Mouth Ulcers in Cats

Mouth inflammation and ulcers in cats can occur for a number of reasons. Something as simple a plaque buildup on the teeth to feline immunodeficiency virus can cause ulcers. Mouth ulcers are small, open sores in the mouth that can cause bleeding and pain, especially if left untreated. Ulcers can develop on the back of the throat, gums, tongue or lips, which may prevent the cat from opening their mouth. If mouth ulcers are suspected in your cat, you need to contact the vet immediately as the ulcers is not the disease but rather they are a symptom of an underlying cause. 

Check for ulcer symptoms by looking into the open mouth. If ulcers are present you will see small to medium round or oblong wounds that may or may not bleed. Bad breath, swollen gums, excessive drooling and loss of appetite due to painful eating can all be signs of ulcers. 

When you take your cat to the vet, your vet will do an oral exam. Make sure you let your vet know other symptoms that may be occurring in your cat as well so a proper diagnosis can be made. Your vet will probably take some blood work for further diagnosis. Once the underlying cause of the ulcers is discovered, treatment can be administered accordingly. Once the underlying cause is treated, the ulcers should diminish. 

One cause of ulcers can be calcicivirus. This is in essence the cat flu. Upper respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, nasal discharge, rhinitis and mouth ulcers is an indication of calcicivirus. Treatment for calcicivirus is to boost your cat’s immune response. Antibiotics may be issued to treat a bacterial infection and fluids may be given to prevent dehydration. Once the calcicivirus is under control, the mouth ulcers will usually subside. 

Feline herpes is a common viral infection which causes upper respiratory symptoms and oral ulcerations. Treatment is supportive care as keeping the eyes and nose clear of discharge, fluids to treat dehydration, nutritional support, antiviral medications. This can be diagnosed with blood work. 

Uremic Poisoning occurs when you cats kidneys are not functioning properly. Uremic poisoning can occur due to urinary blockage, drugs, shock, bladder rupture but most often is due to the kidneys becoming less efficient. Dietary management is important in uremic poisoning. Once the problem with the kidneys is under control, the ulcers should subside. 

Oral cancer is a fast-growing cancer that can cause mouth ulcers along with bad breath and weight loss. Treatment would be given to treat the cancer and surgery might be needed. Oral cancer is a rapid cancer so it is important to have your cat checked if ulcers are found. 

Rodent ulcers is an inflammatory disease. Most rodent ulcers occur on the lip. Rodent ulcers is a term from old days and is actually caused by an allergic reaction to food or flea bites. Treatment can be a diligent flea control and a change in the diet. Steroids can reduce inflammation. 

Above are just a few of the possible underlying causes for ulcers in your cat’s mouth. It is important to know the normal behaviors of your cat so when something is out of the ordinary you are able to address things quicker and get help for your cat sooner.