My cat's lower lip is swollen: causes and what to do
A cat's lower lip is swollen, so don't panic. In most cases, the swelling itself isn't life-threatening. However, every responsible owner should be able to recognize truly painful conditions that require immediate veterinary attention.
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Determining the causes of pathology
If possible, seek veterinary attention immediately after discovering a growth on your pet's face. Even if it's clear that the swelling is caused by a bruise or pimple, it's important to seek professional approval before starting home treatment. Sometimes, a small lump abscess may be a symptom of a serious chronic disease.
Before beginning the physical examination, the veterinarian will ask about your pet's previous illnesses, activity level, and diet. Any previous allergic reactions to medications, foods, or grooming products should also be mentioned.
Be sure to tell your doctor if your cat has been outdoors or had contact with other animals. This information can speed up the diagnosis.
After collecting the medical history, the veterinarian will begin examining the cat. The doctor will look for signs of snake, insect, or other animal bites, as well as hives and infectious diseases. An oral examination is also performed to rule out or confirm any gum problems.
In most cases, a visual examination is sufficient to determine the cause of a cat's swollen lower lip. However, if the veterinarian is unable to make a diagnosis, an ultrasound and X-ray will be performed. If a clearly defined tumor is detected, a biopsy will be performed to determine the nature of the growth.
Subcutaneous pimple
Even if your cat's lower lip is slightly swollen, it's important to consult a veterinarian. Fortunately, in most cases, this symptom indicates minor health issues that can be treated at home.
The most common cause of a tumor is a subcutaneous pimple. This skin growth typically develops in the corner of the mouth. The pimple itself doesn't cause any pain to the pet, but it can interfere with normal feeding.
The reason for the appearance acne May be:
- hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands;
- insufficient oral care of the animal;
- use of drinking bowls made of low-quality plastic;
- hormonal imbalance.
To remove a pimple, clean the chin area with antibacterial soap. Then apply an ointment containing benzoyl peroxide. To prevent the cat from licking the ointment, hold the mouth closed for at least 5 minutes. Finally, wipe the cat's lower lip with a weak chlorhexidine solution.
To prevent acne, only glass or ceramic dishes should be used for feeding the animal.
Bruises
Another cause of a cat's swollen and swollen upper or lower lip could be a hematoma. This problem is usually preceded by a fall or minor impact. Treatment involves applying cold to the bruise. However, it's important to first ensure the animal has no dislocations or jaw injuries. Active cats are more likely to suffer from such bruises. Therefore, owners of animals prone to bruises are advised to learn first aid and keep antiseptic solutions in their veterinary kit.
If your cat spends a lot of time outdoors, an insect bite can trigger swelling. The lip will swell very quickly and become itchy (and the cat may meow loudly). As a first aid measure, it's recommended to give your pet Suprastin or Loratadine. If home treatment is successful, the swelling will subside within a few hours.
Caution! Bee and wasp stings can be fatal for cats with allergies. Don't try to remove the stinger; it's best to take your pet to the vet immediately.
Allergic reactions
If your cat's lower lip is swollen and there are no bite marks, it's likely an allergic reaction. In most cases, swelling begins within minutes of exposure to the allergen. In severe cases, the entire face typically swells. However, if only one lip is swollen, antihistamines can be used to treat the problem.
However, don't delay a visit to the veterinarian: a specialist can help identify the allergen and prescribe the optimal medication if the adverse reaction reoccurs. The vet can also confirm or rule out any possible allergens. eosinophilic granuloma (an inflammatory disease with symptoms similar to common allergies). The exact causes of this pathology are unknown, but it is believed that eosinophilic granuloma is the result of a cat's hypersensitivity.
Abscess, cancer
Some growths cannot be treated at home. Any delay can cost the pet's life. A purulent abscess is a fairly common and dangerous cause of a lump on the lower lip of cats. In the early stages, the growth may be indistinguishable from a subcutaneous pimple. Moreover, an abscess can develop at the site of a previously removed pimple (especially if basic disinfection procedures were not followed).
