Can Dogs Catch Cat Acne?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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In both dogs and cats,

acne can result from dirty fur and excess oil on the skin

. Bathe your pal a few times a month and don’t forget about oral hygiene; brushing your pet’s teeth helps to kill and control bacteria that can lead to acne formation, especially around the mouth.

Can cat acne go away on its own?


Mild feline acne may disappear on its own

. Treatment may be necessary otherwise, especially in severe cases. In extreme cases, your cat may have to be on antibiotics for four to six weeks. Most pets will respond well to improved hygiene, and a change in food dishes and water bowls.

What happens if cat acne goes untreated?

If left untreated, cat acne can lead to other conditions. In particular, if your cat’s chin or face is itchy, they may resort to scratching to try and soothe the hot spot. If your cat abrades or punctures their skin, it may open a lesion and eventually lead to a bacterial infection.

Should I worry about cat acne?

Symptoms of Cat Acne

While it is generally a mild condition, acne can still cause discomfort for your cat. If you notice any of the following,

consult your vet or veterinary dermatologist as soon as possible

: Crusty lesions under the chin or on the lips. Hair loss at chin or lips.

Can I use Neosporin on my cat?

It may be tempting to slather Neosporin on your cat when you see it has a wound. But this first-aid kit staple, otherwise called triple antibiotic ointment,

isn’t recommended for use on cats

. Neosporin can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in cats.

Does cat chin acne spread?


Some cats, Loft says, may experience a single breakout, “but many others will have recurring symptoms.”

Though most cases of cat chin acne are mild, they can progress, becoming “inflamed with red bumps, pus, crusting and hair loss developing.

What do I do if my cat has cat acne?

  1. Cleaning the area. Chlorhexidine antibacterial washes can be used to clean the area where the acne is developing. …
  2. Warm compresses. …
  3. Omega-3. …
  4. Replacing plastic bowls. …
  5. Medicated shampoos. …
  6. Ointments. …
  7. Systemic antibiotics. …
  8. Topical antibiotics.

How do you get rid of cat acne naturally?

According to PetMD.com, products that you already have in your pantry may be able to help soothe your cat’s acne. After getting the go-ahead from your veterinarian, try

cucumber pulp, green or black tea, aloe, organic apple cider vinegar, witch hazel, or coconut oil for mild cases

—they may do the trick.

What’s good for cat acne?

“Affected cats often benefit from a

fatty acid supplement

.” Treatment often involves improved hygiene. A benzoyl peroxide facial preparation or an antiseborrheic shampoo is used to cleanse the affected area and flush out the hair follicles. Mupirocin ointment is highly effective in many cases.

Why is cat acne black?

The first signs of acne developing are black spots on your cat’s lips and chin. These are due to

blocking of the glands

and most often the disease does not progress further; if it does, the blocked gland may become infected and pus-filled spots develop. In some severe cases of acne there is hair loss and scarring.

What is the black stuff under my cat’s chin?

What looks like a dirty chin could be a mild to moderate case of

cat acne

. Those black specks are actually blackheads, similar to blackheads in humans. In more severe cases, a cat can develop red sores and lesions on the chin area. Some cats are more prone to acne than others.

Should you pick scabs off cats?


Picking or scrubbing them off will do more harm than good

. Scabs keep germs out of wounds and help skin heal. Treat your cat’s scabs as gently as you would any injury. You want to soothe skin irritation and help soften the scabs so that when they do fall off naturally, they will do so with ease.

Should I pop my cats blackheads?

You can treat cat acne by cleaning your cat’s food and water bowl, treating the blemishes with animal-safe medicated wipes, antibiotics, or steroids. But the most important thing to note is that

you should never pop your cat’s pimples

.

Should I take my cat to the vet for cat acne?


Always consult your veterinarian for severe cases of cat acne, or for those which do not respond to at-home treatment

. If you find your cat is suffering from a case of acne, don’t panic. With proper care, you can help your pet keep their chin up and in tip-top condition.

Is feline acne itchy?

Feline acne will only occur on and around the chin, starts out as blackheads and

can develop into itchy, red bumps if left untreated

.

Can you use hydrogen peroxide on cats?



Never use hydrogen peroxide to clean a wound on a dog or cat because it stings and will damage the surrounding tissue

. It also will slow down the natural healing process, making your pet more susceptible to infection.”

What can I put on a raw spot on my cat?


Cortisone injections

are well tolerated by cats and can be used to rapidly help heal hot spots. Other options include topical ointments and sprays that contain cortisone. Treat the infection. Your vet will determine the best antibiotic for your cat.

What ointment is safe for cats?

The Short Answer is Yes, Neosporin is Safe for Pets

The long answer is; the

regular strength first aid ointment

is perfectly safe to use on pets with minor cuts, scrapes or abrasions. It is for external use and should never be used inside of ears, in eyes or on large deep wounds.

How do I stop my cat getting chin acne?

As mentioned, one of the best ways to prevent feline chin acne is to

switch from plastic bowls to ceramic, glass, or stainless steel

. Take steps to minimize your cat’s stress and ensure good grooming occurs to help promote healthy skin and fur, which will decrease the chances of clogged hair follicles.

Why do cats get cat acne?

Causes of Feline Acne


There does seem to be a correlation between plastic food and water bowls, quite possibly an allergy

. Other theories include poor grooming, stress, allergies in general, hormones (especially in 2 to 4-year-old cats,) poor immunity, and food sensitivities.

How do you get rid of dog acne?

The most common treatment for canine acne is

topical benzoyl peroxide

. This product (which is often available over-the-counter, or may be purchased from your veterinarian) helps to flush out the hair follicle and reduce bacterial contamination.

Is cat acne common?


Cat chin acne is most common, but sometimes the lower and upper lips may be affected

. In severe cases which have been going on for a long time, she adds, the skin and lips thicken and become swollen as cats often rub or scratch their chins on furniture or other rough surfaces.

Can you use hydrogen peroxide on cat acne?

Fortunately, several over-the-counter treatments and at-home DIY remedies can be very helpful for mild cases. For example,

you can dip a cotton ball in hydrogen peroxide or witch hazel and then gently dab and wipe it onto the affected area once or twice daily until the acne clears up

.

Rebecca Patel
Author
Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.