Why Is My Cat’s Bottom Lip Swollen? 9 Likely Reasons
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Sometimes, we can easily understand why our cat might have a swollen bottom lip. Maybe they had an accident and you saw that their bottom lip was compromised with your own eyes. However, most of the time, it is not obvious why a cat’s bottom lip looks swollen. There happen to be several reasons why your cat’s bottom lip might be swollen. Let’s take a look at 9 of the likely reasons right here!
The 9 Reasons Your Cat’s Bottom Lip is Swollen
1. Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex (EGC)
EGC is an umbrella term for types of skin lesions in cats that are thought to be caused by an allergic reaction. Some studies suggest that the condition is genetically passed down through generations. Lesions most commonly appear on a cat’s upper and/or lower lip. These lesions can range in size from something like a small pimple that’s not easily noticed to large ulcers that disfigure the lip and may even cause bleeding.
Lesions can also develop inside the mouth, on the hind legs, and on the stomach. A veterinarian can run some tests to diagnose EGC and determine whether an underlying cause exists. If so, that cause must be treated to manage the EGC. The most common treatment for EGC is corticosteroids and flea and insect control, as flea and insect bites can exacerbate the problem.
2. Pemphigus
This is an autoimmune disease that’s made up of a group of skin disorders affecting areas such as the lips, eyelids, and nostrils. Like EGC, this type of disorder results in the development of crusty, pus-filled cysts which can make the lips look swollen. These cyst-like lesions can also grow on the anus and between the toes too, which is extremely painful for cats.
A skin biopsy is typically completed to diagnose pemphigus. Many times, this can be done under local anesthesia. Treatment is usually a type of immunosuppression protocol.
3. Oral Cavity Tumors
Oral cavity tumors are one of the most common types of cancer that is diagnosed in cats. If an oral cavity tumor develops, it could result in signs such as bad breath, disinterest in eating, and swelling of the lips and gums. Tooth loss may also take place. It is believed that these tumors develop as the result of carcinogens that are floating around in the environment, like tobacco smoke.
Sadly, many times, an oral cavity tumor is not diagnosed until the tumor is too large to surgically remove. Therefore, treatment options are limited to chemotherapy and radiation. This is why it is so important to make dental care a priority for your feline family member. Regular brushing and the offering of dental treats are highly recommended.
4. Dental Disease
An extremely common reason why cats get swollen bottom lips is dental disease. When the gums are infected and severely inflamed, it can cause swelling in the lower lip (and the upper one, for that matter). This problem is more prevalent in older cats. Multiple types of dental problems can cause lip swelling including gingivitis and tooth resorption.
The best way to avoid this problem is to train your kitty to let you brush their teeth multiple times each week and to invest in professional dental care for them. The diagnosis of dental disease may require sedation so that your vet can complete a thorough examination of the gums and teeth.
5. Bacterial Skin Infections
If the skin is exposed to dangerous bacteria, the bacteria can embed into the skin and cause an infection. A common symptom of skin infection is swelling. So, if your cat gets an infection in their lower lip, that lip is likely to start swelling up. Bacterial skin infections are most common in cats that spend time outdoors, but even indoor cats are susceptible. Luckily, these infections can usually be cleared up quickly with antibiotics.
6. Acne
Believe it or not, cats can get acne too. If they end up with a pimple on their lower lip, the lip might look swollen until the pimple subsides. Sometimes, acne can be related to allergy problems, but more often, it is simply due to dirt plugging the skin up.
It could be that food has built up on the chin or that your cat likes to be naughty and get into the garbage. Keeping their face and lips clean will help minimize the chance that acne will develop and therefore keep the lips from getting swollen.
7. Dirty Food & Water Bowls
If you use plastic dishes to feed and water your cat, it could be a cause of lip swelling. This is because plastic dishes get small scratches and dings in them which can easily harbor harmful bacteria. That bacteria can be transferred to your cat’s face and lips and create infections and swelling.
To avoid this problem, it is important to wash your cat’s dishes several times a week, if not daily. If they’re dishwasher-safe, just throw them in the dishwasher with all of your household dishes.
8. Toxin Exposure
Some toxins that your cat comes into contact with may result in the development of a swollen lower lip. One of the biggest culprits of toxin exposure comes from houseplants that are from the Araceae family, like the Pothos plant. Some compounds in these plants are toxic to cats and can cause a cat’s lower lip to swell up and result in an upset GI system. Luckily, there are plenty of houseplants to choose from that do not belong to the Araceae family.
9. Injuries
Even a small scratch on your cat’s lower lip can cause swelling. They could get scratched while they play or explore right in the comfort of their own home. Accidentally getting smacked in the face with a foot or door can cause swelling too.
Any kind of impact or injury to the lip can cause a swollen look that could be minor or serious, depending on the circumstances. If the swelling does not go away within a day or two, it’s a good idea to consult a veterinarian to ensure that an infection has not taken hold.
Final Thoughts
There are several reasons why your cat’s lower lip is swollen. Some are easy to determine, while others might require some investigation. If you notice that your cat’s lower lip is swollen, give it a day or two to clear up. If that does not happen, it’s time to start looking for some answers as to the cause so that the cause can be addressed.
Featured Image Credit: M. Sam, Shutterstock