Unlike a pimple, whose growth causes no discomfort to the animal, the development of an abscess is accompanied by obvious painful symptoms. The owner should be alert if the cat exhibits:
- the lower lip became inflamed;
- loss of appetite;
- the temperature rose;
- a dark, foul-smelling liquid (pus) began to collect in the corners of the mouth;
- a fairly hard neoplasm appeared.
Do not cut, squeeze, or puncture the abscess yourself, as this could lead to blood poisoning. Before contacting a veterinarian, all you can do is treat the lip with an antiseptic. The veterinarian will remove the growth under local anesthesia and prescribe a course of antibiotics.
The most dangerous cause of lip swelling in cats is cancer (especially squamous cell carcinoma). In its early stages, the disease may appear as a small red spot. However, if left untreated, malignant cells quickly spread throughout the jaw. Modern veterinary clinics offer surgical removal of the tumor as well as chemotherapy.
Still, don't worry too much if your cat has a swollen lower lip. In most cases, this condition isn't life-threatening. However, self-treating your pet without consulting a veterinarian can be quite dangerous. To avoid having to urgently address the negative consequences of home treatment, it's best to take your cat to a qualified specialist.
You can also ask our website's staff veterinarian a question, who will answer them as quickly as possible in the comments box below.
Read also:
- What injuries can a cat suffer from falling from a height?
- How to care for a kitten
- Why does a cat scream?
58 comments
Tatiana
Hello, could you figure out what's wrong with my cat without looking at her? It all started with a slight bald spot on her lower lip. Yesterday she woke up with a swollen, hard lip. Today, the hardness and swelling have gone down a bit, but a white pimple has appeared. She's active, hasn't lost her appetite, eats dry food well without pain, her nose is cool and wet, her mouth is clean, and her lip isn't bothering her. Can this go away on its own without doctors or medication?
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, I'm not a psychic and can't give a definitive diagnosis remotely. Even in-person appointments, several differential diagnoses are always made, and gradually, after collecting a patient's medical history and conducting additional tests, one can be selected. Often, a trial treatment is necessary. But it always begins with collecting data on the animal's life and illness:
1. Age, gender
2. lifestyle (apartment, private house)
3. Walking (yes, no, where exactly)
4. presence of other animals
5. Diet
6. Treatment for helminths
7. Flea and tick treatment (what and when was the last time!!)
8. vaccination
9. Possible contact with animals
10. When and how did the first symptoms begin?
11. Seasonal or first time?
12. What treatment did you use before and did it help?
13. Are the problems limited to skin issues? Or are there other symptoms, such as coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and so on?
14. Are there any other concomitant diseases?
15. Are there any symptoms in the owners or other animals in the house (if any)?
16. Have you used any antibiotics? Are you taking any dietary supplements, vitamins, or anything else? Have you had contact with flying insects (wasps, bees, mosquitoes)? Are there any houseplants in the house, and if so, what kind?
Diana
Hello! My two-year-old cat has a swollen lower lip. He recently developed an allergy to wet food, after which I constantly fed him dry food and pieces of fillet, and now I'm giving him a mixture of pork lung and heart, vegetables like potatoes, carrots, zucchini, and oatmeal, all ground up. The swelling appeared when he was on dry food, and I thought switching to porridge would help it go away, but it's been the same for two days now.
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! What makes you think it's an allergy? Do you have blood tests? Have allergy tests been done? Was the antihistamine therapy positive? Has an insect bite on the lip been ruled out, causing the swelling? Has an infection been ruled out? Has the cat been vaccinated against calicivirus? Has stomatitis been ruled out? Could something have punctured the lip? Or did the cat scratch it with a claw while grooming? It's necessary to see what the swelling looks like to make even a tentative diagnosis.
Anna
Hello! My cat's lower lip was swollen and red. The next day, a formation similar to a hematoma, a capsule-like, almost black color, was discovered on her lower gum.
However, the cat's behavior did not change.
Please tell me what this could be?
