Feline acne?!?

[PAbugman]

We have two cats, 1 diabetic but responding well to twice daily shots and is maintaining a healthy weight.

The diabetic cat has what appears to be infected pimples under his jaw, near mouth. Other cat has similar but mildly so.

We read on-line about feline acne caused by stress. Our cats have had a lot of stress in the last 1-2 months as we’ve had new flooring installed and 2 bathrooms re-worked (which is dragging on way too long). Both cats are very shy of people. They hide from our friends until and unless the atmosphere gets quiet and relaxed. Then they come out cautiously. Even doorbells on tv scare them. With us they are perfect cats. The remodeling has been loud and intrusive. They have many good places to hide, but nailguns, etc are very loud.

We don’t want to go to the vet just yet, as the diabetic cat gets extremely upset at that. It is hard to watch how upset he gets; we are going to do our own blood tests simply to minimize his trauma.

On-line advice was to wash with peroxide and apply antibiotic ointment. We can do that, but have not done so yet.

My questions: Does feline acne sound like a legit diagnosis? Is the treatment on the right track.

Any feedback, experiences, advice will be much appreciated.

[Gunguy45]

Just had a cat that had the exact same symptoms. Went to the Vet and he gave us a liquid antiseptic soap. (Wish he had explained better that it was a soap...we thought it was a topical ointment type thing for the first day or so.) Sorry I just can't remember the name of it, but it was something commonly available and you could buy it cheaper elsewhere. Seems like it was almost the same as the non-abrasive face washes that were for human acne. (Ahh I found it...it contained Chlorhexidine...brand name Nolvasan scrub )

After some research we realized we just needed to wash his chin with a warm wet washcloth to remove dried blood and pus, apply a little of the soap to another clean wet warm cloth, lightly wash then rinse and blot dry with a cotton ball or cloth using rubbing alcohol.

Peroxide I don't think is a good option as the oxygenation that it does when it foams can destroy tissue and prevent healing (at least thats from everything I've heard and read more recently). I know the site I'll link below mentions it...but I think thats more to remove the crud. The ointment I dunno...seems like they always try to lick that stuff off during grooming which can cause digestive tract issues. I guess in extreme cases preventing infection would be worth it.

Don't know whether it was related, but during my research I found several sites that said plastic water and food dishes (depending on shape and depth) could also cause the issue. We changed both the dry food and water dishes to ceramic bowls (similar to these...

and within a week he was really healed up.

Heres a very good link....Feline Acne - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Acne in Cats - Cat-World

[RhainyC]

PABugman,

It actually sounds more like the food/water dish may be the culprit, as Vic suggests. I always recommend ceramic/glass/stainless steel rather than the plastics that are available. For some reason, the plastics can, and often do, cause rashes/acne on the chins of pets.

Cleaning of the area can be done with mild soap and water, apply a small amount of triple antibiotic ointment a couple times a day, and just keep it as dry as possible. (yes I know easier said than done!)

[Gunguy45]

I forgot to mention...there was no stress in the house...just same old stuff. And since we replaced the bowls and he cleared up...no more outbreaks.

[PAbugman]

Great advice from all and many thanks. Will skip the peroxide. I had reservations about that as well as my chemist wife. We’ve been using stainless steel food and water bowls for a long time now. Hibiclens is an over the counter antimicrobial that has chlorhexadrine in it. I’ve used that myself before and after a couple not serious but typical “middle-age” type surgeries. Will keep you posted.

[PAbugman]

Made first application of Hibiclens (Chlorhexadrine) to Pumpkins chin. He didn’t like it, but after a while he came out of hiding and is eating again, none the worse for the wear.

Re: plastic bowls-I’ve since realized that he does eat out of a plastic bowl when he drinks milk leftover from cereal. This is a short, minimal exposure, but once a day. Could that be enough exposure to plastic?

[Gunguy45]

Ack! Probably not the problem...but before RhainyC says it (I think she will agree)...I will. Don't give them the leftover milk! Sure they like it...but it's not so good for them. Esp with leftover cereal ingredients.

Just read a few articles about cats after seeing an Animal Planet show. Cats are meat eaters...they don't need grains and plants and such. Processed cows milk was one of the things mentioned as not being appropriate in any quantity. A bit of raw goats milk or similar is ok since it has a ton of fat, protein and other things they can use. Cats that usually eat typical housecat food...milk can mess with their guts. As in the squirts, gas (yeah, cat farts), and indigestion.

Drink the milk yourself...and give them a little crunchy treat to help with their teeth...be better for both of you.

[RhainyC]

Vic was right I saw the milk and was going to mention that cow's milk and especially milk from cereal with sugars is a big no-no for cats. And yes a Small amount of goat milk is ok, if it isn't highly processed.

Yes even a small contact with plastic can cause problems with the acne or allergic reaction. So just to be safe, no plastic dishes at all.

[PAbugman]

After several Hibiclens chin wipings, Pumpkins acne is clearing up.
Pumpkin does not like the “no-milk” policy and tells me about it. Him and I both need to eat better anyway. Thanks to all of you for helping us.

[Gunguy45]

Thanks for the update...that's what we found with Fuzzybear as well. Just keep an eye on him...it reoccurred after we thought it was completely healed. Went another week and nothing in a long time now.

[RhainyC]

Glad to hear the update as well. And Vic is right, keep an eye on the area for reoccurrences.

[PAbugman]

Re-occurrence did happen. One day it got worse-that night Pumpkin scratched his neck raw. Blood spots on floor. Visibly uncomfortable. Lots of hair missing. Took him to vet 2 days ago. They gave him an anti-biotic shot that will last 2 weeks. Also a tube of antibotic ointment that has a steroid in it to relieve itching.

He is doing better and visibly comfortable. Haven’t seen him scratch once. He’s tired of the ointment applications and is getting wise to my tactics. At least he didn’t need a “cone head” device yet.

Their diagnosis is feline acne with bacterial infection. The doc took a glass slide and wiped it under his chin.

[RhainyC]

PAbugman,

Sorry to hear it reoccurred but glad that the vet got you all sorted out. It is one of those things that does reappear once a cat has had it. I would be sure he isn't allowed in any bowls or such that is not glass or stainless steel (the preference of vets) and just keep an eye on him from now on once you have it all cleared up.

Do keep us posted.

[party54]

cleaning the bowls your cat uses would be the first step. if the acne doesn't get taken care of properly and gets bad, they can turn into abscesses. "Cetaphil" liquid soap is also recommended for feline acne. it's a very basic substance. it works good.