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What causes a cat's lower lip to swell, and how can I treat it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 1 year and 1 month old | 15 lbs

My cat has a swollen lower lip

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on October 1st, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Nyla, she is so cute! There are few possible causes for her swollen lip. Has she been excessively grooming? If she has then the swelling could be from that. Fleas and allergies can cause excessive grooming. Also cats can have this reaction to ceramic food and water bowel. I recommend changing to stainless steal bowls. And the last possibility is allergies in general. Cats are unique (in many ways!) in that they can develop eosinophilic granuloma complexes that can look like that. If Nyla isn't excessively grooming and there aren't any fleas make an appointment with your Vet to see if steroids are warranted to make her more comfortable. Then change her food bowls. A new hypoallergenic diet may also be needed if the swelling returns. I hope this helps and I wish Nyla a speedy recovery!

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9Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 17th, 2017

    This is a common condition in cats, it's usually either allergy or autoimmune related. in most cases it doesn't bother them, it tends to come and go. treatment is usually successful with a course of steroids, you might want to take him to the vet at some point, especially if it gets worse.

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    24Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 17th, 2018

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bastion. He appears to have a superficial skin infection around his lips. He may be experiencing an reaction or an allergy to something in his diet. If this has been an ongoing problem, he should see his veterinarian. He may require an antibiotic or a new diet. I hope this information helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 25th, 2018

    Swelling of the lips like this is usually indicative of an underlying allergy. They are commonly referred to as ‘rodent ulcers’. They will typically respond to a course of steroids and antibiotics. If they return once treatment has stopped, a novel protein diet and a safer long term allergy control like Atopica is indicated.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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