We can take him to the vet in a couple of days (((
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! How old is your pet? Have they had their viral vaccinations as scheduled? Does they have access to the outdoors or other animals? Are there any injuries? Could they have been injured? Is there one or more blister? Are there any changes in the paws (pads)? Does the pet have a fever? Any changes in behavior, appetite, or breathing?
Natalia
Hello. My cat's lower lip is also swollen. We don't have a vet in the area, so we don't even know what to do. She's also been pulling out a lot of hair near her tail. Maybe she damaged it when she was licking her back?
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! My cat could have chafed her lip while licking her fur for so long. You should figure out the cause of the itching. Could it be fleas? Then a flea could have bitten her lip, causing the swelling. What are you feeding her? Are you treating her for worms and skin parasites? Are you vaccinated? Is she losing hair in other areas of her body? What does her skin look like? Are there any scratches? Has she been stressed?
Anastasia
Good afternoon! My cat's lower jaw is swollen and she won't even let me touch her. What should I do?
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! Is it the jaw itself or just the lip? Is it edematous (is the skin temperature in this area the same as the rest of the animal, and the tissues "give in" and slowly straighten when pressed) or is it inflammatory (is the skin hot, tight, and painful, the animal is restless when pressed, and the indentation from the finger quickly straightens out or does not form at all)? Are there any injuries? Can the animal eat and drink independently? Are there any ulcers, pimples, or other rashes on the skin? Has the animal's body temperature been taken? Has a fracture or dislocation of the lower jaw been ruled out?
Mayan
Good afternoon! My cat gave birth 10 days ago and is now licking her kittens very thoroughly! A couple of days ago, her lower lip started swelling! Could this be because she's licking the kittens so much?
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! Yes, it's quite possible. This clinical sign was caused by severe friction. However, if your pet isn't vaccinated, carefully examine its mouth for any ulcers, spots, or blisters. Monitor your pet's temperature. If no abnormalities are detected and the swelling isn't bothering your pet, don't panic.
Inna
Hello. My cat is 8 months old and his lower lip has been swollen for 5 days now. I noticed this after I gave him grass. Now the swelling is dark in places and there are what look like white pimples.
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! How is your pet's vaccination history? Are there any other clinical signs of illness? Perhaps lethargy, refusal to eat, or a fever? Are the mucous membranes (in the mouth and conjunctiva of the eyes) discolored? Is there excessive salivation? Are there any blisters or ulcers on the oral mucosa or gums? Are there any houseplants in the house (maybe it chewed on houseplants)? Has it been hit (maybe it missed a turn or fell awkwardly, and that dark spot is a hematoma or bruise)?
Julia
Hello, my cat is not yet a year old. We noticed that his lower lip is swollen and there are white spots inside that look like pus. What could this be?
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! Is your cat vaccinated against calicivirus? Is there a yellowish tint or excessive pallor of the visible mucous membranes (oral cavity, conjunctiva)? Look in the mouth. Are there any ulcers or blisters (is the mucous membrane of the cheeks, gums, or tongue itself affected)? Are there any symptoms of a respiratory infection? Could it have licked any household chemicals or eaten a houseplant? What about body temperature (not feel the nose, but measure it rectally with a thermometer)? There are many options for differential diagnosis, but there is no medical history.
Victoria
Hello, my cat, who's about five years old, developed a slight swelling on his lower lip two days ago, along with some white bumps. I applied hydrogen peroxide, and when I checked it today, the swelling hasn't gotten any bigger, and the bumps seem to have dried up. We have another cat, who's about ten years old, and they play and fight often. Overall, he's feeling normal: he has a great appetite, plays, and has a runny nose. About three weeks ago, he wasn't feeling well: he was vomiting and not eating anything. We gave him activated charcoal, and within a day, it was gone. Could this be related? What should I do about the lip?
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! Something tells me your cats aren't vaccinated. Then the first thing to rule out is eosinophilic granuloma (calicivirus). Antivirals, immunostimulants, and a course of antibiotics are recommended. You can wipe the lip with chlorhexidine. Improve their feeding and add vitamins.
