Acne in cats: identification, diagnosis and treatment

Acne is one of the surprisingly many skin conditions that cats can have. Similar to people, cats may get little pimples or blackheads on their skin, usually in the area around their chin. Even though it might not seem serious at first, if left untreated, it can hurt or result in infections.

If your cat has pimples or oily areas on its chin, it may have feline acne. Although this condition is typically easy to identify, a correct diagnosis is crucial to the right course of treatment. Prompt intervention can minimize problems and maintain your cat’s comfort.

Most of the time, cats with acne can be helped with easy home care practices. Your cat’s health can be significantly improved by taking the right actions, from determining the cause to investigating your options for treatment. By taking the appropriate actions, you can resolve the issue and maintain your pet’s optimal well-being.

What does acne look like in cats and its reasons

When a cat has acne, it typically appears as little black dots that are slightly elevated above the skin. If the fur is parted, you may also occasionally see acne on the lower lip and back in front of the tail. This is because the largest sebaceous glands, which secrete substances that include aromatic compounds and are used by cats to leave scent marks, are found in these locations. When keratinization—the process of the epidermal plates, the top layer of skin—and sebum secretion are disrupted, these glands are particularly vulnerable.

Any breed of cat can develop acne, but Persian, Himalayan, and sphinx cats are the most common to exhibit it; male cats are more likely than female cats to become ill, and unsterilized cats are more likely to do so than sterilized cats.

Several things can lead to the development of acne:

• external – caused by unsuitable conditions of keeping for a particular cat, when normalized, acne disappears. Usually these are:

• overfeeding, leading to the activation of the secretion of the sebaceous glands;
• violation of hygiene:

• insufficient grooming of the cat"s fur and skin, especially sphinxes;
• insufficient cleanliness of feeding bowls, especially when using plastic utensils, on the surface of which microflora accumulates, which is difficult to remove with normal washing of the bowl;
• rare cleaning of the cat"s bed, which maintains contamination of the skin and fur;

• fleas;
• lice;
• lice;
• skin mites;

• viral infections;
• chronic diseases;
• dermatitis;
• heredity.

Acne typically progresses through a few stages, but the illness can be stabilized at any point during this time. Some cats have sporadic breakouts of acne that go away on their own.

Comedones resemble tiny, dark spots on the skin.

Stages of acne development:

1. Increased sebum production. Usually this goes unnoticed, but in light-colored pets, greasy yellowish spots can be seen on the fur of the chin.
2. The process of keratinization is disrupted – the formation of keratin, this is the main protein of the skin and hair. Accumulations of keratin block the outflow of sebum, clogging the sebaceous gland, and then the follicle. Also, mixing with the secretion of the sebaceous gland, keratin makes it thicker; the secretion stretches the walls of the hair follicle and protrudes above the skin as a small black dot (comedone). With a large number of closely located comedones, the cat"s chin looks dirty.
3. The third stage is characterized by the addition of bacterial flora, which causes inflammation in the hair follicles. Initially, a red inflammatory tubercle appears at the base of the hair, which then suppurates and opens, a crust forms on its surface. The hair dies in this case. The inflammatory process in the skin leads to pain and itching, so the cat scratches the affected area, contributing to the spread of infection and the onset of complications.
4. At the fourth stage, bacterial complications occur. These include:
5. pyoderma – develops when foci of folliculitis merge;
6. furuncle – occurs when the subcutaneous tissue surrounding the hair follicle is involved in the inflammatory process;
7. carbuncle — formed when several hair follicles and the adjacent area of ​​subcutaneous tissue are involved in the inflammatory process;
8. phlegmon — diffuse purulent inflammation, which usually occurs with an aggressive nature of the microbial flora or an immunodeficiency state in the pet, making it difficult to delimit the purulent focus. The resulting purulent complications cause:
9. fever;
10. areas of redness and severe swelling of the skin;
11. the presence of abscesses and purulent discharge;
12. pain syndrome;
13. inflammation of the regional lymph nodes, manifested by their enlargement and soreness upon palpation;
14. significant deterioration in general health: apathy, loss of appetite.

As a result, the progression of acne in various pets may vary; in some, it may result in a minor decline in appearance, while in others, it may cause a surgical infection of the skin and soft tissues.

Folliculitis appears when acne becomes infected.

Special forms of acne

Acne"s sphinxes has a hereditary nature, while comedones and knot-whaled acne are formed, manifested by the formation of purulent cavities deeply located in the skin, prone to merging and subsequent opening to the surface of the skin. The skin in the lesions is covered with layers of dried pus and dead cells, the skin of the tail and back in the spine is most often affected. Comedones in this breed are also characterized by more widespread than in cats with wool, they go to the zone of the neck, muzzles, and are found on the back and abdomen. Most often, completely bald pets are affected, in cats with a residual scree, the disease is less common.Sterilization can alleviate the course of the disease.

