Don’t say “zits”

Acne does occur in cats, and fairly often, but it doesn’t take quite the same form as in humans. Feline acne takes the form of blackheads on the chin and the lower lip. There can also be redness, swelling and itching involved.

Humans with acne have always been advised to keep their faces clean, and the advice applies to cats too, though it is hard to imagine any cat not keeping her chin clean. Vets have noticed that it seems more common among cats who sleep on hard surfaces or on dirt than among those who sleep on soft surfaces. Get ready for the treatment: benzoyl peroxide, which is commonly used to treat acne in humans.