Mar
Hello. My cat has developed an inflammation on her lower jaw under her canine tooth. I think it's due to a blow/bruise that caused her upper canine tooth to penetrate soft tissue, as there are small scratches and blood there. I treated it with hydrogen peroxide. The wound is painful, and she won't let me examine her closely, but she's eating and drinking as usual. Today is the second day, and the wound has become a more crimson color. How can I help her relieve the pain, and what will help reduce the swelling besides ice? She's an indoor cat, hasn't had any allergic reactions, and I don't know her temperature.
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! Ideally, you should take your pet to a doctor to rule out impacted teeth or jaw damage. It could simply be a scratch. It could be tartar (in a dental pocket, so it's not immediately visible) or some other foreign body. In any case, antibiotics will be prescribed. Meloxicam, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) available at human pharmacies, can be given as a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. Ointments are unlikely to be effective. However, it's still advisable to examine the pet's mouth.
Anastasia
Good evening, my cat is 14 years old, she feels well, eats regularly, there is no discomfort, a week ago we found a lump on the papilla of 3-4 mm, and now on the lower lip there is a small ball with a clear liquid
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! An examination is necessary. A lump on the nipple needs to be differentiated from a neoplasm. A lump on the lip should also be examined. It could be a viral infection, an allergic reaction, an insect bite (especially if the animal hasn't been treated for fleas), or a burn. Without an in-person examination, it's impossible to make an accurate diagnosis (especially with similar symptoms of dermatological diseases). Most importantly, don't cauterize anything (with iodine, brilliant green, alcohol, celandine, or anything else). This will complicate the diagnosis and worsen the situation.
Irina
Hello! Our cat has been eating almost nothing for three days now and is acting strange, as if something is blocking her mouth. We tried looking inside her mouth, and it looks like she has no lower teeth. Her lower jaw is swollen, the tip of her tongue hangs down, and she constantly licks her face. She is 7 years old.
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! You shouldn't be looking in the mouth, but in the esophagus. You can't see that far yourself. Does your cat, by any chance, eat fish? Maybe a bone is stuck? Or did she dig up some fish or chicken bones from the trash? I once had a case where a cat swallowed a needle (she started chewing on the thread and ended up swallowing the needle), and it became lodged across her esophagus. It was only on an x-ray that they saw the foreign body. Are there any ulcers on the oral mucosa? Are there any blisters or lumps on the chin? How is her body temperature? Is it normal?
Nastya
Hello, my cat's lower lip is very swollen. The pimple itself is soft and has no odor. My cat had this a few years ago, but it quickly went away, but now it's started again. We don't go to the vet very often. What should I do? Please advise.
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! What was the diagnosis last time? Allergies or contact dermatitis (likely because her muzzle came into contact with a chemical) have been ruled out. It's important to rule out an infectious disease, such as calicivirus. Are there any ulcers on the mucous membrane of her mouth? Are her paw pads also uninfected? What are you feeding her? Have you taken her temperature? Have you tried antihistamines? What treatments have you tried?
Casper
Hello, my cat's lip is swollen. It first turned slightly red, and then a couple of days later it became even more swollen. It's been four days now, and the swelling hasn't gone away. About a year ago, we took him to the vet because a small patch of skin was bald. It turned out he had a flea allergy. Just before the redness started, I noticed some insects on him. We had him treated, but the problem with his lip persists. Please advise what to do next.
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! The easiest way is to give suprastin (1/4 tablet in the morning and the same amount in the evening). If the pain doesn't subside within the first 24 hours, it's not an allergic reaction to a flea bite. However, suprastin should be given for no more than 3 days! Is the cat vaccinated? Does it go outside? Are there any blisters on the swelling? Is it increasing in size? Are there any blisters or ulcers on the inside of the lip?
