Plastic food bowls can cause cats to develop ‘feline acne’

Question: My sister-inlaw has a 14-year-old cat who has developed what her vet calls “feline acne.” He has black stuff under his chin.

Her vet gave her medication for it, but apparently this whole situation is so offensive that the cat refuses to drink water anymore (and he always has). My take is that whatever this problem is, it must smell bad to the cat, and leads him to avoid the water dish.

When I asked my vet about it, he suggested some topical medication (I’ve forgotten what it was). Her vet suggested salting his food to make him thirsty. I don’t think so! My vet said some cats are like camels and can go forever without drinking.

Any advice? — E.J., Sykesville, Maryland

Answer: Feline acne is an inflammation of the skin glands that is not uncommon in cats. In some cases, it seems to be triggered by drinking from plastic bowls, because the condition improves when cats are given ceramic or stainless steel water containers.

Some of the ointments used to treat this condition could result in a cat not wanting to drink. So add some water to the cat’s food. Cats are not like camels in the sense that they can do without water for an extended period of time. Many cats who drink insufficient amounts of water will become ill, and may die. What the veterinarian should have said is that cats have a poor thirst regulatory mechanism — not an ability to survive dehydration.

So be sure your sisterin-law is not using a plastic water bowl, and that she cleans her cat’s chin three times daily with a disposable wipe impregnated with tea tree oil, lavender, aloe vera, or any natural, soothing herbal ingredients with anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.