Pus-filled Papules and Pustules on the Skin or in the Mouth in cats
Pus-filled papules and pustules on the skin or in the mouth of cats are small raised areas that contain inflammatory exudate. These Skin changes indicate an infection or inflammation and can be caused by various factors.
Can Occur with the Following Diseases:
Basics and possible causes
The skin and mucous membranes of the oral cavity are important barriers against infections and external influences. If these barriers are damaged, bacteria and other pathogens can penetrate the skin and trigger inflammatory reactions there. These reactions lead to the formation of papules and Pustules.
A common cause for the formation of pus-filled papules and Pustules is a bacterial infection caused by staphylococci or streptococci. These bacteria are often part of the normal skin flora, but can lead to an infection in the event of injuries or immunodeficiency.
Other possible causes include fungal infections, allergic reactions and parasitic infestations, such as mites. Systemic diseases that weaken the immune system can also increase susceptibility to Skin infections.
In the oral cavity, dental problems such as gingivitis or Tartar (calculus) can also promote the development of Pustules. Inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity, such as stomatitis, are also common triggers.
Typical accompanying symptoms
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Itching: Cats with pus-filled papules and Pustules may experience intense Itching, which leads to increased Scratching or Licking of the affected areas.
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Redness and Swelling: The affected skin areas are often reddened and swollen, which indicates a local inflammatory reaction.
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Hair loss: Constant Scratching and Licking can lead to local Hair loss.
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Pain: The inflamed areas can be painful, which can manifest as Sensitivity to touch.
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Bad breath: In the case of Pustules in the oral cavity, unpleasant bad breath can occur, often accompanied by difficulties in eating.
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Fever: In severe infections, the cat can develop Fever, which can manifest as a general feeling of illness.
When to visit the vet?
A visit to the vet is necessary if the cat shows signs of discomfort or Pain that go beyond mild discomfort. This is especially true if the Pustules are numerous or large, or if they are located near sensitive areas such as the eyes or genitals.
A veterinarian should be consulted immediately if there are signs of systemic disease, such as Fever or severe loss of appetite. It is also an emergency if the cat can no longer eat or drink.
If the Skin changes show no signs of improvement after 2-3 days or continue to spread, veterinary advice should also be obtained in order to rule out more serious causes.
Symptom recognition for animal owners and veterinary diagnostic procedures
Pet owners can recognize pus-filled papules and Pustules on their cat through careful observation. Characteristic signs are small, raised, often red nodules filled with a white or yellow liquid. The cat’s behavior, such as excessive Scratching or Licking, can also be an indication.
The veterinarian will carry out a thorough anamnesis and physical examination. He will inspect the Skin changes and, if necessary, take swabs or biopsies to determine the exact cause. This may include laboratory tests to identify bacterial, viral or parasitic pathogens.
Blood tests can help to identify systemic causes or concomitant diseases. In the case of oral cavity problems, a dental examination or X-rays may be necessary to rule out dental problems or bone diseases.
What can pet owners do and professional therapy options
The pet owner can help to alleviate the symptoms by keeping the affected areas clean and dry. Gently cleaning with an antiseptic agent can help prevent the spread of infection.
It is important to prevent the cat from Scratching or Licking the affected areas. A neck brace (Elizabethan collar) can be helpful here to support healing.
If an allergic reaction is suspected, it may be useful to remove potential allergens from the cat’s environment. This includes checking and adjusting feed, cleaning agents or other substances that come into contact with the cat.
A balanced diet and the provision of sufficient fresh water support the cat’s immune system and promote general health, which can accelerate healing.
The pet owner should observe the cat closely and report any changes in condition or behavior to the veterinarian in order to enable a quick adjustment of the treatment.
Are you unsure what is wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our symptom checker for more clarity.