Anastasia
Hello! Our six-month-old kitten's lower lip was swollen a week ago. After reading online that it might be a bruise, we believed it based on her playful nature. However, for a week now, we haven't noticed any improvement or worsening of the condition, but the lip is still swollen. Her diet remains the same. Upon examining her mouth, we noticed a slightly swollen pink spot on the otherwise black upper lip. We've been observing this for a while now, and nothing has changed. It's either a breed abnormality or a medical condition. Please help! Thank you in advance.
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! Has the kitten been vaccinated? Have you seen a vet? Have you noticed any blisters or ulcers at the site of the swelling? Is the swelling increasing? Check for a disease called calicivirus (eosinophilic granuloma); this may be what you're dealing with. You mentioned a breed deviation, but you didn't specify the breed. Inspect the paws (pads, between the toes), parting the fur and carefully examining the skin.
Milana
Hello! I have a question. A stray cat comes to us with a swollen lower jaw. It's getting bigger and bigger. He's not eating anything. A small area just past the middle of his lip is hairless and has a bruise. It feels like someone bit him. Please tell me what to do. We live in a village and don't have a vet.
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! I need to get examined. It could be a hematoma from an injury, a dislocation/fracture/severe bruise of the jaw, or something else. Is the jaw or lower lip swollen? Are there any blisters or sores on the lip? Is he drinking water? How is he acting?
Svetlana
My cat's lower lip is swollen, but there are no changes in behavior. What could be the cause and is it dangerous for her?
Dasha is a veterinarian
Hello! There are countless possible causes (you've read the article), and it's impossible to diagnose without an examination. If your cat isn't vaccinated against infectious diseases, there's a risk that your cat has eosinophilic granuloma/calicivirus. It needs to be treated as soon as possible. It could be an allergy (to food, or perhaps to grooming products—I don't know how they feed and care for animals), a bruise (running and hitting their lip on something), or a burn (smothering a chemical).
Daniel
My cat has a tumor on her lower lip, the entire lip is white, what should I do?
Dasha is a veterinarian
Hello! Your cat needs to be examined and find out: how long ago this started, what other symptoms are present, what you're feeding them, whether they've been vaccinated, and are there any ulcers or similar white plaque in the mouth? Are there any blisters? If the cat isn't vaccinated, the first thing to rule out is eosinophilic granuloma/calicivirus. If there's similar plaque and ulcers in the mouth, it could be stomatitis. But this can only be determined in person. A diagnosis can't be made remotely.
Alena
Hello! My cat hasn't eaten for three days, her mouth is slightly open and her tongue is sticking out. Today she started snorting, as if she's choking. What could this be and what should I do?
Dasha is a veterinarian
Hello! Your pet needs an urgent checkup! A cardiac ultrasound and, if possible, an X-ray. Rule out heart problems. Blood tests for biochemistry. Also rule out lung problems. Look at the visible mucous membranes: are they a normal color or anemic or bluish?
Kate
Could the swelling be due to frequent licking of the fur and the bandage, which she wears and licks after sterilization?
Dasha is a veterinarian
Hello! How long has it been since your spay? Is there any redness? How can an animal lick the incision while wearing a bandage? If your cat still tries to get to the incision, put a collar around your cat's neck to keep it out. If you notice any blood, suspicious fluid, or pus leaking from the incision, you should see a vet immediately. Have you been advised to treat the incision at home? Do you apply any ointment?
Kate
She doesn't lick the stitches, everything is closed, we apply bandages according to the vet's instructions, ointment, etc., the stitches are removed after two days, she often licks the bandage itself and accessible fur, that is, her paws, tail, and from this she has developed swelling, it is red.
Victoria
Hello, could you please tell me if Perfect Fit kitten food is considered premium? The store said it's just as good as Proplan. Thank you in advance.
Alexander
We went to the doctor and she recommended food, Hills... And periodically you can give him cooked meat, sausage, etc. when cooking.
Dasha is a veterinarian
No! You can't feed your pet good food or supplement it with natural (but unhealthy) food. You can't feed it sausage! And if you do feed dry food, don't give your pet anything from your table, not even close. Don't mislead people.
