The specific causes of feline acne are not known. Cats with weakened immune systems are more susceptible, but otherwise healthy male and female cats of all ages may be affected.

Contributing factors in the development of the disease include stress, poor grooming habits, and abnormal sebum production.

Lesions vary in severity, but are typically mild. Itching and pain are uncommon unless there is a secondary bacterial infection present. Lesions usually initially present at about one year of age, and remain cyclic for the life of the cat. Pain and/or itching are not common unless there is a secondary bacterial skin infection.

Your veterinarian will determine whether or not treatment is required. This will depend upon the severity of the symptoms, and whether or not any secondary conditions exist.

Feline acne symptoms and signs — Acne in cats may include lesions on the chin and lower lip, as well as swelling of the chin and around the mouth. Your cat may display dark brown comedones or crusted reddish papules.

In more serious cases, there may be a secondary bacterial infection present. Signs of this may include edema (swelling) of the chin area, or drainage of the lesions. In these cases, antibiotics, both systemic (taken internally) and topical, may be prescribed.

It’s possible to mistake bacterial skin infections for acne, but appearances may be deceiving. Sometimes ringworm or yeast infections may be mistaken for acne as well.

Feline acne treatment — Treatment is often not necessary, except in more serious cases. In fact, it’s believed that overtreatment may increase the severity of the skin lesions.

Treatment may vary based on the severity of the case. Your veterinarian may recommend topical therapy of some kind to help remove the blackheads.

Excess skin may be removed from the lesion area to aid in cleaning, as well as the application of topical medications. In order to prevent infection and injury to your cat, only your veterinarian should perform this procedure.

Treatment may include the use of antiseptics, such as Listerine or alcohol. Antiseborrheic shampoos may help as well. Some of these contain salicylic acid, which is a common component of human acne treatment formulas.

Topical benzoyl peroxide solutions are often used as a treatment in gel or shampoo form, and may be effective. You should note, however, that benzoyl peroxide preparations made for small animals are 2.5 percent, and those for humans are 5 percent.

Never use a preparation made for humans on your cat unless instructed to do so by your veterinarian. You should know that even the milder animal formula benzoyl peroxide treatments may be irritating to your cat’s skin when used repeatedly over time.

In cases where patients are immune compromised, such as feline AIDS patients, treatment may include steroid therapy. Additional supplements may be used as well, including off-label drugs.