Feline Acne

Cats are often afflicted with what is called the feline acne or kitty acne. Food allergies, contact allergies, and even stress can cause acne.

It is always a bad idea to use plastic food containers; these are the most common reasons for feline acne. Plastic attracts bacteria and dirt and a cat leaning into the food bowl will be infected. Not only will it infect one cat, in case you have several, all of them who come in contact with the food dish or then the infected cat will have the same problem. Use only glass or metal bowls for food, and make sure to washing them daily with hot water and soap to prevent any bacteria from forming.

When you have taken all these precautions but your cat still shows sign of acne it might be stress related. Emotional stress can be relieved with medication, flowery essences, or specific products, such as Feliway that are available in pet stores.

You can also create stress for your cat by moving furniture, the litter box, the place where the food is offered, bedding, etc. If your cat develops acne after such changes, best move the items back and gradually change the locations. An additional, new pet might also cause stress. This stress is mostly short-lived, very rarely will two animals that live in the same household stay enemies forever.

Acne on cats start as small, black, oily plugs in the chin, so called black heads, or black dots. They might progress to red and itchy bumps. Again, as with dogs, these bumps can trigger an infection.

See the vet in severe cases. In mild cases try cleaning with antibiotic soap and follow up with a topical ointment. Hydrogen peroxide can help in many cases also.

If a secondary infection should develop your vet will prescribe antibiotics to treat this infection. Severe cases of acne should be brought to the veterinarians attention to avoid complications.