Treating Cat Acne: A Helpful Guide

So you noticed some black spots on your cat’s chin, and after some investigating, you learned about the phenomenon called feline acne. That’s right: it’s not just people who suffer from pesky blemishes on their face. Your furry friend’s pimpled face is proof.

However, the blemishes on cats’ faces can be caused by a number of issues. And even when feline acne is the correct diagnosis, it’s not adolescent hormones that are at play. Before you begin treating your cat’s acne at home, it’s important to rule out other issues. 

This guide will help you understand how cat acne is diagnosed, what causes it, and how to start treating cat acne at home so your kitty’s face looks and feels healthy and blemish-free again.

Cat acne is defined as inflammation of the hair follicles, mainly of the chin and lower lips. Cat acne can take many different clinical forms including:¹ * 

• Comedones (blackheads)

• Hair loss

• Crusts

• Papules

• Redness

• Itchiness (suggests a secondary bacterial or yeast infection)² 

• Less commonly, pustules, fistulas, or scars may be present 

• In severe cases, boils may form

All cats are susceptible to cat acne. It has been reported in cats from 6 months to 14 years old, across various breeds, and in both sexes. 

If your cat has small black spots between his or her hair follicles, it’s easy to run a Google search and assume you’ve diagnosed the correct problem: cat acne. However, before you proceed with treatment, be sure to work with your veterinarian to: (1) rule out other causes for those little black spots, and (2) make a correct diagnosis as there may be multiple, interacting factors underlying your cat’s acne. 

The following conditions can look similar to acne’s black bumps:

• Flea dirt

• Mites

• Fungal or bacterial infections

Flea dirt, in particular, is characterized by small, peppery spots in your cat’s fur. If fleas are the true culprit behind your cat’s black spots and itching, you’ll need to treat more than your cat—your entire home and other pets could be affected. Check out our guide on Feline Acne vs Flea Dirt to learn more about the differences.

While cat acne is not caused by fleas, it can have several origins. Mites and fungal infections can both look like cat acne. Let’s take a look.

Unfortunately for pet owners, there is no one definite root cause of feline acne. There are a number of factors that may affect the way your cat’s skin produces oil and functions as a barrier against potential pathogens. We’ll go over some of the potential causes for cat acne, including:¹

• Grooming habits
• Allergies and environment
• Emotional distress
• Genetics 
• Other diseases

Abnormal Grooming

Does your kitty regularly groom themself? If old age, emotional distress, or other factors have led to decreased grooming, it could be a factor in your cat’s acne. With a lack of grooming, your cat’s sebaceous glands may produce too much oil. At the same time, overgrooming can also disrupt these glands.

What are sebaceous glands? They’re small glands in the skin that secrete sebum, an oil that lubricates the skin and hair. They are present in the skin of all mammals. In cats and in people, most of these glands are on the face. 

When your cat’s grooming patterns are disrupted, sebum clogs hair follicles, leading to the appearance of blackheads. 

Environmental Factors

Cat acne may be triggered by environmental factors. Possible allergens and irritants include:

• Plastic Bowls – Your kitty sticks their chin in the same food dish day after day, and it could be contributing to their acne. While some believe that cats are allergic to plastic bowls, others believe that the bacterial buildup on these bowls is what clogs pores. Either way, switching to a metal or ceramic bowl—and washing it frequently—might help. 

• Seasonal Irritants – Just like humans, cats are prone to seasonal skin issues. Ragweed and other pollen-producing plants may affect your pet. While humans react to irritants with coughing and sneezing, cats’ skin is their main protective barrier. As a result, that’s where signs of allergies often show up. 

• Dust and Mold – Again, just like their pet parents, cats can have a sensitivity to dust, mold, and other household debris. Keeping your home clean and regularly laundering any fabrics can help to eliminate environmental irritants.

In persistent cases of cat acne, be sure to check with your vet for underlying allergies. In addition, if you already know your cat has allergies, don’t be surprised if they develop acne, too. If a cat’s skin is already inflamed, the sebum glands are more likely to malfunction. 

Emotional Causes

As previously noted, abnormal grooming can affect your cat’s sebum production and cause acne. Emotional distress, including stress and depression, can lead to excessive or inadequate grooming.

As you know, your animal companion tries to hide signs of stress. So it’s up to you to watch them closely for skin problems and these signs of stress:

• Changes in grooming habits

• Changes in eating habits

• Urinating outside the litterbox

• Increased “talking”/meowing

• Decreased energy

• Uncharacteristic aggression towards people and/or animals

If your cat’s acne is accompanied by behavior changes, other physical or emotional issues may be involved. Be sure to consult your veterinarian and take steps to treat not just the symptom, but also the other contributing factors.

