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Scratching the Mouth in cats

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 06.11.2025

The symptom “Scratching the mouth” in cats describes the behavior where a cat repeatedly uses its paws to scratch around its mouth. This behavior can indicate a variety of health problems or discomfort.

Can Occur with the Following Diseases:

Basics and possible causes

Cats scratch their mouths for various reasons. One of the most common causes is itching, which can be caused by infections, allergies, or parasites. Itching occurs when the nerve endings in the skin are stimulated, causing the cat to try to relieve it by scratching.

Another possible cause is dental disease. Problems with the teeth or gums, such as tartar (calculus), gingivitis, or decayed teeth, can cause pain and discomfort, which cause the cat to scratch in the mouth area.

Parasites such as fleas and mites are also common triggers. These small invaders can cause severe itching and discomfort, especially if they have settled near the mouth. Ear mites, for example, can migrate from the ears to the face and cause problems there.

Allergies, whether from food, environmental factors, or chemical substances, can also lead to irritation and itching. An allergic reaction can cause inflammatory conditions that exacerbate scratching.

In some cases, a foreign object may get stuck in the mouth or between the teeth and cause discomfort. This can be anything from a small piece of wood to a hairball or another foreign object that the cat has accidentally ingested.

Finally, behavioral disorders or stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. can also lead to excessive scratching. In such cases, it is often a type of compensatory behavior that the cat exhibits to cope with stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. or boredom.

Typical accompanying symptoms

Increased salivation: Cats that scratch their mouths may also drool excessively. This can be an indicationIndication refers to a valid reason or rationale for using a specific treatment, medication, or medical procedure. It is based on the diagnosis and the patient's clinical condition. of pain or discomfort in the mouth area.
Redness or swelling: Visible redness or swelling around the mouth may indicate an inflammatory condition or infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..
Bleeding gums: Bleeding gums, especially after eating or scratching, can indicate dental problems or gum disease.
Loss of appetite: Pain or discomfort in the mouth can cause the cat to eat less or refuse to eat altogether.
Behavioral changes: Cats may become more irritable or withdrawn if they have pain or discomfort in the mouth area.
Bad breath: A strong, unpleasant odor from the mouth may indicate dental problems or infections.

When to visit the vet?

It is important to see a veterinarian if scratching the mouth is persistentPersistent means lasting or continuing for an extended period. In veterinary medicine, it can refer to chronic diseases or symptoms that do not subside. or accompanied by other worrying symptoms. If the scratching leads to injuries or bleeding, a veterinarian should also be consulted immediately. Another sign that a visit to the veterinarian is necessary is behavioral changes, such as loss of appetite or withdrawal.

If the cat shows signs of pain, such as teeth grinding, crying, or avoidance of touch in the face, this should be considered an emergency. Rapid action is also required if a foreign object is suspected in the mouth or between the teeth.

If an allergic reaction is suspected, it is important to identify and eliminate the triggerA trigger is a stimulus that elicits a specific reaction or state. In veterinary medicine, this can refer to emotional responses, such as fear or aggression, or medical conditions, such as seizures in dogs and cats.. In such cases, the veterinarian can help determine the cause and take appropriate measures.

Symptom recognition for animal owners and veterinary diagnostic procedures

It is important for the pet owner to pay attention to changes in the cat’s behavior. Regular observations of eating habits, oralOral means "through the mouth" and refers to the intake of food, medication, or other substances through the mouth. In veterinary medicine, many treatments are administered orally. hygiene, and general well-being can help to identify problems early. If scratching the mouth is noticed, the pet owner should check whether there are visible signs of redness, swelling, or injuries.

The veterinarian will perform a thorough clinical examination and may also order special examinations such as a dental examination, X-rays, or blood tests to identify the cause of the problem. If a parasiticParasitic refers to diseases or conditions caused by parasites. Parasitic infections can affect the digestive tract, skin, and other organ systems. infestation is suspected, a skin or ear examination may be necessary.

