https://vetericyn.com/blog/feline-acne-vs-flea-dirt-whats-the-difference/#:~:text=Feline%20acne%20and%20flea%20dirt%20have%20one%20thing%20in%20common,present%20as%20small%2C%20black%20specks.&text=Although%20the%20reasons%20for%20feline,Stress
Feline Acne vs Flea Dirt: What’s the Difference?
February 22, 2020Cats, Pets
Your kitty loves to have his chin rubbed, and one day—while he’s sidling up next to you—you notice small black spots on his face. As you give him a scratch, you realize that the small, round spots don’t come off right away. You start to wonder…
Does your cat have acne?
It’s not just teenagers who struggle with bad skin: cats can get acne, too. However, if you notice spots on your feline’s fur coat, there’s a chance that it’s not acne, but flea dirt.
Both feline acne and flea dirt can be easily treated. Knowing the difference between the two is the first step in diagnosing your cat’s skin problems and seeking appropriate treatment. This guide explains the difference.
Feline Acne vs Flea Dirt
Feline acne and flea dirt have one thing in common: they both present as small, black specks. However, they are symptoms of two very different conditions.
Although the reasons for feline acne can vary between cats, it’s a skin condition that affects many cats, often in response to:
Environmental allergens and irritants
Stress
Bacteria
Flea dirt, which is made up of small specs of blood that fleas have sucked out of your cat, on the other hand, has one explanation: your cat has fleas. Either they’ve been in (or still are in) your cat’s fur.
The first step in identifying which ailment your kitty is suffering from involves knowing where to look.
BRUSH FROM CHIN TO TAIL
Most cats love a proper brushing—or if not, a good pet with a brush glove. Keeping your eyes on your cat’s coat can help alert you to any cat skin issues they may be experiencing. As you know, your feline friend is great at hiding pain and discomfort, so it’s worth the effort to look.
As you brush, keep a lookout for any black spots. Cat acne can present as:
Small black dots between the hair follicles
Spots on the chin (A chin that looks dirty)
Occasionally, larger white or red pustules that look like zits
While cat acne is often visible on the face, flea dirt has a different presentation. It appears as: