Content
- Feline acne: what is it?
- Feline acne: symptoms
- Feline acne: causes
- Is Feline Acne Contagious?
- How to treat feline acne
- Feline Acne: Home Remedies
In this article by PeritoAnimal we are going to talk about a dermatological problem, feline acne, which can occur in cats of any age. We will explain the symptoms and the treatment of choice which, as always, should be prescribed by the veterinarian. We will also answer a frequent question among cat caretakers, whether this disease can be contagious to other cats and other animals that live in the house.
For all that, keep reading and understand with us all about feline acne, how to treat it, why it occurs and much more.
Feline acne: what is it?
Feline acne is one of the most common skin diseases of cats. It's about a inflammatory problem which occurs on the chin and sometimes on the lips. As we've already said, it can be found in all cats. All races and both sexes can be equally affected. You should know that in many cases it goes unnoticed, as it manifests itself so lightly that you don't notice the symptoms.
Feline acne: symptoms
In cats with acne, you may find the following symptoms on the chin, with different degrees of severity:
- Blackheads that are pimples and can be mistaken at first sight for flea droppings;
- If the problem progresses, they may appear pustules and papules, including with pus;
- In more severe cases, you will see furunculosis, which is infection of the entire hair follicle and surrounding tissue or bacterial skin infection;
- Complications give rise to a edema, which is a swelling caused by accumulation of fluid, and inflammation of the nearby lymph nodes;
- These aggravated conditions also generate itch.
Feline acne: causes
The cause of this acne is a problem in follicular keratinization which is complicated by a secondary infection. Keratin is a protein present in the epidermis which, in this case, forms a cap on the follicle. The sebaceous glands that are located on the chin, associated with the hair follicles, will produce a greater amount of fat, which is what predisposes feline acne and starts to cause blackheads, usually the first symptom that is noticed.
See the most common diseases in cats in this PeritoAnimal article.
Is Feline Acne Contagious?
If you are unsure whether feline acne is contagious, it's important to know it's not a contagious disease rather, as we have already explained, it is produced by an excess of sebum in the affected cat. This problem with his chin is a condition that can never be passed on to another cat or other animal he lives with, including humans.
How to treat feline acne
Know how to treat feline acne it must be something determined by the veterinarian, because all solutions need a veterinary prescription. The professional will evaluate the condition that the cat presents and, depending on it, will prescribe a medication, basically with effect anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and disinfectant.
The goal of treatment for acne in cats is focused on eliminating excess sebum to prevent pimple formation and secondary infections. In milder cases, a chlorhexidine cleaning 2-3 times a day may be enough. You should be aware that more severe cases can be difficult to treat and require long term treatments. In such cases, oral administration of medications is preferred. Sometimes the acne episodes recur, so these cats will need daily cleanings indefinitely.
Regarding the use of hydrogen peroxide for feline acne, it is hydrogen peroxide and, in this case, it is more recommended the benzoyl peroxide, due to its specific activity against acne.
Also find out what can be a lump in the cat's belly in this article by PeritoAnimal.
Feline Acne: Home Remedies
Now let's talk about how to care for a cat with acne to control this problem at home, taking into account measures such as the following and, of course, also the veterinarian's recommendations:
- Shave the hair from your chin;
- Clean daily with chlorhexidine;
- Mild cases can be managed in the long term with the retinoid application, which are inactive forms of vitamin A;
- You fatty acids taken orally may work in some cats;
- It is recommended to use Metal or ceramic food and water troughs, avoiding plastic ones, as they are associated with the appearance of feline acne and worsening of symptoms;
- If your cat gets his chin dirty when eating, you should clean it, as this situation is also linked to the development of acne. In these cases, you can look for drier food, which leaves less waste, and feeders where the cat doesn't need to touch or tuck its chin.
Read too: Cat Wound Home Remedy
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.