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My cat's jaw hurts, he's lethargic and not purring. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Our cat has a sensitivity to his jaw/mouth and isn’t purring or kneeding normally . He’s about 4 and very lethargic but is still eating and using the box

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Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on January 29th, 2019

Poor kitty! If you were noticing a sensitivity with his mouth, that could indicate a tooth infection, a foreign body stuck in the gums or jaw pain in general. I recommend to try to get him seen today if possible by his veterinarian. It is very important to address bad teeth as they can lead to bone loss and other forms of permanent damage. Offer him kibble that has been soaked in warm water or canned food as the softer food will be easier to eat until his issue is resolved. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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