Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Become a credit card member today!Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!APPLY NOWLearn More About Petco Pay Benefits
My cat has black spots in her mouth and nose. Does she need a vet?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 2 years old | 7 lbs
My cat has some black stuff on her inside of her nose occasionally but she now has black spots on the lining of her mouth. I'm concerned and if she needs veterinarian care please let me Know. She's acting fine eating great but those spots are new and we're not there before. She's 2 years old
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on July 15th, 2018
Black pigment or Lentigo are common developments in the mouth of cats as they age. More so in orange cats. That is what I think your last picture shows. The middle picture I can't tell if it is pigment or just some drool that had food in it that dried on the fur. It isn't uncommon to have dark crust at the nose openings. Some cats can have that and not be sick or if they are recovering from an upper respiratory tract infection. If Aphrodite is acting normal and not sneezing excessively I do not think she needs veterinary care.
Have a good day!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 24th, 2019
Hello. Oral pigmentation can be very common in cats, so unless they seem raised or are bothering him, I would not worry. Just point this out to your vet at Pip's next veterinary visit. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on December 7th, 2019
Hi there. Without being able to examine her mouth or at least see a photo, it's hard to say for sure what's going on here. But in general, I can tell you that it's very common for torties to have pigmented gums that appear black in places, so this may be perfectly normal.
If you're concerned, or if you think this has something that has developed suddenly or she's showing any signs of discomfort, I would suggest having it checked by your veterinarian in person to see if there is a problem vs. just normal coloration.1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
Published on August 25th, 2017
Many cats develop "freckles" in their mouth, on their lips and even on pink paw pads as they get older. I see this most commonly in orange cats, but that is likely because of how much pink they have around their mouths. My own cat is 5 and steadily gets more of these as he ages. However, there are pigmented tumors that can develop in the mouth, so if any of the area look raised or bumpy, please have your vet evaluate them.
I hope that was helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.1Pet Parents found this answer helpful