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!
Already a member? Sign in
Become 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 lip went from bald to red and irritated. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Male | neutered | 9 lbs

I noticed yesterday my cat had a small bald spot on the bottom of his lip, today, I noticed it had turned red and irritated

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on January 25th, 2024

Ouch! Spots like this can be due to a number of things in cats, including allergies to the environment or food, inflammatory conditions causing ulcers, dental or gum problems (leading to rubbing the spot from pain), growths, infections, and more.

If it is rapidly changing size, shape, or appearance, or is bothersome to Moose, it's best to schedule an appointment with your vet. They can take a small sample of the area to test for issues such as infections or growths, examine Moose for any signs of dental problems, and help rule out any allergies with a full exam and/or medications and diet changes.

Until you can get into your vet it's a good idea to keep Moose from rubbing or pawing at the spot with an Elizabethan (cone) collar, and to keep the area clean and dry. Keeping note of any sizes or appearance changes can also help your vet narrow down the cause. And, if it's causing any trouble with eating, softening Moose's food with some warm water can help ease any pain until your vet can help.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My cat has a red, swollen, itchy lip sore. Does she need a vet?

I am sorry to hear that! I do think going to the vet would be a good idea. Cats can get many types of lumps at their mouths. From your description one thing I would want to rule out is eosinophilic plaques. These can be caused by allergies so getting on a low allergen food (I would recommend prescription due to cross-contamination at the manufacturing level) and medications can be vital! Of course it is hard to tell without looking at her so your vet may want to rule tests or take a biopsy first! I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my cat's lip swollen and bald? Is it an allergy or bug bite?

This is a common look for cats who are allergic to their food bowls -- if any of his bowls are plastic, I'd recommend switching them out for glass and washing daily (or at least every other day). It could be caused by other allergies or a bug bite as well, and often goes away on it's own. If switching bowls (if applicable) and giving it a week doesn't make it go away, I'd recommend a vet visit.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

What's this pink swollen spot on my cat's mouth? How do I treat it?

There are a number of things that this could be. Cats can get small pink raw spots or swollen areas on their lips called rodent ulcers, which are caused by allergies. Other possibilities would include an insect bite or local inflammatory reaction of some kind, a localized bacterial infection, or even some type of tumor. Unfortunately, there isn't anything over the counter that can be used to treat any of these problems - you can monitor the swollen area for the next few days to see if it resolves on its own, but if it doesn't or if it seems to be getting larger, then Alaska will need to be examined by a vet. He/she can do some simple skin tests if needed to help determine the problem and get her started on appropriate medication to treat it.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

What's wrong with my cat's lip? It looks bad but doesn't bother him.

Looks like a condition called esosinophilic granuloma complex which can occur in cats. It appears like it should be very painful. If you notice he is eating or grooming less, these are signs he is uncomfortable. Sometimes this is caused by an allergy. I would recommend changing food bowls and try a hypoallergenic diet. Ultimately seeing your veterinarian to have a biopsy performed to confirm the diagnose and starting some medications will be needed to help resolve the swelling. Good luck !

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why does my cat's red, swollen lip keep flaring up and returning?

The pictures are too dark and I can't quite see what you are seeing, however, a common cause of a swollen area on a cat's lip that can go away and come back is called Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex. Many times, these can be caused by allergies, such as environmental, food, flea, or other types of allergies. Often, steroids are needed to help these wounds resolve. I would take Monty to the vet for diagnosis and to discuss treatment options. Since it has come back, you may also want to discuss options for treating allergies to see if we can keep it from coming back again.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My cat has a bleeding sore on his lip. Should I take him to the vet?

I am very sorry that Kitty has his sore near her lip. Thank you for proving pictures, it is difficult to know precisely what caused this lesion it may have been a cat scratch, a traumatic puncture from for example a fence, or possible a primary skin like feline acne, or allergic disease. At this stage it appears to be slightly crusted and inflamed and I would suggest a trip to the veterinarian. The vet will most likely clean the wound and debris any necrotic material. The vet may also send home pain relief, anti inflammatory medications and / or antibiotics. The vet will also be able examine the area and reach a diagnosis. Best of luck to you both and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat has a blister-like sore on her lip. Should I be concerned?

The lesion on Bamboo's lip is quite prominent. It could be due to infected hair follicles, an indolent lip ulcer (although the photo does not quite look typical of this), or a benign or malignant mass. Since this lesion has grown fairly rapidly over just a day or two, she should be examined by a vet sooner rather than later. The vet will likely need to perform a fine needle aspirate, whereby they will draw out a sample of cells with a needle (it's quick and relatively painless!) so that they can be examined microscopically. From there, the vet will be able to determine if Bamboo should be started on a course of antibiotics or if she will need to have this lesion surgically excised. I hope that all goes well!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share