Face dermatitis, a rare kind of acne that affects Persian and Himalayan cats, is characterized by excessive black discharge secreted by the sebaceous glands that resembles wax. Cats’ muzzle folds and external auditory canal contain a significant amount of secretion, which can cause otitis. The afflicted areas develop extremely thin fur. There is still no known cause of the illness, and no effective treatment has been found. When a pet is given the right care, a disease only affects its outward appearance and does not lower its quality of life.

Persians with facial dermatitis exhibit thinning fur and a buildup of waxy, black plaque in the folds of their muzzles.

Cats that suffer from acne frequently develop blackheads or pimples on their chins. Even though it might appear small, it’s critical to recognize it and get treatment for it right away to avoid discomfort and infection. A veterinarian will typically examine the affected area and perform tests to rule out other skin conditions in order to make a diagnosis. If the acne is severe, treatment options include medicated ointments or antibiotics in addition to basic home care like cleaning the affected areas. Keeping your cat’s skin clean and free from breakouts can be achieved through routine cleaning and observation.

How to diagnose acne in cats

The following common symptoms of acne in cats can be used to diagnose the condition:

• the presence of comedones – small black dots, slightly elevated above the skin, which do not disappear when wiped;
• the presence of folliculitis – small red bumps or pustules located at the base of the hair, as well as crusts. If the process is long-term, then you can also note the thinning of the fur and small superficial scars;
• skin edema with severe microbial inflammation.

Certain illnesses share comparable clinical signs and symptoms:

• contact dermatitis caused by excessive exposure of the skin to physical, chemical or biological factors;
• allergic dermatitis;
• demodicosis, notoedrosis, sarcoptosis – tick-borne skin infections;
• malasseziosis, microsporia – fungal skin infections;
• wound infection;
• skin tumors.

The doctor orders additional tests to ensure the diagnosis is verified accurately:

• general blood test – usually does not have specific changes in acne, but if acne is complicated by purulent inflammation, leukocytosis will appear, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate will increase, the content of band neutrophils will increase;
• general urine test – does not have typical deviations in acne, is necessary to clarify the functional state of the kidneys;
• biochemical blood test – is carried out to determine the functional state of internal organs and determine possible contraindications for the use of certain pharmaceuticals;
• Ultrasound of the abdominal organs is prescribed:

• to elderly pets;
• with chronic diseases;
• with changes in laboratory tests;

Therefore, acne should only be diagnosed by a veterinarian, even in cases where clinical manifestations are readily apparent.

Acne in cats can only be diagnosed by a veterinarian.

Treatment of acne in cats

When treating acne, the disease’s stage is the main consideration:

1. Treatment at the first stage is carried out using shampoos that reduce the formation of sebum, which are used at first every day, gradually moving to weekly use:
2. Lactaderm;
3. Doctor;
4. When comedones have formed, wipe the skin areas:
5. solutions that have keratolytic (exfoliating) effects, they are usually used 1-2 times a day:
6. salicylic acid;
7. benzoyl peroxide;
8. antiseptic solutions used 2-3 times a day:
9. chlorhexidine;
10. Miramistin;
11. In the presence of folliculitis, use:
12. ointments containing antibiotics:
13. Clindamycin ointment;
14. Erythromycin ointment;
15. Bactroban;
16. Benzamycin;
17. local therapy using transretinoic acid, for example, Retin-A;
18. systemic antibiotics:
19. Sinulox;
20. Ciprofloxacin;
21. in case of infection with fungal flora, use:
22. Itraconazole;
23. Fluconazole;
24. At the fourth stage, when complications arise and there are severe skin lesions, there is a need for surgical assistance:
25. opening the formed purulent cavities;
26. removal of pus;
27. washing wounds with antiseptic solutions;
28. subsequent dressings with antiseptic solutions and Levomekol ointment.

