Cat Acne: How to Manage and Prevent Feline Pimples
Key takeaways:
Cat acne is a chronic condition where hair follicles, mainly on the chin and lips, become clogged. It can cause red, crusty skin; dark spots; or pus-filled abscesses in severe cases.
The exact cause of cat acne is unknown. Triggers, such as allergies or environmental factors, may play a role.
You can help prevent cat acne by changing food bowls, identifying allergens, or applying topical treatments.
Table of contents
Like people, cats can get pimples around their chin or lips. They may look like red, inflamed bumps or dark spots like blackheads.
These areas may look scary to a pet parent, but cat acne is typically not painful or itchy. However, pinpointing the cause of acne is important. It can help prevent future breakouts and rule out medical conditions with similar symptoms.
What is cat acne, and what does it look like?
Cat acne, also known as cat chin acne, is a chronic skin condition. It’s caused by clogged hair follicles. An increase in sebum, an oily substance produced by sebaceous glands, can lead to clogged follicles. In severe cases, blocked hair follicles can cause abscesses or a collection of pus.
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The skin on or around your cat’s chin may appear thick, red, and crusty. You may also notice clogged hair follicles. They often look like dark spots (blackheads) or lesions. Some cats also have discharge or fluid on their chin.
What causes cat acne?
Although the exact cause of cat acne isn’t known, studies show that multiple cats in a household can develop acne. That suggests triggers are likely the cause rather than genetics.
Some possible causes of cat acne include:
Food allergies
Environmental allergies
Hypersensitivity to plastics
Poor hygiene
A suppressed immune system
Trauma to the chin
A bacterial infection
Skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis
Diseases like eosinophilic granuloma complex
Autoimmune disorders
Chemicals in plastic food and water bowls
How can you tell cat acne apart from similar conditions?
The best way to tell the difference between cat acne and other conditions is to get a diagnosis from a veterinarian.
“Veterinarians use diagnostic tools like skin scrapings, fungal cultures, and sometimes biopsies to differentiate these conditions accurately,” said Sandra Faeh Butler, DVM, a small animal veterinarian and president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. “If a cat's skin issue doesn't improve with basic acne treatments, be sure to tell your veterinarian, who can check for other potential causes.”
According to Butler, these common conditions can be confused with cat acne.
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Ringworm
Parasitic and fungal infections, specifically ringworm, may be confused with acne. The infection can cause circular, hairless patches that might scale or crust. However, ringworm typically affects other areas of the skin, not just the chin.
Viruses
Viruses in cats are rare but can cause skin lesions. These lesions aren’t usually seen on or around the chin. However, in rarer cases, the virus can cause ulcers, crusts, or erosions around the nose, lips, and eyes.
Mites
Mites are tiny parasites that can burrow under the skin. They can cause crusty skin sores and hair loss around the ears, head, and neck.
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How do you treat cat acne?
There are several ways to treat cat acne:
Topical medications: Antiseptic, antibiotic, and antifungal solutions applied once a day may clear up your cat’s acne.
A change in food bowls: Your cat may be sensitive to chemicals in plastic bowls. Switching to metal, glass, or ceramic bowls may help manage your cat’s acne.
Oral antibiotics: For severe cases of cat acne, a vet may recommend oral or injectable antibiotics.
Steroids: Steroids can help lower inflammation associated with cat acne and can be given orally, topically, or as an injection.
Omega-3 and omega-6 supplements: These fatty acids may help reduce inflammation and restore the shedding of skin cells back to normal.
Can you prevent cat acne?
Cat acne is a chronic condition. You may be able to heal the initial spots, but your cat may break out again. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help prevent cat acne breakouts.
Brush your cat
Brush and clean your cat regularly. Cats with acne might not groom themselves as well as cats without acne.
Address allergies
Talk to a vet about allergies, a cause of cat acne. If a vet finds that your cat has an allergy, they can make recommendations, including changes to your cat’s diet or medications. This can help reduce cat acne symptoms and flare-ups.
Apply topical treatment long term
You may need to apply topical treatments, such as cleansers or topical medications for cats, long term. Topical medications can include antiseptics, antibiotics, or antifungals.
Visit a veterinarian
If you notice signs of acne on your cat, take them to the vet. “Early intervention by a veterinarian can help prevent complications and ensure the best treatment plan for your pet,” Butler said.
When should you see a vet about cat acne?
Butler recommends seeing a vet if you notice:
Acne that doesn’t improve after cleaning and using topical treatments.
Signs of infection and inflammation, such as pus or crustiness.
Pain or discomfort, which might look like excessive scratching or rubbing of the affected area.
A skin condition that’s spreading. This might suggest a more serious underlying issue like ringworm or an allergic reaction.
The bottom line
Cat acne is a skin condition that causes blackheads or pimples on a cat's chin and lips. Sometimes acne can be confused with conditions that mimic similar symptoms, such as mites, fungal infections, or viruses. As a result, early intervention is important to diagnose and treat cat acne before it worsens or becomes infected.
Prompt veterinary care can help rule out more serious skin conditions and provide an appropriate treatment plan through topical medications, dietary changes, or improved hygiene.
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References
Brister, J. (2023). Feline acne. Veterinary Partner.
Colleran, E. (n.d.). ‘Are those blackheads on my cat’s chin?’ A quick guide to feline acne: Causes, signs, diagnosis and treatment. DVM360.
Dryden, M. W. (2018). Mite infestation (mange, acariasis, scabies) of cats. Merck Veterinary Manual.
Grant, D. (2015). Feline acne. Improve Veterinary Practice.
Rosenbaum, M. (2002). Identifying, managing feline acne, non-parasitic otitis and allergic dermatitis. DVM360.
Scott, D. W., et al. (2010). Feline acne: A retrospective study of 74 cases (1988-2003). The Japanese Journal of Veterinary Dermatology.
