Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My cat's gums are discolored after dental extraction. Should I worry?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Persian | Male | neutered | 7 years and 1 month old | 9 lbs

My cat had 4 teeth extracted and a dental cleaning 5 days ago and as I was just brushing his teeth, I noticed that his bottom gums look a little blue/purple/grey and from what I can see the roof of his mouth looks a little grey/white. Is this issue because of the extraction or is there something else going on?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Susan England-Foster

Answered By Susan England-Foster

Veterinarian

Published on August 15th, 2017

What I see in the picture is a change in color where the gums meet the hair line. This is something I see just as cats age. Sometimes in orange cats the skin will become black in pigmentation. Other times you will see a blue color. I would just continue to monitor it for now. If it gets bigger to you can take Schmidt to the vet for a quick check but I do not think it was related to the dental
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

    I'm not worried about the description of the roof of Schmidt's mouth. Based on your picture, where your thumb is at the margin of his lip and hair, I do see the purple areas. It is likely a lip infection. There is also a scent gland in that area but I can't tell based on your picture where that is.

    I'd call your Vet and set up a recheck and get antibiotics and maybe a topical cream for the lip.

    Hope this helps!

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Vet Q & A
My cat's gums are white. Is this color normal or should I worry?
White gums in any animal is concerning as it can be a sign of shock or anemia. Based on your attached photos, I would not be alarmed about the color of the gums. They are not pale, they are an adequate pink color. Unless you notice other changes such as weakness or lethargy or vomiting, then I would not worry and just monitor for further changes.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
My cat's back gums are dark. Is this a sign of a dental problem?
The pictures are a little blurry. With what I see in the pictures her gums look normal with a small amount of gingivitis. I would recommend brushing her teeth with a cat approved toothpaste daily to help her gums. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
New Pet
My kitten's pink gums are turning black. Should I be worried?
It's difficult to tell for sure without seeing it, but this is normally nothing to worry about. They can have natural pigment in their gums that increases with age. It would only be concerning if there were other problems associated with the gums turning black, like mouth pain, an increase in drooling, or other obvious issues. If Marty is otherwise normal, then I would not worry about it. However, it's best to ask your vet about this the next time he goes for an exam. I hope that helps and all is well with Marty.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My orange cat has black spots on gums. Is it normal or a health issue?
This could actually be normal pigmentation on Phoenix's gums. This can be seen in orange cats, and it's known as lentigo. To be safe, I'd have him checked out by a vet since I can't say for certain without seeing him in person, but if it is lentigo, it's nothing to worry about. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why are my cat's gums dark brown instead of pink? Is it normal?
Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, this is normal. Each cat and dog is different, some have pigment of varying degrees inside of their mouth and some have almost none. So, good observation. In cases where there is significant pigmentation of the mouth, other areas of the body can be used to assess how pink they are. The inside part of the eyelids is a good place to check that. Good luck
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
Dark line on cat's gums: Is it gingivitis? How to improve gum health?
Gingivitis presents as redness and swelling of the gums. The black line you see may be tartar on the tooth itself or, if on the gum, natural pigmentation. You can try a small fingerbrush that may be tolerated a bit better. Daily brushing is recommended for maximum benefit. If he is a chewer, you can provide various chew toys and chewable treats.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Are brown spots on my 5-month-old kittens' gums normal or concerning?
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! in a young kitten, this is likely just a change in pigmentation and not a big concern. I would not be too concerned about this unless you ever notice a mass effect or it seems to be causing any discomfort. Best of luck!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Cat SuppliesCat FoodCat Dental CareCat Breath FreshenersCat Toothbrushes & ToothpasteCat Dental Treats & ChewsCat Health & WellnessCat MedicineCat Styptic PowderCat First AidCat Nail CareCat Grooming & BathingHeart & Blood Pressure Medicine for CatsDog Dental CareCat AntibioticsAntifungal Medication for CatsCat Vitamins & SupplementsCat ToysVaccines and Shots for CatsCat Anxiety Medication
Have A Vet Question?

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

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button