Cat acne is a relatively uncommon occurrence, but if you happen to discover Maine Coon acne on your beloved cat, you aren’t the first pet owner to be concerned.
Maine Coon acne is not usually serious, but should be treated immediately to avoid infection and bleeding. Acne in cats is caused by excessive production of keratin in a cat’s hair follicles. Often caused by environmental factors, poor grooming, or stress. Owners should treat underlying environmental causes first, to tackle cat acne issues.
Cat acne may be difficult to identify at first, but if you notice scabs or black marks on your cat’s skin (particularly on its chin), chances are your cat is suffering from acne.
Thankfully, this problem is rarely severe and is often easy to treat.
Feline acne is not usually a severe problem, but it definitely isn’t something you should ignore. Read on to find out exactly how you can treat acne in your Maine Coon.
What Is Maine Coon Acne?
Acne in cats is also known as:
- Feline chin acne
- Cat Chin Acne
- Chin Folliculitis
The condition earned its namesake because, in nearly every case, cat acne appears on the chin. Acne in cats, however, is very different from acne in humans.
While research has improved over the years, there is still a lot we don’t know about cat acne.
According to cat specialists, what we do know is that cat acne occurs when hair follicles become blocked by excessive amounts of keratin and sebum.
All cats secrete keratin and sebum from their skin glands, which helps keep their coats shiny and their skin soft and hydrated.
If a cat produces an excess amount of these oils, however, it can lead to acne (source 1).
Symptoms of Maine Coon Acne
There are a few symptoms of cat acne that you can look for:
- Blackheads and whiteheads
- Dark flecks of dirt
- Acne on cat’s chin
- Yellowish fur
- Greasy Fur
Take a look at the table below to get a clearer insight into these symptoms:
| Cat Acne Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Blackheads and Whiteheads | If your Maine Coon has acne, it will usually appear in the form of blackheads and whiteheads, just like in humans. |
| Dark flecks of dirt | If your Maine Coon has a a mild case of acne, it may be harder to tell. At first, the acne may just look l ike dark flecks of dirt. |
| Acne on cat’s chin | In nearly all cases, cats experience acne on their chin, as well as on the upper and lower lips, although the exact reason why is unknown. However, it is possible for acne to appear in any other part of the body. |
| Yellowish Fur | If your cat has a light coat color, you may find that the fur on your cat’s chin or the affected area appears yellowish. |
| Greasy Fur | Cats suffering from acne may also have greasy fur, likely caused by the excess production of keratin and sebum. |
If your Maine Coon cat is suffering from a more severe case of cat acne, the following symptoms are likely to occur:
- Thickened skin
- Swollen skin
- Scarred skin
These symptoms occur from repeated bouts of acne or secondary infections.
How Long Does Feline Acne Last?
If left untreated, cat acne can last for months or even longer before finally subsiding. Some cats may experience acne breakouts that seem to go away for a while before returning in full force.
If a cat has acne though, it is important to remember that cat acne is usually caused by other environmental factors.
Owners must therefore make great efforts to treat the root causes of the issue.
Whilst Maine Coon acne might be a less serious issue, owners should make sure they are aware of the more common Maine Coon health problems, as some are life-threatening for your feline friend.
Click here to read my article top 7 Maine Coon health problems.
Causes of Maine Coon Acne
There are many possible factors that can cause acne in cats, including:
- Age
- Reaction to chemicals
- Allergies
- Dirty Water
- Plastic Food Dishes
- Underlying Illness
- Stress
Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors below.
Age
Senior cats are more likely to suffer from acne than younger cats, often as a result of poor grooming habits.
Cats between the ages of two and four may also be more likely to experience acne due to hormonal changes.
Owners suspecting grooming issues to be the cause should make sure they read my article ‘Maine Coon Grooming Tips You Need To Know‘.
Discover which are my favorite Maine Coon brushes, by clicking on the link below:
Reaction To Chemicals
Some cats may be sensitive to certain chemicals present in shampoos or household cleaners, and can develop acne as a reaction.
Keep a close eye on which cleaners and other chemicals you use, and make sure they are all kept out of reach of your cat!
If you are interested in learning about foods not to feed a Maine Coon cat, click here to read my article.
Allergies
Cats with food sensitivities can also suffer from acne as a reaction. If you suspect your cat is suffering from food allergies, you should talk with your vet about changing your cat’s diet.
There are more Maine Coon allergies than you might realize.
Take a look at this article I wrote on the 12 most common Maine Coon allergies.
For more information about the best Maine Coon cat food, take a look at my article ‘Maine Coon Dietary Needs‘.
Dirty Water
If your cat’s water is dirty, it can increase their exposure to bacteria and result in chin acne.
It is wise therefore to keep your cat’s water bowl clean and use a cat water fountain like this one sold on Amazon, to prevent the water become stagnant.
Cat water fountains are also a great addition to your home as they keep your treasured cat’s water fresh and moving.