Ainura
Hello! My cat's lower lip periodically swells. He has an appetite and there are no changes in behavior. But this happens periodically. I apply chlorhexidine to the swollen lip. What could this be and what should I do?
The first time I was in the hospital with this symptom, the doctor said it was an allergic reaction. But I have my doubts.
Dasha is a veterinarian
Hello! Have you noticed how often this symptom appears? Could it be related to a particular food? Maybe after flea or worm treatment? Maybe to the shampoo? Think about it. If it's happening now, you might want to take your pet to the vet and have a complete blood count (an increase in blood count will help determine whether the animal is having an allergic reaction). Are there any blisters on the lip? What's their body temperature?
Ainura
The food is the same - Proplan. There are bubbles.
Ainura
I haven't measured her body temperature. She's on the same food—Purina Proplan. She probably takes it once a month. But there are blisters. Are you suggesting a burn of some kind?
Arthur
A couple of hours ago, everything was fine with the cat, now there is a growth on the lower jaw (right under the mouth), the growth itself is hard, the cat is completely indoors... his appetite has not disappeared, he behaves as usual
Dasha is a veterinarian
Hello! Your pet should be examined by a veterinarian. Based on the examination and additional tests (if necessary), an accurate diagnosis can be made and a treatment plan prescribed. Anything from an injury to a developing infectious disease (for example, eosinophilic granuloma, which is characterized by the formation of lesions on the lower lip/jaw) can be suspected. Observe your pet's behavior and well-being and take it to a veterinarian as soon as possible, as, unfortunately, it is impossible to give a definitive diagnosis based on your description and the inability to hold the animal in your hands.
Anastasia
Hello, my cat's lower lip is swollen. She kept clinging to her collar while bathing, maybe that's why.
Dasha is a veterinarian
Hello! This could be the reason. Someone may have bitten her, she may have bitten her, there may be prickly flowers in the house, or she may have an allergy to the collar (especially if it's a flea collar). She may have been running, slipped, fallen, and hurt herself. There are a multitude of possible causes. Observe your pet to see if the swelling goes down. You can also inspect her mouth for ulcers. Check the inside of her lip for any scratches. If everything is normal, wait for the swelling to go down.
Anya
Hello. My cat's lower lip is swollen. It was very swollen, but then it went down a bit. There are also black spots on the lip and in the corners of the mouth. The swelling hasn't gone down for a week. There's some blood coming out. What should I do?
Dasha is a veterinarian
Hello! Why is her lip swollen? Did she hit herself? Did she bite herself? Or did she get into a fight with someone? Are the blackheads pigmentation on her lips (have they always been there or are they just appearing)? I suspect the animal has a severe bruise due to an injury (slipping on tile/linoleum/laminate while running), falling off a couch or chair, misjudging a turn and crashing into a door/wall at full speed, or someone or a family member hit the animal (in which case we need to rule out cracks or damage to the jaw bones). There's nothing you can do after a week (if it's just a bruise); you'll have to wait.
Anna
There were no blackheads before. She does bump into things sometimes when she runs, but that's very rare. The blood stain appeared recently.
Dasha is a veterinarian
A blood leak is always caused by an injury (a blood vessel didn't just burst). You can't always see your pet. Perhaps it got carried away while you were away, got carried away, and hit itself. Take it to the vet for an examination, and based on the results of an in-person examination, they can make a preliminary and final diagnosis. If it's just a bruise, then after so much time, there's no point in applying cold to reduce swelling. A severe hematoma (bruise) may be the reason for the remaining swelling. But this needs to be palpated and observed.
Alet
My kitten's lower lip is swollen. I don't know what's wrong with it, but it's been like this for 8 days. Could it be a bruise?
Dasha is a veterinarian
Hello! Yes, that's possible. But eight days is a bit long for a simple bruise. The swelling should have gone down by now in a young, growing child. Should I get examined to rule out a more serious condition? Is the jaw function impaired? Is he eating and drinking normally? Is he constantly drooling? What caused this swelling?
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