What In The World Is Feline Acne?
What You Should Know About Feline Acne
Pet owners may be surprised to know that they're not the only one's susceptable to acne - feline acne can plague their cats too. If you think your cat couldn't possibly suffer from acne, you'd better think twice. Feline acne is actually much more common than many people think. If you own a cat, there are some things about feline acne you need to know.
What is Feline Acne?
Feline acne is actually quite common in cats. Feline acne can occur as blackheads on a cat’s face, chin, and even lower lip. The reason for feline acne is not unlike that of the acne that humans experience: overactive sebaceous glands. However, there is no relationship between feline acne and acne that you or your teenager might experience. Feline acne is not contagious. If your cat has acne, you are not able to get acne from him.
Finding Feline Acne
As a cat owner or even simply an acne sufferer, you might be wondering how it is possible to determine if a cat has feline acne. Cats are furry creatures, and it is not always easy to tell when they have a skin condition. Cats tend to rub their faces a lot on many objects around the house. As a result of this behavior, a cat’s sebaceous glands become active. If the sebaceous glands become too active, a cat will produce too many oily secretions which can contribute to feline acne. Excess oil is an indicator that your cat is suffering from feline acne.
It is relatively easy to notice oily secretions on a white cat because the cat’s fur will look like it is stained yellow. If your cat is a mixed or dark color, you will probably have to feel its fur to determine if it has excess oil residue on it.
Treating Feline Acne
Feline acne is usually treated topically with either a shampoo containing benzoyl peroxide or a vitamin A ointment. Oral antibiotics or corticosteroids are sometimes used when topical treatments do not clear up feline acne.