My cat has something growing on her tooth or gum. What should I do?

I suspect this might be what is called a "resorptive lesion." There is a tiny tooth right there, and for some cats, they develop lesions where the body actually breaks down their teeth over time. They can be painful. For some cats, they don't show any signs. Have him evaluated by your vet; they may recommend a sedated dental exam and dental xrays to evaluate the tooth roots. If roots are left under the surface, its potentially a source of infection and pain, and surgical removal of the root may be considered. Other possible causes of the bump would be inflammation, infection, (unlikely based on appearance), or an abnormal grownth/tumor. Get him in to your vet when you can to have it checked out. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Cha Cha and for providing a picture, it's very helpful! The gum around that tooth looks a bit red and swollen, so I'm concerned it could be a problem with her tooth. Cats do get holes in their teeth, but they are generally the same color as the tooth and are the result of tooth resorption rather than decay as you would see with a cavity. It may be also that something is stuck on that tooth. I do think it's worth getting checked out by a vet, so give her vet a call to make her an appointment. Best of luck.

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a nodule or mass in the bottom lip. For this reason, I recommend that you have Angel evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment. Your veterinarian could perform a fine needle aspirate or biopsy to try to reach a diagnosis. The other possibility is periodontal disease but it would require a thorough examination to know for sure. Good luck! Hoping that it is benign and nothing to worry about.

It's hard to see from the picture, and this is likely something that is better felt than seen on a picture. Because I can't see Snoops in person, I do think it's a good idea to get it checked by a vet to be safe. I hope this helps!

Hello. It is always difficult to evaluate tissue abnormalities just based on a picture. This could be a benign tissue hyperplasia, or it may be more serious like the beginning of an oral carcinoma. If I understand correctly, you want to know if this can wait until February, but I really do not feel that is a good idea. I would have her mouth & gums evaluated now, & if your vet decides to wait until the teeth are cleaned ( which will be done under general anesthesia ), that might be a good time to get a biopsy. But please let your vet determine if it is OK to wait. There is just so much that can be missed with just a picture. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I would definitely recommend leaving it alone because you could cause some pain and injury by wiggling on it. However I would consider having your vet take a look at it because safe extraction if the canine tooth may be recommended to avoid having a huge hole left behind for foodstuffs to then get clogged into. If your vet extracts the tooth instead of just letting it fall out, the vet can then close the hole with suture. This is the best approach when dealing with diseases canine teeth especially, because this is the only tooth that can leave a hole that directly communicates with the nasal passages (oronasal fistula), so we take extra precautions with this tooth in particular. Schedule an appt with your local vet soon and I hope everything turns out well for your cat Zoe.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to see well in this picture but this could be a benign or malignant growth. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. There is no at home therapy for growths. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. There is a chance that this is benign and does not need any therapy. Good luck and have a good day!