrent acne, or even chronic acne, that comes back over the course of their lifetime.

In severe cases, opportunistic infections take advantage of the wet, open skin and cause infection.

The causes of feline acne are not yet fully understood. Acne develops when the hair follicles around the oil producing glands around the chin become clogged. Once they are clogged, the follicles become inflamed (folliculitis), which may allow skin infections to develop.

Since feline acne has not been studied extensively, it is difficult to identify contributing factors. There are various possible health, behavior, lifestyle, and environmental factors which could be associated with the condition, including

• Poor grooming habits (which are often related to underlying health conditions)
• Hormones (especially in cats between the ages of 2 and 4)
• Stress
• Allergies
• Sensitivity to plastics
• Food sensitivities
• Abnormal sebum production
• Viruses
• Immunosuppression due to medication
• Poor immunity due to underlying health conditions

The main symptoms of feline acne include :

• Small black spots, known as blackheads or comedones, on the chin or around the lips
• Pimples
• Thickened or reddened skin
• In some cases, discharge or crusts

Diagnosis of feline acne is based on physical examination. In cases where it is deemed necessary, especially where infection is present, additional testing is required, such as:

• Skin scrapings
• Hair pluck examination
• Bacterial and fungal culture
• Skin biopsy

Treatments include topical ointments, cleansers, and wipes. In some cases comedones or pustules require lancing to drain the fluid inside them.

In cases where infection has occurred, antibiotics, antifungals, or other medications are required. In cases where the inflammation is severe, steroids are required.

In some cases, ongoing help with grooming is required. Washing the chin and keeping the hair trimmed are recommended.

Alongside medical treatment, lifestyle changes are often appropriate. These include:

• Changing from a plastic water and food bowl to a glass or metal one
• Using a shallow bowl so that the chin has limited contact with food and water
• Washing the water and food bowl regularly (once a day)
• Changing the cat’s diet to identify any food sensitivities

The prognosis for cats with feline acne is usually excellent. In cases where infection has developed, the prognosis is fair to good, depending on response to treatment. Cats that develop recurring episodes or chronic acne may require life-long management to control the condition.

Preventing recurrence of feline acne requires excellent hygiene. Ongoing management with cleansing products is one way to ensure that the follicles do not become clogged again. Also, changes to shallower food bowls, and the use of glass or stainless steel bowls instead of plastic ones is recommended.

Feline acne is uncommon.

• Topical cleansers
• Ointments
• Wipes
• Antibiotics
• Antifungals
• Steroids