Medical Problems
Dealing with Feline Acne
Everyone's been there. Graduation day, prom night,
your wedding arrives, you look in the mirror and
there it is -- acne! But did you know your cat can get acne, too?
Recognizing Acne
Feline acne is a localized infection and almost always affects the chin area. It usually starts as small, oily black plugs in the chin -- much like blackheads -- sometimes progressing into inflamed pustules or pimples. The condition is caused by infected (or plugged) hair follicles. Grooming the chin area is difficult for kitty, which leads to a build-up of dirt and oil, and eventually, acne.
Possible Causes
Causes of feline acne vary, and include food allergies, contact allergies, lack of cleanliness, and even stress. However, plastic food and water dishes are major culprits. Plastic is a magnet for bacteria (which may irritate your cat's skin, causing the acne) and dirt that work their way into scratches and nicks, continually infecting your cat. Switching to glass, ceramic or stainless steel bowls is the best solution, along with thoroughly washing your cat's dishes every day. Cats with flat faces, such as Persians and Exotics, are particularly susceptible to feline acne and may need your assistance in cleaning their chins after meals.
Treatment Options
Treatment varies, but most veterinarians will recommend daily cleaning of the affected area with an antibiotic soap, followed by a topical ointment, either antibiotic or anti-fungal. Oral antibiotics may also be prescribed, as well as a scrub with hydrogen peroxide. NEVER try to pop or drain the pustules, as this spreads the infection and furthers the problem.
When feline acne does not respond to topical treatment, there are a couple of things to consider. The first one is whether or not it really is feline acne. It may be one of the conditions that can mimic feline acne, such as ringworm, food allergies, yeast infections, or demodectic mange. If it is feline acne and conventional treatments aren't working, your veterinarian should culture one of the pustules, and then choose an oral or systemic antibiotic based on the culture results.
Feline acne can turn into serious infection, so don't take it lightly. Talk to your veterinarian about the best course of action.
Valley Cats, Inc. was established in 1999 to try to save these cats and kittens BEFORE
they are sent to the shelter. If we can spare them the stress and fear of such a situation, they stand a much better chance of finding another home.
We have found that many of these cats are being sent to the shelter because they have developed bad habits. With a little education and encouragement, a good number of these pets remain in their homes, and all it took was a little conversation and some helpful ideas!
However, for those people who are determined to give up their animals, we must find foster homes to keep them until we can find another family to love them. Being in a foster home with good food, love, and attention is often all it takes to keep them happy and healthy.
If you can help us by opening your home to a foster cat or two, we need you! There are so many cats waiting to go to the shelters and so few people who will foster them. You would become part of what Valley Cats set out to do --- make a difference!
If you are interested in helping us in our quest to help all that we can, please call us. Leave a message and we will contact you. You can't imagine what a wonderful feeling it is to see a "throw-away" cat rebound and love and trust again.
If you have any questions about joining our foster home program, feel free to contact Valley Cats, Inc. at:
23705 Vanowen St., #130
West Hills, CA 91307-3030
or
Phone: 818/883-5252
FAX: 818/883-3708
E-Mail: valleycatsinc@aol.com