How to Eliminate Feline Acne
Feline acne is the development of blackheads that only occurs on the cat's chin. If your cat has a rash or blackheadlike bumps in other areas, you should take your pet to a veterinarian. Stress, a weakened immune system, overactive oil glands, poor grooming or an allergy may cause a cat to develop feline acne. In most instances, the acne does not pose any real risk to the cat, and it can occur in cats of all ages, genders and breeds. In rare instances, the blackheads can form abscesses, and scratching can lead to secondary bacterial infections.
Feline acne can be controlled but not cured. However, there are several methods you can use to control your cat's skin condition.
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Things You'll Need
- Veterinary benzoyl peroxide gel
- Oral/topical antibiotics prescribed by your veterinarian
- Corticosteroids prescribed by your veterinarian
- Fatty acid supplements or fish oil
- Shallow feeding/watering dishes made of glass or stainless steel
- Washcloth
Instructions
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Take your cat to the veterinarian for a checkup to confirm the diagnosis of feline acne and to obtain prescription medications for treatment.
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Apply a benzoyl peroxide gel prescribed by your veterinarian to the affected areas on your cat.
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Administer oral or topical antibiotics if prescribed by your veterinarian to the affected areas.
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Administer corticosteroids if prescribed by your veterinarian to the affected areas.
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Supplement your cat's meals with fatty acids such as fish oil.
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Switch your cat's food and water bowls to shallow stainless-steel or glass dishes. Some cats may have allergies to plastic and can suffer from allergic dermatitis. The contact of the cat's chin with a plastic bowl may cause feline acne or cause it to worsen.
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Wash your cat's chin with a moist washcloth twice each day.
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Tips & Warnings
If your cat is prone to feline acne, you may want to increase your prevention efforts in the spring and fall: Cats are more likely to develop feline acne during shedding seasons.
Never use a benzoyl peroxide product or acne treatment for humans on your cat.
