In this article on our site we will talk about a dermatological problem that can occur in cats of any age. This is feline acne and we will explain what it is due to, what its symptoms are and the treatment of choice that, as always, our veterinarian should prescribe. We will also answer a frequently asked question among feline caregivers, which is none other than whether or not this pathology can be contagious to other cats or other animals that live in the home. Read on to learn more about feline acne, its contagion, symptoms and treatment
What is feline acne?
Feline acne is one of the most frequent skin diseases in cats. It is an inflammatory problem that occurs on the chin and sometimes on the lips. As we have said, we can find it in cats of all ages. All races and both sexes can be equally affected. We must know that in many cases it goes unnoticed, since it manifests itself so mildly that we will not appreciate symptoms. Other times you will wonder why my cat has blackheads on his chin and the answer may well be feline acne, since this is perhaps the most typical clinical sign of this condition. There are others that we explain in the next section.
Feline acne symptoms
In cats with acne we can find the following picture on the chin, with different degrees of severity:
- Black dots which are pimples and can be mistaken, at first glance, for flea droppings.
- If the problem progresses, pustules and papulesmay appear, even with pus oozing.
- In more serious cases we will see furunculosis, which is the infection of the entire hair follicle and the surrounding tissue, and cellulitis or skin bacterial infection.
- Complications result in edema, which is swelling caused by fluid buildup and swollen lymph nodes. nearby.
- These aggravated pictures also generate pruritus.
Causes of feline acne
This acne is thought to be caused by a follicular keratinization problem that is complicated by a secondary infection. Keratin is a protein present in the epidermis that, in this case, will form a plug in the follicle. The sebaceous glands, associated with hair follicles, which are located on the chin, will produce more oil, which is what predisposes feline acne and begins to cause blackheads, which are usually the first symptom that we will observe.
Is feline acne contagious?
It is important to know that feline acne is not a contagious disease but, as we have explained, is caused by excess sebum of the affected cat. That problem on his chin is a condition that in no case can he transmit to another cat or any other animal he lives with, including humans.
How to cure feline acne? - Treatment
How to treat feline acne should be determined by your veterinarian because all solutions are veterinary prescription. This professional will assess the condition presented by the cat and, based on this, will prescribe medication, basically with an anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and disinfectant effect
The goal of cat acne treatment is to remove excess sebum to prevent pimple formation and secondary infections. At this point, chlorhexidine for feline acne is key. In fact, in milder cases a cleaning with chlorhexidine 2-3 times a day may suffice. We must know that the most serious cases can be difficult to treat and require prolonged treatment. In them, the administration of medication orally is preferred. Sometimes acne episodes recur, so these cats will need daily cleanings indefinitely.
Regarding the use of hydrogen peroxide for feline acne, this is hydrogen peroxide and, in this case, benzoyl peroxide is more recommended, due to its specific activity against acne.
Home remedies for feline acne
Once we have explained how feline acne is cured, in this last section we will see how to care for a cat with acne at home. Measures such as the following must be taken into account, in addition to the treatment prescribed by our trusted veterinarian:
- Shave the hair on your chin.
- Clean with chlorhexidine daily.
- Mild cases can be controlled in the long term by applying retinoids, which are the inactive forms of vitamin A.
- Fatty acids taken orally may work for some cats.
- It is recommended to use metal or ceramic feeders and drinkers, avoiding plastic ones because they are associated with the appearance of feline acne and the worsening of your symptoms.
- If our cat stains its chin excessively when eating or drinking, we must clean it, as this situation is also related to the development of acne. In these cases we can look for a drier food that leaves less remains and feeders where you do not have to rub or insert your chin.