Video: acne in cats

Review of drugs for the treatment of acne in cats

Drug	Composition	Features of use	Price, rub
Salicylic alcohol	Salicylic acid	Promotes softening and exfoliation of the epidermis, which improves the effectiveness of ointment preparations. Has antimicrobial properties, has a mild irritating effect	from 6
Chlorhexidine	Chlorhexidine	Antiseptics for local use, applied 2-3 times a day	12
Miramistin	Miramistin		80
Sinulox	Amoxicillin, clavulanic acid	Broad-spectrum antibacterial agent for systemic use	910 for a 40 ml bottle
Tsiprovet	Ciprofloxacin		125 for 10 tablets
Bactroban	Mupirocin	An antibacterial agent, applied locally, once a day	367
Clindovit	Clindamycin	An antibacterial agent, applied 1-2 times a day, applied to affected areas	301
Benzamycin	Erythromycin, benzoyl peroxide	A combination agent that combines antibacterial and exfoliating effects, reduces the activity of sebaceous glands. Applied 2 times a day	1850

Photo gallery: medications for treating acne in cats

Salicylic acid has both antibacterial and exfoliating properties. An efficient broad-spectrum antiseptic is chlorhexidine. Clindovit has clindamycin in it. Benzamycin is a combination medication that includes benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin. Systemic antibacterial medications, such as Sinulox, are recommended if local therapy proves ineffective.

How to carry out treatment procedures

You can do the following in order to simplify the task:

1. In the affected area, the hair is cut.
2. Skin with rashes is washed with antiseborrheic shampoo and dried.
3. Use dry heat for several minutes, this will speed up the opening of comedones. As a source of heat, you can use a heating pad, a bag of warm salt, but it is important not to allow the pet"s skin to be burned.
4. The area of ​​​​skin with acne is wiped with an antiseptic.
5. Next, an exfoliant is used – salicylic alcohol or benzoyl peroxide.
6. Next, an ointment is used, which is not allowed to lick for half an hour, holding the pet.

While carrying out treatment, the dynamics of skin manifestations are observed:

• if the use of a certain drug causes skin irritation, it is canceled;
• if skin inflammation persists or expands, it may be necessary to discuss with the veterinarian the possibility of changing the ointment;
• if hair loss is pronounced in the inflamed area, microsporia or trichophytosis may be present, which requires the use of antifungal drugs.

The following typical errors in cat care should be avoided:

• squeezing comedones and pustules, this accelerates the spread of infection;
• using brushes with coarse bristles to groom the cat"s fur, this injures the skin and also contributes to the spread of infection;
• applying products to adjacent unaffected skin, this causes irritation;
• not using ointment after treating the skin with shampoo and antiseptic solution, which dry out the skin, which entails an increase in the secretion of the sebaceous glands;
• a thick layer of ointment applied to the skin prevents air from reaching the skin and clogs the pores.

The cat wears a collar to stop it from hurting itself.

Non-drug methods

Taking care of cats is very important.

• keeping the skin clean, especially in sphinxes; regularly wiping the muzzle after feeding;
• use of a protective collar when combing the affected skin;
• treatment and prevention of skin parasite infestation;
• balanced nutrition for the cat, excluding overeating, as well as food intended for people, since this activates the sebaceous glands;
• feeding the cat from clean ceramic or stainless steel dishes, since it is easy to wash;
• if the veterinarian detects an internal disease in the pet that causes and maintains acne, it must be treated without fail.

Traditional medicine is another non-drug approach that the owner may use at his own discretion as long as he gets the attending veterinarian’s consent. In moderate cases of acne with few comedones, conventional methods can be used. The following traditional cures are applied:

• pumpkin pulp and juice – grated pumpkin is applied to the comedone area for 5 minutes;
• infusion of celandine herb or yarrow flowers – a tablespoon of dry raw materials is poured with 250 ml of boiling water, filtered and used 2-3 times a day, wiping the area of ​​​​skin with acne.

Acne can be treated with celandine’s antimicrobial qualities.

Acne Identification	Diagnosis and Treatment
Look for blackheads, small bumps, or irritated skin on the chin or lips.	A vet may examine the area and suggest medicated washes, topical treatments, or antibiotics if needed.
It can cause swelling, redness, and sometimes hair loss.	Keep the area clean with gentle cleansing and follow any prescribed treatments carefully.
If untreated, it may lead to infection or pus-filled sores.	Ensure your cat"s food bowls are cleaned regularly, especially if they"re plastic.

Although cat acne can be annoying, it is treatable with the right care and attention. Early detection of symptoms, like black spots or inflammation around your cat’s chin, is crucial, as is prompt action.

A trip to the veterinarian is necessary for an accurate diagnosis and course of treatment once the problem has been identified. Whether it’s changing your cat’s diet, giving topical treatments, or changing their hygiene routine, your veterinarian will walk you through each step.

The majority of cats can get rid of acne and go back to being happy, healthy cats with the correct strategy and patience. Recall that monitoring your cat’s general health and hygiene is essential to averting further outbreaks.

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