Acne in cats and cats ⚫

Like people, cats can have skin problems, with acne being the most prevalent. Small black spots, particularly around the lips and chin, may be noticeable, and this could indicate feline acne.

Despite its frightening appearance, cat acne is typically not a serious condition. On the other hand, it may hurt and result in infections if ignored. Knowing the reasons behind it and how to treat it can help maintain your pet’s health.

This post will discuss the causes of acne in cats, early detection techniques, and treatment and prevention strategies.

Cats with acne frequently have black spots on their skin or pimples around their mouths and chins. Though generally benign, improper treatment may result in discomfort or infections. Pet owners can manage their cat’s acne and maintain the health and comfort of their pet by being aware of the causes, symptoms, and easy treatment options.

Causes of acne in cats

Since any pet can develop acne, it’s important to carefully review the list of factors that can lead to the condition:

• constant stress causes active work of the sebaceous glands;
• if the cat has dirty its chin, you should understand that it will not wash it itself, and dirt with microorganisms will remain on the skin;
• skin diseases;
• failure in the sebaceous glands;
• poor development of hair follicles (alopecia);
• weak immunity;
• plastic dishes, especially not the first freshness, are a breeding ground for bacteria that have crammed into its micropores.

Although skin rashes can occur in both kittens and elderly cats, sphinxes are more likely to have acne, and in rare instances, female cats who have had their sex sterilized as well.

Reviews of veterinarians about acne

Veterinary dermatology representatives advise against self-medication and instead recommend seeing a specialist, who will examine the sick animal, take a skin scrape from the affected area, and perform a laboratory test. This is done to rule out the possibility of other illnesses, such as allergy symptoms.

The symptoms of dermatophytosis, demodicosis, scabies, and eosinophilic granuloma are comparable to those of feline acne. The analysis will indicate whether or not the aforementioned diseases are cause for concern.

Veterinarians prescribe a suitable treatment plan, which will solve the issue quickly and easily, but they do not view the disease as serious.

Treatment of acne in cats

Additionally, acne can develop on the tail, which can cause issues and discomfort for the animal. Adhering to a diet and the detailed instructions provided by veterinarians are recommended for treating acne at home.

The animal’s living conditions and the whiskered sufferer themselves need to be cleaned up first. Blackheads on the chin of cats can become big abscesses that greatly complicate life. Maintaining hygiene will stop microorganisms from entering the pores and causing the disease to advance to the next stage.

Treatment recommendations are made using the following framework:

• affected areas are regularly washed with medicated shampoos;
• before applying medications, the skin is first disinfected with 3% hydrogen peroxide;
• if the pet is fluffy, then it is better to shave the hair on the affected area;
• fatty foods are necessarily excluded from the diet.

In cases where there is a secondary source of infection and the case is complex, treatment plans may involve the use of an external antibiotic and a course of vitamin A.

Folk remedies for the treatment of acne in cats

For the treatment of acne in cats, some people prefer to use homemade remedies rather than purchasing premade products.

• calendula tincture is used as a treatment;
• two furacilin tablets are ground into powder and mixed with three tablespoons of chamomile decoction. The resulting solution is stored in the refrigerator and used to treat abscesses 5-6 times a day;
• juice is squeezed out of a pumpkin and the affected area is wiped 4 times a day for 5 minutes;
• an effective decoction is obtained from celandine, which is prepared from four tablespoons of dry raw materials and a liter of water. Bring the decoction to a boil, remove, cool and filter. Apply compresses to the wounds 3 times a day.

However, speak with a veterinarian before beginning to treat your cat with home remedies.

Acne in cats on the chin

Suddenly, black dots may appear in the lip area of the cat’s muzzle. It appears that the muzzle is dry. The rashes eventually develop into pustules. They will soon burst, revealing a noticeable scab in their place. The next sign is hair loss along with the development of dry, irritated skin in this area.

The cat frequently scratches its chin, which hurts the sore spot and causes a secondary infection.

Pus may begin to run out of the zits; this indicates that the healing process is advanced and the afflicted cat requires immediate attention.

Some people are fortunate enough that their pet has never experienced acne rashes in their lifetime, but unfortunate events seem to befall some cats far too frequently. It is important to constantly examine the animal’s muzzle thoroughly so that you can start treating any rash right away.

Treatment of acne in cats on the chin

Reviews from cat owners who have experienced this dermatological condition indicate that a complex course of treatment will quickly produce positive results.

How do vets recommend handling acne?

• the chin is treated several times a day: the shaved area is washed with tar soap, antiseborrheic shampoo or "Lactaderm". The shampoo is left on the cat"s skin for 4-5 minutes, and washed off with a damp cotton wool pad and wiped until dry;
• chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide are used as antiseptics. After 15 minutes, proceed to the next stage of treatment;
• the cat is laid on its back and a soft cotton cloth soaked in moderately hot calendula decoction is applied to the sore spot;
• the lesion is wiped with salicylic acid and acne ointment for animals is applied.

All phases of treatment, along with a diet and vitamin regimen, are continued until all dots and abscesses totally vanish.

Acne medications for cats

The list of drugs includes iodine, hydrogen peroxide, salicylic alcohol, miramistin, and chlorhexidine. These are disinfectants and antiseptics. Additionally, there are drugs with specific targets:

• Percutan – the medication contains furacilin, and if it is used twice a day according to the instructions, the color of the coat will turn yellow, but this is temporary;
• Bactroban – an ointment for external use is used at the stage of purulent and bloody crusts, as well as when a secondary infection is connected;
• Mupirocin is an effective ointment for external use;
• Differin, Adaklin, Klenzit are vitamin A in the form of ointments, but you should not use them diligently because of possible skin irritation;
• Prednisolone – a course of treatment is prescribed only by a doctor in especially advanced cases.

Remember that you can only take any medication with a doctor’s approval.

Prevention of acne in cats

Glass, ceramic, or iron dishes are used in place of plastic ones in order to prevent accidents. New food is only added to an empty, spotless plate, and the bowl is cleaned one or two times per day. Fresh and clean water is a must-have.

Dry and fatty foods should be avoided if the cat develops acne once more because they increase the chance of a relapse.

Wipe the muzzle of a cat that is prone to comedones after feeding.

The pet’s immunity must be bolstered, so read through the guidelines for a healthy diet for cats if you have any questions.

Although acne in cats is a common condition, it can be effectively managed with the right care. The secret to avoiding flare-ups is to keep your cat’s skin clean and to keep an eye out for any indications of infection.

It is crucial to see a veterinarian if you observe symptoms that are persistent. They can offer customized therapies and guidance based on your cat’s requirements, preventing the problem from getting worse.

To keep your cat comfortable and happy, keep in mind that regular grooming and a healthy diet can also help lower the likelihood of acne returning.

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