Cat Skin Problems - Feline Acne on the Chin

Cat skin problems , like facial feline acne, is still a poorly understood, but common cat health problem. It is caused by multiple skin irritating factors and is hard to treat.

Signs and Symptoms of Feline Acne

You will usually notice the following signs:

• Your cat rubs her chin or certain parts of the face on furniture or carpets
• Pustules or pimples on the skin of the chin area
• Haircoat over the affected skin is covered with a dark, dry, "coal-like" dust or discharge.

Causes of Cat Acne

Feline acne is caused by a range of factors from different origin, such as:

• Poor grooming habits
• Irritating agents within your cat's environment
• Allergic reaction

Plastic food bowls have turned out to cause irritation of the facial skin in pets, so try to use metal, glass or ceramic bowls instead.

This cat skin problem can be very challenging and frustrating. Once treated, it can flare up again and treatment needs to be repeated.

Your cat is in distress, because it is a fairly painful skin condition.

Management of Acne in Cats

Because of the variety of causing factors, you need to consult your vet to get a diagnosis and to exclude underlying cat health problems.

Your veterinarian needs to determine and to presccribe adequate antibiotic and/or anti-inflammatory medication in oral or topical form to prevent deterioation of the disease and control pain.

Special prescribed shampoos can be used on a daily base to remove the dark discharge. Ointment containing Vitamin A and anti-inflammatories/antibiotics are applied topically.

Managing Feline Chin Acne at Home includes

• Keeping your cat's chin and face clean and remove all discharge. Use anti-seborrheic shampoo on the affected area.
• Elimination of possible irritants in your pet's environment
• Stick to the prescribed treatment plan and medication
• Let your pet regularly re-examine by your vet