Plastic Food Dishes
Plastic food dishes have been associated with increased acne in cats.
This is because plastic is a porous material that can be easily cracked and scratched.
As a result, bacteria thrive in plastic food dishes, increasing the chances of causing acne on your cat.
This is one of my favorite cat feeding bowls and is currently at a great price over on Amazon. Click the link to see current pricing.
For us, this particular bowl has been a godsend because our male Maine Coon cat has suffered from Maine Coon cat acne.
Underlying Illness
Certain underlying diseases can result in feline acne. Furthermore, some cats with compromised immune systems may also develop chronic acne.
These are the Top 7 Maine Coon Cat Health Problems. Make sure you know how to recognize them all, by reading my article.
Stress
Stress is another possible factor in cat acne.
A great way to help ease your Maine Coons stress is by using some of these cat pheromone plugins, which can be picked up cheaply from Amazon.
Although cat calming diffusers might sound like a gimmick (trust me, I used to think this too!!), you will no doubt be just as surprised as I was, when you discover they actually work!!
Another great cat calming diffuser is this one (can be purchased from Amazon). It offers great value and is highly effective in calming a stressed Maine Coon.
Is Feline Acne Contagious?
Feline acne itself is not contagious to other cats or humans.
However, because feline acne is usually caused by an underlying environmental condition, it’s common for multiple cats living in a shared space to break out in acne at the same time (source 1).
If one cat’s acne leads to a secondary infection, however, that can become contagious to other cats.
Because of this, it’s important to treat cat acne as soon as you can.
Treating Maine Coon Acne
While feline acne is not serious, it can lead to secondary infections, and it is best that feline acne is treated as quickly as possible.
When treating cat acne, you should never use human acne treatment products.
Here are five methods for treating Maine Coon acne, correctly:
1. Coconut oil for cat acne
Coconut oil is one natural remedy that can treat milder acne breakouts. This is a good remedy to try, but if the problem persists, it may be time to turn to prescription medication.
Why not start the process with this highly-rated coconut oil from Amazon, and see how you go!
2. Witch hazel for cat acne
Like coconut oil, witch hazel is another natural remedy that can be used to treat your cat’s acne. Simply dab a little bit of witch hazel on a cotton ball and swab the affected area.
This can help treat existing breakouts, and its astringent properties can also prevent breakouts in the future.
3. Cat acne treatment benzoyl peroxide
You can treat your cat with shampoos and gels that use benzoyl peroxide, which can reduce the plugging of your cat’s follicles.
However, keep in mind that some cats can be sensitive to this ingredient, so if you notice any irritation, you should stop using it immediately.
4. Better Hygiene
Your cat may be suffering from acne as a result of poor hygiene.
If this is the case, better grooming and hygiene can help reduce breakouts.
Trimming matted fur around your cat’s face and cleaning any wrinkles or skin folds can also help prevent and treat acne.
5. Alter Your Cat’s Environment
Consider replacing any plastic food and water dishes with ceramic or steel.
If you suspect your cat may be suffering from food allergies or sensitivities, consider discussing this with your veterinarian.
If you think your cat may be experiencing acne as a result of stress, try to monitor your cat’s environment more closely and reduce possible stressors.
Stud Tail Maine Coon
There is another condition related to feline acne known as “stud tail.”
This condition generally occurs in unneutered male cats, but it can still occur regardless of gender or whether or not your cat has been fixed.
If you are not too sure when to neuter your kitten, make sure you take a look at my article which details the best age to neuter your kitten.
One cat specialist states that stud tail is a chronic skin condition that is known medically as supracaudal gland hyperplasia or tail gland hyperplasia.
Stud tail occurs when a cat’s glands near the base of the tail secrete too much sebum, which can result in greasy skin and fur.
It can also cause matting and crusting, which can be incredibly uncomfortable for your cat.
If you suspect your cat is suffering from stud tail, you should seek veterinary treatment.
Most vets will advise topical treatments or shampoos.
If your cat is suffering from secondary infections as a result of the condition, the vet may also prescribe antibiotics or special medications.
If your cat is male and unneutered, getting your cat fixed can prevent stud tail from occurring in the future.
Conclusion
Many owners are surprised to learn that cat acne is something their beloved pet can suffer from.
Thankfully, feline acne is easy to treat, and it is rarely serious.
If your cat’s acne is mild, there are many home remedies you can use to manage the problem.
Overall, Maine Coon acne is not something to worry about, but it should be treated as quickly as possible to keep your cat happy and healthy.
Related Questions
Popping Cat Acne
While it may be tempting to pop your cat’s pimples, you should not mess with your cat’s acne. Popping your cat’s acne will likely result in a secondary bacterial infection, which can become serious.
My Cat Has Black Stuff on His Chin
If your cat has black stuff on his chin, they are most likely suffering from acne, which most commonly occurs on a cat’s chin. It may not look like human acne, and often resembles flecks of dirt.