If an allergyAn allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a normally harmless substance, the allergen. The reaction can include symptoms such as skin rash, itching, sneezing, respiratory distress, or in severe cases, anaphylactic shock. is suspected, the veterinarian may recommend an eliminationElimination refers to the process by which waste products and toxins are removed from the body. This includes excretion via the kidneys (urine), intestines (stool), lungs (breath), and skin. diet or skin tests to identify the triggerA trigger is a stimulus that elicits a specific reaction or state. In veterinary medicine, this can refer to emotional responses, such as fear or aggression, or medical conditions, such as seizures in dogs and cats.. Sometimes a biopsyA biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small amount of tissue is removed from the body to be examined under a microscope for signs of disease. Biopsies can help diagnose cancer and other conditions. may also be necessary to rule out certain diseases.

What can pet owners do and professional therapy options

As a first measure, the pet owner should try to keep the cat calm and avoid further injuries. Wearing a protective collar can prevent the cat from scratching further and causing additional damage.

If it is suspected that the scratching is caused by a foreign object, the pet owner should try to carefully remove it if it is visible and easily accessible. However, in the event of uncertainty or a deeper foreign object, it is advisable to leave this to the veterinarian.

If a parasiticParasitic refers to diseases or conditions caused by parasites. Parasitic infections can affect the digestive tract, skin, and other organ systems. infestation is suspected, immediate treatment with appropriate antiparasiticsAntiparasitics are medications or substances used to treat parasitic infestations, such as worms, protozoa, and ectoparasites. They work by killing the parasites or inhibiting their growth. can be helpful. However, it is important to use the treatment recommended by the veterinarian to ensure effective control.

If an allergic reaction is suspected, the pet owner should try to identify and eliminate possible triggers. This could mean avoiding certain foods or removing chemical substances from the environment.

In addition, calming measures, such as providing a quiet retreat or using pheromone products, can help to reduce stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. and promote the cat’s well-being.

Outlook on current research

The symptom of scratching the mouth in cats has increasingly attracted the interest of veterinary practitioners and behavioral researchers in recent years. A variety of studies have attempted to understand the exact mechanism behind this behavior. It is believed that this behavior is not only due to physical triggers such as dental disease or skin irritation, but that psychologicalPsychological refers to anything related to the mind or behavior. In veterinary medicine, this can include the study of animal behavior, including stress responses and behavioral disorders. factors may also play a role. Some researchers argue that stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. and anxiety in cats can cause similar symptoms, as there is a connection between emotional state and physical reaction.

Newer research has focused on the neurological aspects of scratching behavior. It has been hypothesized that neuronal malfunctions or overstimulation in certain areas of the brain responsible for sensorySensory refers to the senses or perception. Sensory systems in dogs and cats include sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch, all of which are central to interacting with their environment. perception and stimulus processing can triggerA trigger is a stimulus that elicits a specific reaction or state. In veterinary medicine, this can refer to emotional responses, such as fear or aggression, or medical conditions, such as seizures in dogs and cats. scratching the mouth. This theory is supported by the observation that some cats suffering from neurological disorders exhibit increased scratching behavior. These findings could lead to new treatment options in the long term that go beyond traditional methods.

Another area of research is investigating the role of allergies and immune responses as possible triggers for scratching the mouth. Researchers have found that cats who are allergic to certain foods or environmental factors are more likely to exhibit this symptom. This has led to the development of new diagnostic tests that make it possible to identify specific allergic triggers more quickly. Such tests could enable more precise and individualized treatment of affected cats in the future.

In addition, there are ongoing studies on the genetic predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases. of scratching behavior in cats. InitialInitial means beginning or at the start. In medicine, it can refer to the first symptoms of a disease or the first phase of a treatment process. results suggest that certain breeds or genetic lines may be more susceptible to symptoms such as scratching the mouth. Identifying genetic markers could support the breeding of more resistantResistant means being insensitive to a substance, drug, or treatment. In dogs and cats, resistance can refer to the ineffectiveness of antibiotics against certain bacterial strains or the insensitivity of parasites to certain pesticides. cat lines in the future and help pet owners better assess the risk of such symptoms in their animals.

