Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

What are these painful sores or bumps on my cat's lips and mouth?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

What are these sores beat my cat's canines?

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 24th, 2018

Your cat is suffering from rodent ulcers. This is an inflammatory reaction caused by the immune system. It is usually related to an underlying allergy. I would recommend taking your cat to the vet to be examined. Common treatments include immune modulating drugs, like steroids or cyclosporine, antibiotics to prevent the infection from getting worse, and a hypoallergenic diet. It is also important that your cat be on flea medication because a flea allergy can contribute to this as well. This condition can usually be well controlled with medication and diet change. The most important thing is getting it treated soon before becomes any worse. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Those are "rodent ulcers" or indolent ulcer which is a term for feline eosinophillic granuloma complex that affects the lips. They form in response to an allergy which could be from fleas, food or the environment. I recommend a good monthly flea preventative, consider changing the diet and take the cat in for an exam with your Vet. Antibiotics and steroids are needed. The ulcers look deep and need medical attention. I hope this helps and I wish you the best!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 12th, 2019

    Hello. This is an eosinophilic plaque lesion, also known as a rodent ulcer. Usually, they are allergy driven. Mild lesions will resolve on their own over a week to 10 days, but can pop up again at any time. If they become frequent enough, a long acting steroid injection can help for many months, but if this does not bother her, then no need for any action. Just be aware that they can reoccur & you may want to look into possible allergic causes such as fleas, food, or something unusual in her environment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What to do if my cat has a small hole with pus coming from its ear?
Is your cat's ear hole oozing pus? A Petco vet explains potential infections like abscesses from bites, advising immediate vet care, antibiotics, and recovery.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu lost teeth after an accident. How can I feed him soft foods?
Your degu had an accident, lost teeth, and can't eat hard food. A Petco Vet Tech offers crucial advice on immediate vet care and how to feed your injured degu.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My sick small pet is breathing mouth open. Did I drown her feeding?
Is your pet ill, struggling to breathe, or showing stroke signs? A certified vet addresses syringe feeding worries, discusses causes, and outlines treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is there a chart for dog food protein biological value and digestibility?
Dog food protein's biological value & digestibility: A vet explains why data is complex. Learn to judge quality by company reputation and your dog's health.
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored