Patsy hits Puberty

Our cat Patsy is a spotty teenager ATM !

She's had these strange crusty lumps under her chin and around her mouth. It did not seem to be bothering her much, but I happened to notice an article in the local paper about a stray cat in the cattery who was bought in with a bad case of 'cat acne'..........

This immediately sent me of Googling and for a change
I offer you a factual blog post instead of a flight of my imagination. You may find it useful :~))

Feline acne is usually a bacterial infection commonly found on the cat's chin and around the mouth. Cat acne is caused by clogged pours. Cats have oil-producing glands, and, just like humans, they can develop acne when a clog develops around the lips or chin.  

It is a relatively common problem in cats. Sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands in a felines skin to waterproof the coat and keep the skin soft. This probably explains why Patsy's fur is so soft and silky :~)) 

Some cats may have red, infected bumps, which can be itchy or painful.  Most cats have the condition for life. 

In many cases, it has a lot to do with the cat’s food bowl.  Some cats have bad reactions to plastic food bowls.  Glass food bowls can also be a problem, and one of the reasons may be that these materials tend to scratch over time, giving bacteria a groove to grow in.  When the cat’s chin comes in contact with the bowl, bacteria are deposited on her chin, and the condition is worsened.  So making a change to a stainless steel bowl, which is both hypoallergenic and resistant to scratches, often helps cats who suffer from feline acne.

But the good news is that it can easily be cured at home:  Instructions-Things You'll Need:

• Antibacterial soap
• Wash cloth
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Cotton ball
• Topical ointment
• Stainless or glass food dishes

1. Wash the skin area infected with acne with an antibacterial soap. Moisten a cloth with warm water and place a small amount of soap on the cloth. Gently rub the area in a circular motion, cleaning the skin completely. Rinse thoroughly.
2. Moisten a cloth or cotton ball with a solution of hydrogen peroxide. Press gently on the acne area and allow the solution to saturate the skin for a moment. Remove the cloth or cotton ball and allow the skin to dry.
3. Discuss which topical ointment containing both vitamin A and retinoids is most appropriate to use on your cat with your cat's veterinarian. Apply the indicated ointment to the affected area twice daily.
4. Use shallow stainless steel or glass food and water dishes instead of plastic. Some cats are allergic to the plastic and dyes used in plastic dishes; this may be the underlying cause of the feline acne.
5. Groom your cat daily by brushing it to aid in the even distribution of skin oils and to remove excess fur and dander.

Frequency : Cat acne will not disappear after just one cleaning. You need to follow up on a daily basis, cleaning the area twice a day. With this treatment, the cat's acne should clear up within a week.

Follow-Up : If the cat still has acne after a week of treatment, it needs to visit a veterinarian. The vet may recommend the use of a benzyl peroxide product, alone or in combination with antibiotics.

Prevention : Once your cat's acne has cleared up, clean its face with the washrag and warm water two or three times a week to keep its pores from clogging again. Cleanliness will help prevent another outbreak. Use glass or metal food bowls because plastic can allow acne-causing bacteria to grow in the bowl.

=====================================================

Allergies
One flea bite can set off an allergic reaction that can last for weeks. Loss of hair from scratching on the back above the tail is a common symptom.

Below is an extreme example of lots of flea dirt.  

Products are available in shops to kill fleas but vary in quality and toxicity. Consult your veterinarian for advice.In severe cases your veterinarian can provide prescription quality products.

Pollen and dust allergies also are common. Pollen allergies usually begin as a seasonal problem, but as time passes it is common that your cats problem can be present all year long. Chewing the front paws and rubbing the face are common symptoms.

Food allergies are not as common, but if your cat is allergic to a certain ingredient in its diet, severe itching and scratching can result.

To test for a food allergy, your cat should be fed a hypoallergenic diet for three to six weeks. The diet must be individualized for your cat's specific needs to avoid preservatives, colourings, flavorings and foods your cat has eaten previously.