Disease and Infection

Other conditions such as immune system problems or infection with ringworm or Demodex may predispose a cat to acne.³ 

If your kitty’s chin shows signs of acne, discuss these possible conditions with your veterinarian, who can rule them out and help you start treating your cat’s acne at home. 

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

To avoid this outcome, take steps to soothe your cat’s acne as soon as it appears, even if you can’t get to your veterinarian right away. 

While there is no definitive treatment for feline acne, there are a number of methods for controlling symptoms.¹ Depending on how severe your cat’s acne is, as well as the root causes, you might try any and all of the following methods, with your veterinarian’s guidance. In many instances, cat acne symptoms resolve with topical treatment.² 

Never scratch or squeeze your cat’s acne. This can make the problem worse and is painful for your cat. It could also introduce bacteria to the skin and create infection.⁴ 

Eliminate Environmental Irritants

In order to keep your cat’s skin as happy as possible, clean your home thoroughly and regularly to help minimize environmental irritants such as dust, pollen, and mold. Swap plastic food and water bowls for ceramic or metal ones and clean them once daily with hot water and antiseptic soap.¹ In addition, avoid aerosols, sprays, and other scents that may cause an allergic reaction. These include: 

• Perfumes
• Colognes
• Hairspray
• Aerosol cleaning products
• Essential oils
• Potpourri
• Incense and smudge sticks
  

As with human allergy testing, it can be difficult to pinpoint the precise origin of an allergy. However, keeping your home clean and scent-free might help your cat’s skin clear of acne.

Clean the Affected Area

Cleaning the affected area can help to soothe irritation and encourage sebum glands to resume normal oil production to keep the problem from becoming worse. Regular cleaning with mild antiseptic shampoo and warm water will help prevent cat acne.¹ 

If you have an elderly cat who is unable to groom themself effectively, clean their face after every meal. We all know that cats don’t enjoy bathing. Instead of dunking your furry friend in a bath, try spot cleaning with a medicated wipe for a quick, no-fuss chin clean-up. 

Vetericyn Plus’s Feline Antimicrobial Facial Therapy is specially formulated to help treat common cat skin issues that occur on cats’ faces, including feline acne. This non-toxic and alcohol-free spray is easy to apply to your cat’s face, flushing pores and cleaning acne. It’s non-toxic so it won’t cause problems if it gets into your cat's eyes, ears, or mouth. An added benefit is that it soothes pain and reduces itch.

Note: You should not use any products intended to treat human acne. Cats’ skin has a different balance of oils, and some substances that are safe on human skin may be toxic to kitties.

If your efforts are not improving your cat’s acne or if the acne is severe, consult your veterinarian. They may prescribe antibiotics and short-term steroid medications to resolve a secondary infection and reduce inflammation and pain. Following-up with your veterinarian is essential for treatment success and acne prevention. 

Soothe Sore Spots

While you’re treating your cat’s acne at home, you’ll want to keep them from scratching at their chin and running the risk of developing a secondary infection. That’s why it’s essential to soothe the affected areas, which may be itchy and irritated. Methods for soothing your cat’s acne include:

Holding a warm washcloth to the affected area daily to soothe inflammation and clean the area.¹Use a mild, medicated shampoo once weekly.¹

A topical treatment or gel is a great way to help clear your cat’s skin problems. Vetericyn Plus’s Antimicrobial Hydrogel is used to combat a wide range of skin conditions including bacterial and fungal infection, yeast, and viral infections. The gel formula easily adheres to your pet’s skin, delivering soothing and anti-itch effects exactly where they’re needed. It’s non-toxic so it won’t sting and isn’t dangerous if accidentally ingested.

If you ever had acne as a teenager—or as an adult—the very sight of your cat’s acne might bring back bad memories and induce empathy for your kitty. Luckily, with your veterinarian’s help, there are ways to treat feline chin acne at home effectively. With persistence and know-how, you’ll have your kitty’s skin clear in no time. 

If you find that your cat is acne-prone, continue to consult with your veterinarian to manage the symptoms as they arise, ruling out any other causes. 

Sources:

1. Chin acne feline: Update on Diagnosis and Treatments. PRO.Dermavet. Published August 10, 2025. Accessed August 27, 2025. https://pro.dermavet.com/feline-acne-diagnosis-treatment-research/
2. VIN. Feline Acne. VIN Veterinary Information Network. Accessed August 27, 2025. https://www.vin.com/members/cms/project/defaultadv1.aspx?pid=607&id=4953492
3. Veterinary Partner. Feline Acne. VIN Veterinary Partner. Accessed August 27, 2025. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=9405780
4. Schaible L. Cat Acne. PetMD. Published May 9, 2024. Accessed August 27, 2025. https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/cat-acne