Why Is My Cat's Lower Lip Swollen?
There are several reasons for a cat to have a swollen lower lip. In some cases it may be as simple as a food allergy but in other cases it can be more serious, such as a cancerous tumor. It is always important to have your cat examined by a veterinarian to determine the true cause of the swelling. This can be vital in preventing more serious conditions or infections.
Other People Are Reading
-
Other Pets
-
If you own other pets, such as multiple cats or dogs, or even a single cat and dog, it is possible that during a scuffle, your cat may have gotten injured. If you frequently leave your pets along together, your cat may receive an injury to his face through a scratch, bite or even a bump on the floor. It's best to keep pets separated if they are known for the occasional fight, even if they are only play fighting.
Allergies
-
It is not uncommon for cats to have allergies. Allergens that can affect your cat are the same allergens that can affect you or your family. Some common allergens include pollen, various molds or foods.
Food allergies are a common reason for the lower lip of a cat to become swollen. In this case, you are likely to see results if you slowly transition your cat onto a higher quality diet. Look for foods that are holistic and avoid wheat or corn products, as these are some of the more common food allergens to cats.
-
Acne
-
As strange as it may sound, cats may also develop acne. Most often the acne will develop on your cat's chin. Your cat can develop whiteheads, blackheads or even small, red bumps that may or may not be pus-filled. These can be managed through medications and the help of your veterinarian. In cases of severe acne, there may be swelling of the lower lip.
Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex
-
There are three parts of eosinophilic granuloma complex: granuloma, plaque and ulcers. The plaque form is considered can occur on the throat as well as other parts of the body. Excessive scratching to the irritated spot can cause swelling of the lower lip and face.
The ulcer form, also referred to as an indolent ulcer or a rodent ulcer, usually occurs on the upper lip, but may form on the lower lip. These ulcers can be cancerous and cause mild to severe swelling, pain and cause your cat to stop eating, lose weight and more. It's important to see a veterinarian if you see or feel lesions or lumps on your cat's face or in his mouth.
Eosinophilic granuloma directly results in a swollen lower lip or a swollen chin. However, the granuloma can also occur on the thighs, other areas of the face or even the tongue.
All three forms can occur individually for a variety of reasons such as allergies or cancer. However, it is not uncommon for all three forms to be equally present on the cat. Your veterinarian will examine your cat and possibly run tests to determine the underlying cause of the condition in order to provide you and your cat with the best solution.
Cancer
-
In rare cases, your cat may have a form of mouth cancer. The swelling may be due to tumors in the mouth or the lower lip. Additional symptoms of oral cancer in cats include lumps in and around the mouth as well as bleeding, weight loss, bad breath or mild to excessive drooling.
-
