Last Updated on December 11, 2022 Ashley Camelia
Do you have a cat that sometimes has acne on its chin? You’re not alone. Many cats suffer from this problem, which is caused by an overproduction of sebum, the oily substance that coats the skin and hair.
Cat acne is a common problem for cats, which can cause them to feel self-conscious. Fortunately, there are ways to treat cat acne and help your cat feel more comfortable.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss what cat acne looks like, its causes, and how to get rid of cat acne. We’ll also provide tips for keeping your cat’s skin healthy and free from acne outbreaks. So if your kitty is suffering from a breakout, read on for some help!
How Do You Know If Your Cat Has Acne?
Cat acne typically appears as small, black bumps on the chin or around the mouth. The bumps may be surrounded by redness, and they can range in size from tiny dots to large pimples.
In some cases, the bumps may ooze pus or crust over. If your cat has a few isolated bumps, this is probably just a case of mild acne.
However, if your cat has multiple bumps that are clustered together, this could be a sign of a more serious problem known as feline acne vulgaris. This type of acne is more likely to cause inflammation and hair loss.
Check out the following video to know more about feline acne:
What Causes Cat Acne?
The exact cause of feline acne is unknown, but it’s thought to be related to an overproduction of sebum. Sebum is an oily substance that coats the skin and hair.
It’s produced by the sebaceous glands, which are located in the hair follicles. When these glands produce too much sebum, it can build up on the skin and block the pores.
This can lead to bacterial growth and inflammation, which can cause the formation of pimples and blackheads.
Feline acne is most common in cats that are middle-aged or older, but it can occur in cats of any age. It’s also more common in cats with long fur, as this type of fur can trap dirt and sebum on the skin.
Cats with underlying medical conditions such as allergies or hormonal imbalances may be more likely to develop feline acne.
So, how do you treat cat acne?
How to Get Rid of Cat Acne at Home?
If your cat has a mild case of acne, you may not need to do anything. The bumps will often go away on their own within a few weeks. However, if the acne is more severe or doesn’t seem to be improving, you’ll need to take action. There are a few things you can do to help prevent and eventually get rid of cat acne:
- Keep your cat’s chin clean including bathing
Wipe your cat’s chin with a damp cloth every day. Bathing can help to remove dirt and sebum from the skin. Use a mild shampoo designed for cats and avoids getting water in your cat’s eyes, ears, or nose. Also, avoid shampoo that is designed for humans, as this can be too harsh for your cat’s skin.
- Use a medicated cleanser or apply a topical cream
You can also use a medicated cleansing pad or brush to gently exfoliate the area. Look for a cleanser that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These ingredients can help to unclog the pores and reduce inflammation.
You can find topical creams and gels that contain benzoyl peroxide or other acne-fighting ingredients. Apply these products to the affected areas once or twice a day.
- Give your cat oral antibiotics
If the acne is severe, your vet may prescribe oral antibiotics to help clear up the infection. If your cat’s acne is severe or doesn’t seem to be improving, you should take them to the vet for an evaluation. The vet will be able to determine the cause of the acne and recommend treatment options.
- Use Isotretinoin and hydrocortisone
This medication is typically used to treat human acne, but it can also be effective in treating feline acne. It’s thought to work by reducing the production of sebum. But, you should never put Neosporin on your cat even though this medication is designed for humans and can be harmful to cats.
Hydrocortisone can help to treat cat acne. However, it should only be used as directed by your vet. Overuse of hydrocortisone can cause side effects such as diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss.
Also, Benzoyl peroxide is safe to use on cats, but you should avoid using other human acne medications unless directed by your vet.
- Corticosteroids
These anti-inflammatory drugs can be injected or applied topically to reduce swelling and redness.
- Laser therapy
This treatment involves using a laser to destroy the overactive sebaceous glands. It’s usually only used in severe cases that don’t respond to other treatments.
- Avoid using plastic bowls
Some cats are sensitive to the chemicals in plastic, which can exacerbate acne. Use ceramic or stainless steel bowls instead.
- Change your cat’s food
Certain foods can cause or worsen feline acne. These include foods that are high in fat, sugar, and carbohydrates. If you think your cat’s diet may be causing their acne, talk to your vet about switching to hypoallergenic food.
- Use an air purifier
Dust and other allergens can trigger acne flare-ups. An air purifier can help to remove these triggers from the air and improve your cat’s skin health.
By following these tips, you can help to prevent your cat from developing acne. However, if your cat does develop acne, there are treatments available to help clear it up.
Conclusion
We hope that this article was helpful in answering some of your questions about cat acne. Acne in cats can be a frustrating problem to solve.
We’ve outlined some of the most common causes and treatments for cat acne, but we want to know – what is your experience with this issue? Have you had success treating your cat’s acne at home, or do you need help from a professional? Please comment below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Does cat acne go away on its own?
In most cases, cat acne will go away on its own within a few weeks. However, if the acne is more severe or doesn’t seem to be improving, you’ll need to take action and talk to your vet about treatment options.
- Can I pop my cat’s Pimple?
No, you should never try to pop your cat’s pimple. This can cause the infection to spread and make the acne worse. If your cat’s acne is severe, talk to your vet about treatment options.
- Is feline acne itchy?
No, feline acne is not itchy. However, the bumps can be sore or irritated if your cat scratches or rubs them.
- What does a cat cyst look like?
A cat cyst is a sac filled with fluid or other material. It can be small or large, and it may be located under the skin or on the surface of the skin. Cysts can occur anywhere on the body, but they are most common on the head, neck, and back.
- Is cat chin acne contagious?
No, cat chin acne is not contagious. However, if your cat has a bacterial infection, it can spread to other cats. If you have multiple cats in your home, it’s important to keep them all up-to-date on their vaccinations to help prevent the spread of disease.
- Can you use hydrogen peroxide on cat acne?
Yes, you can use hydrogen peroxide to treat cat acne. However, you should only use a 3% solution and you should avoid getting it in your cat’s eyes, ears, or nose. If you are unsure how to apply it, talk to your vet.
- Why does my cat have scabs on her chin?
There are several reasons why your cat may have scabs on her chin. It could be due to an injury, allergies, or a skin condition. If the scabs are persistent or seem to be getting worse, it’s best to take your cat to the vet for an evaluation.
- Is coconut oil good for cat acne?
Yes, coconut oil can be used to treat cat acne. Simply apply a small amount of coconut oil to the affected area twice daily. You should see improvement within a few days. If the acne does not improve, talk to your vet about other treatment options.
- How do I treat my cat’s scabs naturally?
There are several ways to treat your cat’s scabs naturally. One option is to apply a small amount of coconut oil to the affected area twice daily. Another option is to make a paste out of baking soda and water and apply it to the scabs. If the scabs do not improve, talk to your vet about other treatment options.