Reddened Mucous Membrane in the Mouth in cats
Reddened mucous membrane in the mouth in cats refers to a visible redness of the mucous membranes in the cat’s mouth area, which may indicate inflammation or irritation.
Can Occur with the Following Diseases:
Basics and possible causes
The mucous membrane in the mouth of cats is a sensitive area that can react to various stimuli and infections. Redness in this area can have various causes, ranging from harmless to serious diseases. One of the most common causes of a reddened mucous membrane in the mouth is gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums that can be caused by plaque and tartar (calculus). The cat’s immune system reacts to the bacteria in the mouth, which leads to inflammation and redness.
Another possible cause is stomatitis, a more serious inflammation of the entire oral mucosa, which can also affect the tongue and throat. Stomatitis can be triggered by viral infections such as Feline Calicivirus or Feline Herpesvirus. Allergic reactions to feed or environmental allergens can also lead to redness of the mucous membrane in the mouth.
Traumatic injuries, such as those caused by foreign bodies or sharp feed components, are also common causes. In rare cases, a reddened mucous membrane in the mouth can be a symptom of systemic diseases such as kidney failure or diabetes. These diseases can lead to a change in the pH of the saliva, which irritates the oral mucosa.
Typical accompanying symptoms
- Loss of appetite: Cats with reddened mucous membrane in the mouth may experience pain when eating, which leads to a reduced food intake.
- Salivation: Excessive salivation is a common accompanying symptom, as the cat tries to soothe the irritated areas.
- Bad breath: An unpleasant odor from the mouth may indicate a bacterial infection or inflammation.
- Bleeding gums: Bleeding areas on the gums can occur when touched or when eating.
- Increased lip licking or licking of the mouth area: Cats try to relieve the irritation by licking the affected areas.
- Scratching or rubbing the face: This may be an indication of discomfort or pain in the mouth area.
When to visit the vet?
A visit to the veterinarian is urgently required if the redness of the mucous membrane in the mouth is accompanied by severe symptoms, such as severe loss of appetite, severe salivation, or obvious pain. If the cat shows signs of systemic diseases, such as lethargy or weight loss, a veterinarian should also be consulted as soon as possible.
Even if the redness of the mucous membrane in the mouth lasts longer than a few days or worsens, a veterinary examination is necessary. Early diagnosis can help avoid more serious complications and initiate the correct treatment.
Symptom recognition for animal owners and veterinary diagnostic procedures
It is important for the pet owner to regularly check the cat’s oral health. This means occasionally taking a look into the cat’s mouth to discover changes such as redness, swelling, or bleeding. A healthy mucous membrane in the mouth should be pale pink and evenly colored. Changes should be reported to the veterinarian.
The veterinarian will perform a thorough clinical examination to determine the cause of the redness. This includes examination of the oral cavity, teeth, and gums. If necessary, blood tests, X-rays, or a biopsy of the mucous membrane in the mouth can be performed to rule out systemic diseases or identify specific infections.
In some cases, the veterinarian may also perform special tests for viral or bacterial infections, especially if a systemic disease is suspected. The exact diagnosis will form the basis for further treatment and management of the disease.
What can pet owners do and professional therapy options
As a pet owner, you can take some measures to relieve your cat’s discomfort immediately. Be sure to give the cat soft food that is easy to chew to minimize pain when eating. Avoid hard or sharp feed that could further injure the irritated mucous membrane in the mouth.
Good dental hygiene can also help relieve the symptoms. Regular brushing of teeth with a special cat toothpaste can help reduce the formation of plaque and promote oral health. However, if your cat does not tolerate this, you should watch out for signs and seek the advice of your veterinarian.
It is important that you do not use any medications or home remedies without consulting a veterinarian, as some substances can be toxic to cats. Early diagnosis and treatment by a veterinarian is crucial to ensure the health of your cat and avoid serious complications.
Are you unsure what is wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our symptom checker for more clarity.