Why do my cats have lumps under their jaws and paw at their mouths?

If these are symmetrical on both sides and not changing, they are likely normal for Cali. Some cats will develop a benign thickening in the lip where the opposite canine tooth touches. Your vet will be able to provide better feedback with an in-person exam, but as long as they’re not changing and Cali seems comfortable, it can probably wait until Cali’s next routine appointment. Hope this helps.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Dexter. This lump may be an enlarged lymph node if it's right below his neck. That can indicate an infection or a dental problem. Other possibilities include a cyst, an abscess, a lipoma, or a benign growth. Given it's local, I do think it's important to have it checked out by a vet, and I would have him seen by one in the next few days. I hope this helps!

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!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! These could be benign or malignant growths. There is no way of knowing for sure without an examination though this represents a reason to seek veterinary care. This is usually determined with an examination and a fine needle aspirate (FNA) or a biopsy. Treatment depends on the findings up to that point. I recommend you have Moo evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good night!

It could be Jade has a dental problem such as a tooth root abscess causing this lump . You need to take her into a vet right away. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.

I hate to hear that Leo is uncomfortable. I would think this is likely an infection, either of the skin or the tooth itself. Less likely would be a cancer. I would recommend to take him in to see the veterinarian who may be able to tell the difference based on a physical exam and can provide appropriate medication and pain relief. Feed him softened food until he gets in the see the doctor. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Possible causes for the mass could be an inflamed lymph node, an abscess (ball of pus after a bite from another cat), tooth root abscess, and very unlikely- a cancerous mass. I recommend having it checked out as soon as you can, as it is most likely infection that will require treatment. Your vet will likely have a feel and determine exactly where it is, and might either do a "Fine Needle Aspiration" where they take a small sample and see what cells are inside it, or they might lance and drain it. Medications may be required as well. Best of luck with Boots!