If you notice your cat’s bottom lip is swollen, that’s a sign that something isn’t quite right. A puffy lip could mean anything from a mild irritation to a more serious health problem.
Because a swollen lip can signal a larger issue, it’s always best to check with your vet to get an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment plan.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the common causes, symptoms to watch for, how a vet will diagnose the problem, and the treatment options available when your cat has a swollen bottom lip.
Common Causes of Swollen Lips in Cats
A puffy pout isn’t cute when it comes to cats. Here are some of the most common reasons why your cat might have a swollen lip:
Injuries and Trauma
Like people, cats can injure their lips in a variety of ways. They might bump into something, get a little too rough during playtime, or even suffer burns.
Electrical burns can happen if a cat chews on a power cord. If your cat has a swollen lip, switch to a wet or liquid diet to keep from irritating it further and make sure all power cords are out of reach.
Allergies and Irritants
Allergies are a frequent cause of swelling in cats. Food allergies, especially to proteins like chicken, beef, or pork, can trigger swelling in the face and mouth. Contact allergies to plastic food bowls, toys, or something in the environment can also be to blame.
Insect bites and stings can cause localized swelling, and toxins from plants or other substances can lead to lip swelling.
Keep an eye on your cat for other signs of illness, like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, which could point to poisoning.
Dental Issues and Infections
Dental infections and abscesses can cause swelling that extends to the lips, and periodontal disease may contribute to lip swelling.
However, Zac Pilossoph, DVM, a veterinary advisor at Healthy Paws Pet Insurance, notes that it’s rare for dental disease to cause lip swelling directly.
Poor dental hygiene and a lack of professional teeth cleanings can make any dental problems worse.
Feline Acne
Yes, cats can get acne! Feline acne can cause inflammation and swelling of the lips. This condition is often related to bacteria in dirty food and water bowls, so wash your pet bowls regularly to prevent bacterial buildup.
Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex (EGC) and Lip Granulomas
Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex is a set of inflammatory skin conditions that can affect cats. One way EGC shows up is in the form of rodent ulcers or indolent ulcers.
Rodent ulcers usually look like reddish, concave sores, and they’re often found on the upper lip.
Underlying allergies, food sensitivities, and irritants in the environment are often the cause of EGC.
To prevent EGC, you might consider giving your cat flea-prevention medication and removing any allergens from your cat’s environment.
Lip Granulomas
Lip granulomas look like firm, raised swellings, and they’re usually found on the lower lip. They’re another type of EGC, and they should be diagnosed by a vet.
Treatment often involves managing any underlying allergies and giving your cat immunosuppressant medications, such as corticosteroids or cyclosporine (Atopica®).
Tumors and Cancer
The risk of tumors
A swollen lip in a cat could be a sign of an oral or skin tumor. These can range from benign growths that don’t spread to cancerous processes that can become life-threatening.
If a cancerous tumor is the cause of your cat’s swollen lip, early detection will be key to effective treatment.
It’s worth noting that cats living in a smoker’s home are much more likely to develop mouth cancer. Studies show they’re two to three times more likely to get mouth cancer than cats who live in smoke-free homes.
Diagnosis and treatment
If your vet suspects a tumor, they’ll likely perform a thorough examination and take a biopsy for further analysis.
Treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the tumor, but could include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
Even after treatment, it’s crucial to monitor your cat closely for any signs of the tumor returning.
Diagnosis and veterinary care
If you’ve noticed your cat has a swollen bottom lip, it’s essential to seek professional veterinary care. It can be difficult to diagnose the cause at home, and a veterinarian can determine the underlying issue and recommend the right treatment.
To find out what’s going on, your vet may perform diagnostic procedures like skin cytology, skin scrapings, biopsies, and dental X-rays. In some cases, they may also need to conduct additional tests, such as pulse oximetry and electrocardiograms.
It’s especially important to seek immediate veterinary attention if your cat is having difficulty breathing or eating. Recurring or persistent swelling also warrants prompt veterinary care. Quick action will help ensure your feline friend gets the care they need to feel better as soon as possible.
Treatment Options and Recovery
Treatment for a swollen bottom lip in cats depends entirely on the cause. Some possible treatments are:
- Topical antibiotics
- Oral steroids
- Anti-parasitic medications
- Dental surgery
- Chemotherapy
How long it takes your cat to recover also hinges on the diagnosis. Some conditions will need ongoing monitoring and care to keep your kitty happy and healthy.
In Closing
A cat’s swollen lip can point to several underlying problems, so it’s important to pay attention and seek veterinary care.
You can prevent many of the issues that cause lip swelling by keeping your cat’s environment clean and safe, tending to their dental hygiene, and watching out for any changes in their face or behavior.