In the field of behavioral research, scratching the mouth is also being investigated as a means of communication between cats and their humans. Some studies suggest that cats use this behavior to draw attention to discomfort or needs. It is believed that cats try to get the attention of their owners by scratching, especially when they have other needs such as hunger, thirst, or the desire for social contact. These assumptions are supported by observations in controlled environments where cats received positive reinforcement from their owners after scratching.

Another interesting aspect of the research is the investigation of the microbial flora in the mouth of cats. Researchers have found that an imbalanceImbalance refers to an imbalance or disruption of normal function or composition in the body, which can lead to health problems. of bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. and other microorganisms in the oralOral means "through the mouth" and refers to the intake of food, medication, or other substances through the mouth. In veterinary medicine, many treatments are administered orally. cavity can lead to irritation that promotes scratching. Exploring these microbial communities could offer new approaches for the preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. and treatment of oralOral means "through the mouth" and refers to the intake of food, medication, or other substances through the mouth. In veterinary medicine, many treatments are administered orally. diseases in cats.

In summary, research on scratching the mouth in cats is a multidisciplinary field that ranges from veterinary medicine to behavioral research and geneticsGenetics is the science of genes, heredity, and the variation of organisms. It studies how genetic information is passed from generation to generation and how it influences the development, appearance, and behavior of living things.. Advances in these areas could lead to improved diagnoses, more precise treatments, and a better quality of life for affected cats in the future.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my cat keep scratching its mouth? There are many possible reasons why a cat scratches its mouth. This could indicate dental disease, skin irritation, allergies, or even behavioral problems such as stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. or anxiety. A visit to the veterinarian is advisable to determine the exact cause.
Can scratching the mouth indicate a serious illness? Yes, scratching the mouth can be a symptom of serious health problems, such as dental infections, tumors, or neurological disorders. It is important to take such symptoms seriously and consult a veterinarian.
How can I help my cat if it scratches its mouth? First, the cause of the scratching should be diagnosed by a veterinarian. Depending on the cause, treatment can range from drug therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. to behavioral changes. Regular dental care and a balanced diet can also help to avoid some problems.
Is scratching the mouth painful for cats? The scratching itself can indicate pain or itching that is uncomfortable for the cat. If the cat is scratching due to pain, this may indicate a medical problem that should be treated.
Can stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. cause my cat to scratch its mouth? Yes, stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. can be a triggerA trigger is a stimulus that elicits a specific reaction or state. In veterinary medicine, this can refer to emotional responses, such as fear or aggression, or medical conditions, such as seizures in dogs and cats. for scratching the mouth. Cats are sensitive to changes in their environment, and stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. can manifest in various behaviors, including excessive scratching.
What role do allergies play in scratching the mouth? Allergies can be a common cause of scratching the mouth. Cats can be allergic to certain foods, pollen, or other environmental factors, which leads to itching and scratching. A veterinarian can help to identify the specific triggers.
How can I tell if scratching the mouth is a serious problem? If scratching the mouth occurs frequently, leads to injuries, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as loss of appetite or behavioral changes, a veterinarian should be consulted. Early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is important to rule out serious illnesses.
Can home remedies help if my cat scratches its mouth? While some home remedies such as gently cleaning the mouth area can help, it is important to first determine the cause of the scratching. Inappropriate treatments can make the problem worse, so veterinary advice is crucial.
How can I prevent my cat from scratching its mouth? Good oralOral means "through the mouth" and refers to the intake of food, medication, or other substances through the mouth. In veterinary medicine, many treatments are administered orally. hygiene, regular veterinary check-ups, and a low-stress environment can help to minimize the risk of scratching behavior. A balanced diet and avoiding known allergens are also important preventive measures.
Are there special products that can help reduce scratching the mouth? There are special dental care products and supplements that can help prevent dental disease and promote the cat’s general well-being. For allergy-related scratching, hypoallergenic feeds or special skin care products may be useful. A veterinarian can give specific recommendations based on the cause of the scratching.

Are you unsure what is wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our symptom checker for more clarity.