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Is my 5-month-old kitten's lip sore a cold sore or something else?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | British Longhair | Male | unneutered | 5 months and 11 days old

Hi. I have a 5 month old kitten. And he has what looks like a cold sore on his lip, he has had this for a few weeks now. Could this be a cold sore or something else?

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 15th, 2020

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. From the blurry picture, it is tough to say for sure what this is but it looks as though there is a ulcerated sore on the upper right lip. This looks as though it could be consistent with an indolent ulcer, which is part of a disease known as Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex (EGC). The cause of EGC is typically unknown but treatment is generally steroid therapy (topical and systemic). Generally, an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory are used to treat these. Also, if Leo is drinking / eating out of plastic bowls, switch to metal or ceramic to see if this helps. Many times, these lesions pop up for no known reason and go away after treatment. These lesions may not show up for months to years later once initially resolved. If this sore is not improving, I would have a veterinarian take a look at it so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps!

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