Smudge update

Just an update on the condition of smudge. Glad to say he is much better now, phew !
He’s almost back to his normal cheeky self. Poor little chap had feline acne. This is quite a common condition and fairly easy to treat. I must take some responsibility for this so, in order to make some form of recompense for my neglect, what follows is a brief insight on ways to prevent this condition.

Feline Acne

Feline acne generally occurs around the mouth. It is believed that bacteria from food and milk may accumulate around this area. Plastic food dishes have been found to be a major factor in causing this condition. To prevent an outbreak it is simply a matter of changing from plastic to either ceramic, stainless steel or glass dishes. Unfortunately I had plastic dishes, needless to say these have now been changed !

It is important to always keep your food dishes clean.

Cats can also get acne though one or more of following:

• Poor diet. We should always ensure that our cats get a healthy and well balanced diet, one suited to a cat. I say this because I know of some (if you read this, you know who you are!) who feed their cats more or less what they eat, and that includes curry. Wrong, wrong, wrong !
  

• During spring and autumn a cat sheds. Part of a cats natural cleansing process this is a common time for an outbreak, try to keep the area around the mouth clean during this period.
  

• As an allergic reaction to something. Try to find out what causes the problem then keep it away from your cat.

There are many products that can help to keep the area around the chin and lips clean such as antibacterial soaps and creams. Do not try to use the same treatments as those used on humans. Cats need specialist products uniquely suited to them. However well intentioned, administering treatments used on humans could lead to complications.

Consult your vet for advise on suitable products.

Remember prevention is better than cure.

It’s a lesson that even a massive cat lover like myself has had to learn the hard way. Fortunately a course of antibiotics has put smudgie back on track. But a big slap on the wrist for me for putting the little chap through it!

Other underlying factors may also contribute to this condition, so it is most important to take your cat to the vet as soon as an outbreak occurs.

p.s. Sorry Smudge !!