What causes feline acne?
There is no exact cause of feline acne, however there are many different factors that contribute to it. This includes: stress, a suppressed immune system, poor grooming, or other diseases. Some believe that plastic dishes that cats drink and eat out of, as they can harbor bacteria, can cause feline acne.

What are the symptoms?
Feline acne starts out as small black plugs on the chin, similar to a black head. This gives the cat's chin a dirty appearance. If not treated, it can progress to red, itchy bumps that can become infected. If they become infected, it can cause the cat to scratch, breaking open the skin and leading to a more severe infection.

To determine if your cat has acne, your veterinarian may perform skin scrapings to rule out other causes of the irritation, such as mites, yeast infection, ringworm or allergies. Your vet may also do a culture to determine if a bacterial infection is present.

How is feline acne treated?
There really is no cure for feline acne, however the condition can be controlled with proper hygiene and preventative measures.

Depending on the severity of your cat’s feline acne a variety of treatments may be used. In mild cases of feline acne, a daily wash with an anti-seborrheic shampoo, such as SebaLyt may be recommended. If the area is infected, your veterinarian will give a round of antibiotics to your cat. Topical creams, such as Vitamin A can also be used.

Additionally, a change in diet may also help. You can supplement with a fatty acid, such as Derm Caps. You also might want to consider switching your cat’s bowl to a stainless steel or glass bowl. Clean the bowls everyday with soapy water to help prevent the development of bacteria.

**This article is not meant to provide a diagnosis for your pet. If your pet is sick or showing unusual symptoms, please contact your local veterinarian for a diagnosis**

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