Not Just a Teenage Problem

You would swear your cat has acne. There are red bumps on its chin and what appears to be black heads. You’re not crazy. Cats really do get this scourge of teenagers.

Feline acne is not a matter of puberty or eating greasy fast foods. It can occur in any breed, any age, intact or neutered male or female cats. It may be something as simple as an allergic reaction to their food bowls. Avoiding plastic bowls is recommended.

Feline acne is not a matter of puberty or eating greasy fast foods.

Ever notice your cat rubbing its chin against your leg, furniture or walls? He or she is leaving its’ scent on these objects. It is marking it as their own. If this behavior is carried out to the extreme, your cat can damage its’ chin and predispose it to this condition. Certain virus, namely Calici and Herpes, can also damage the oil producing glands of the chin.

Even if your cat has been eating the same food for years, or you change from one brand to another, your cat may have developed sensitivity to its diet and it is demonstrating this by the breakouts on its face.

Not all facial bumps are acne. Cats can also have fungal or bacterial infections, and cancer.

Your veterinarian can best determine what is causing your cat to break out and the appropriate course of treatment.