Mouth ulcers in cats: how to prevent and treat them?

The mucous membrane of the cat's mouth, but also the tongue and the lips, are sometimes the seat of more or less extensive wounds, also called ulcers. These oral lesions may be due to viruses such as calicivirus or physical or chemical agents. A little apart, the lip ulcer is part of the clinical picture of feline eosinophilic syndrome.

Contents of this article:
  1. How do I recognize an ulcer in my cat's mouth?
  2. What causes mouth and tongue ulcers in cats?
  3. How to treat mouth ulcers in cats?

Ulcers in the mouth or on the tongue of the cat are a fairly common pathology, but not always easy to spot by an owner.

You can be alerted by a refusal to eat despite an attraction to food, a drooling cat (hypersalivation or ptyalism) or abnormal prostration. But what does a mouth ulcer look like in cats?

How do I recognize an ulcer in my cat's mouth?

An ulcer is an erosion of the mucous membrane. It usually appears as a sunken, redder area on the cat's gums, palate or tongue. He may also bleed. The ulcer roughly corresponds to our canker sores, but it can be very extensive, especially at the lingual level. The ulcer of the tongue of the cat is likely to concern all the circumference of this one.

The ulcer is to be differentiated from gingivitis which is manifested by slightly raised inflammatory red lesions on the gums. They are generally located at the level of the necks of the teeth and associated with periodontitis and tartar.

A cat with mouth ulcers is less lively. He is reluctant to eat and may drool. You can try to examine his mouth for these erosive lesions, but be careful, this can be painful and your animal may fight back.

Ulcères de la bouche chez le chat : comment les prévenir et les soigner ?

In case of symptoms, do not hesitate to go to your veterinarian who can objectify the presence of ulcers in your cat's mouth.

What causes mouth and tongue ulcers in cats?

The causes are varied:

Cat calicivirus

Calicivirosis in cats is a viral and contagious disease caused by a calicivirus. Diagnosis is made by PCR on swabs from the oral cavity.

Symptoms of feline calicivirosis are mouth ulcers often accompanied by fever and rhinitis or conjunctivitis. There is no specific treatment for this pathology, but vaccination of kittens is recommended from the age of 8 weeks.

Domestic accidents

They mainly concern tongue ulcers in cats and follow the licking of an object that is too hot or a corrosive product. Almost the entire tongue can be affected. The cat is in great pain and stands prostrate, mouth open and tongue hanging out. He drools profusely.

Sometimes the animal has stepped on an irritating substance and it is by licking its paws to clean itself that it damages its tongue. Watch out for your curious little felines when you are tinkering or cleaning...

Finally, ulcers can be caused by injuries following the ingestion of bones, edges, pieces of wood, etc.

processionary caterpillars

Processionary caterpillars are insects responsible for serious ulcers and necrosis in the mouth when animals lick their stinging bristles.

Cats are less affected than dogs by this type of accident because they tend to touch the caterpillars with their paws first.

Some toads are also irritating, but in addition to hypersalivation, they induce general symptoms.

kidney failure in cats

At an advanced stage of kidney failure in cats, uremia (increased level of blood urea, a waste product normally eliminated by the kidneys) can lead to the formation of ulcers in the cat's oral cavity. The animal shows other clinical signs such as weight loss, anorexia and vomiting.

Special case of feline eosinophilic lip ulcer

This specific lesion affects the upper lips. Although it can be quite large, it is usually painless. Lip ulcers in cats are part of an entity called feline eosinophilic syndrome, named after a certain type of white blood cells (eosinophils). The origin of this syndrome remains poorly understood, although an allergic cause is suspected.

How to treat mouth ulcers in cats?

Treatment should be initiated in a veterinary clinic. It generally uses painkillers and antibiotics to avoid superinfections.

If the cat is unable to eat, it is possible to put an esophageal tube in it to feed it with liquid food. These probes are often well tolerated and the cat can go home with them while the erosion heals.

Feline eosinophilic lip ulcer is a separate entity that generally responds well to steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Cat tongue ulcers are often very impressive; however, with proper care, they heal quite quickly. In cases of calicivirosis or kidney failure, remission of cat mouth ulcers may be more difficult to achieve.

Isabelle Vixège Dr veterinarian

Also read: 5 tips for giving your cat a bath without being scratched!

Related Articles

  • Allylikes Spring Wear Complementary Ideas to look Fashion

    Allylikes Spring Wear Complementary Ideas to look Fashion

    GO

  • How to apply blush to change your face

    How to apply blush to change your face

    GO

  • 6 make-up brands available exclusively in Belgium

    6 make-up brands available exclusively in Belgium

    GO

  • Bic pen, Duralex glass, Laguiole knife... thirty dream objects, designed and manufactured in France

    Bic pen, Duralex glass, Laguiole knife... thirty dream objects, designed and manufactured in France

    GO