by Nomi Berger
 
A little understood condition, feline chin acne is basically a disorder of follicular keratinization (the overproduction of keratin, a protein found in the outer layer of the skin). Once excess keratin is trapped in the hair follicle, comedones or blackheads form, and should they become infected by bacteria, pimples or larger sores, similar to boils will result.
 
Some experts surmise that follicular keratinization may, itself, be related to excessive natural oil production by a cat’s skin. Others suggest that allergies, immunosuppression, stress, viral infection, and/or poor grooming habits may play a role in it. There may even be a connection between plastic food and water dishes and chin acne because the plastic’s uneven surface and inevitable scratches make it more prone to bacterial contamination.
 
Whatever the underlying cause, however, the most common overt sign of a cat with chin acne is the skin’s “dirty appearance.” Lesions may appear on her chin, lower lip and/or upper lip. A careful examination of her face will likely reveal blackheads and infected follicles, while her lips and chin may be swollen and inflamed (folliculitis). And if she has hard, crusty lesions that are causing her pain, this condition is known as furunculosis.
 
Vets typically diagnose chin acne based on the affected cat’s medical history and clinical signs. They may also order blood and urine tests, as well as skin cultures, skin cytology, and culture and sensitivity tests. If her lesions have an atypical appearance, they may recommend biopsies or skin scrapings to rule out cancer or some immune-mediated disease. And because an infected tooth root can mimic the appearance of chin acne, they may have dental x-rays taken.
 
Once a diagnosis is made, depending, of course, on the results, treating a cat’s chin acne always starts with an improved hygiene regime. Clipping her hair short and replacing plastic food and water dishes with smooth-surfaced, nonporous glass or stainless steel dishes, and scrupulously washing them daily, helps some cats. Using a benzoyl peroxide facial preparation or an anti-seborrheic shampoo will both cleanse the affected area and flush out the hair follicles. Applying an antibiotic ointment containing mupirocin (Muricin®) is highly effective as is clindamycin gel or a liquid preparation (Antirobe®, Cleocin®, ClinDrops®). Some cats benefit from taking Omega 3 fatty acids while, in more severe or chronic cases, vets may prescribe oral antibiotics, corticosteroids (to reduce inflammation) or isotretinoin (the human acne drug, Accutane®).
 
Thankfully, most cases of chin acne respond well to improved hygiene in combination with topical preparations and/or systemic medications, but cat owners must adhere closely to their own vet’s instructions to ensure ultimate and long lasting success and a happier, healthier cat.

by Nomi Berger
 
Are you all too familiar with the sight of your favorite feline excessively licking her paws? Have you ever pondered the possible reason or combination of reasons behind it? If so, then peruse the following:
 
Allergies: When cats have allergies – contact, food, pollen or seasonal – they tend to lick repetitively at the itchy rash produced by the allergy in an effort to find some relief from the discomfort they feel. Unfortunately, this excessive licking only aggravates the rash and makes the situation worse.
 
Anxiety: When cats are extremely anxious or stressed, they, much like anxious people who bite their fingernails or gnaw at their cuticles, will start incessantly licking their paws as a way of releasing that stress. If you find that your kitty seems overly anxious or stressed, make an appointment to visit the vet. Your cat may then be prescribed anti-anxiety medications to both help manage her stress levels and allow her to enjoy a more comfortable, more carefree life.
 
Boredom: As with anxiety, cats may counter their feelings of boredom by excessively licking their paws – even if it results in some of their fur falling out. The cause of this boredom is a lack of satisfying mental and physical stimulation throughout the day. To keep your kitty from getting bored when you’re gone, ensure she has various assorted toys, including puzzle toys, set out a cat tunnel, and provide her with a cat tower to climb. Then, when you return, set aside as much time as possible to interact with her using wand toys and laser lights to keep her leaping and pouncing while strengthening the bond between the two of you.
 
Fleas: A seemingly unseen infestation of fleas will often cause uncomfortable cats to continuously lick their paws. If you suspect that your cat has fleas, carefully part her fur and look closely at her skin. Then check several spots on her body for fleas or flea dirt or both. If she does indeed have fleas, ask your vet to recommend the best and safest feline flea medication in order to resolve this pesky problem as swiftly as possible.
 
Injury: Any trauma or injury to a cat’s leg, foot or paw pad may cause her to lick obsessively at that particular paw. If you think your cat may have hurt herself, try to get a closer look at her paw. If she’s bleeding (some cats will cut their paw pads when walking on “forbidden” surfaces) or if something seems amiss (it could potentially be a sprain or a broken bone), arrange to have her seen as quickly as possible by your vet.
 
Pain: One of the most common causes of obsessive paw licking is pain. And if your cat is in pain, she may literally be trying to lick it away by focusing her attention on the paw in question. Observe her closely awhile for some visible sign of a problem with that paw. Then, if she’ll allow you to touch it, gently move the paw around and monitor her reaction. If there is none, breathe a sigh of relief but continue to monitor her. If, however, she winces, cries out or tries to bite you, contact your vet immediately.
 
If none of the above scenarios applies to your particular cat, bring her, along with your questions and concerns, to your vet for a more accurate diagnosis.