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My cat has a red, swollen, spreading patch on her lip. What is it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Maine Coon | Female | spayed | 12 lbs

My cat has a red patch on the upper side lip. At first it was just red and warm to the touch. Now it has gotten swollen and is spreading to her lower lip area. It is also starting to possibly scab.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on November 1st, 2017

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! These types of lesions are usually due to allergies or something called eosiophilic granulomas. The cause is unknown though most of the time it is triggered by things like allergies. To effectively treat it you have to get to the bottom of the inciting cause but most of the time steroids are used. There are other possible diseases that can look like that like potentially just mild mucositis or inflammation of the lip. I advise you have her evaluated by her veterinarian to check for an examination and further diagnostics as indicated based on his examination. Further treatment is going to be dependent on what is found. Good luck!

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