Simple solutions for feline acne
by Jodi Ziskin

Feline acne is very common. The good news is that it is also both preventable and treatable.

Usually found on the chin or around the mouth, feline acne can be caused by stress, food allergies and most often from the use of plastic food and water bowls.

According to VetInfo.com:

Cats using plastic bowls are more susceptible to acne because the plastic gathers bacteria that may get on the cat's chin, causing acne. Some cats may also be allergic to plastic bowls.

The simple solution is to switch to glass, stainless steel or ceramic (if the ceramic starts to chip, the same bacterial problems from plastic bowls can occur).

Diet can also be a key factor.

“A large number of veterinarians, groomers, breeders and owners have noticed feline acne is common in cats who eat commercial pet food,” cited CJ Puotinen in her book, The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care. “Give your pet a natural diet and the condition should clear quickly,” she noted.

Several natural and non-toxic topical treatments that work well to help the acne heal include:

• Dabbing a cotton ball with witch hazel and wash the chin area once a day.
• Applying fresh aloe juice directly from the leaf.
• Brewing chamomile tea, allowing the tea bag to cool to room temperature and, if your cat will allow, holding directly on the affected area for five minutes.
• Calendula diluted into an herbal wash and applied with a cotton ball. This is an excellent treatment as this herb speeds wound healing. 

If after removing all plastic bowls, applying treatment and changing the diet the acne does not clear up, please contact your veterinarian.