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My 16-year-old cat has hard growths in her mouth. What could they be?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 16 years and 4 months old | 16 lbs

Hello, I wonder can you advise? Our cat is 16.5 yes old and has a large hard growth on the right side of her mouth. She has had it for a few months and it doesn't seem to bother her. We thought it was an absess and thought it would go on its own byour changing diet and treating it at home. We noticed this morning she has a small one growing on the left side in the same place. You can see both lumps on the attached photos. Do you have any idea?? Finance is limited. Thanks! Ruth

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on May 6th, 2017

Poor Flower! Since the growth on her upper lip has not dramatically grown, ruptured, or caused her to feel ill over the past few months, an abscess seems unlikely at this point. My biggest suspicion since it has steadily grown and another lesion is occurring on the left side as well is that this may be a benign or malignant mass. Unfortunately, the only way to definitively diagnose this type of lesion is by taking Flower to the vet to have a fine needle aspirate cytology or biopsy performed so that cells in the lesions can be examined microscopically. As these masses grow, my concern is that they may rupture and become infected, or grow so large that they make it difficult for Flower to eat. If you are able to pursue treatment for these masses, it is always better to start sooner rather than later. I hope that all goes well!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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