Help! My cat's face is swollen. What should I do immediately?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear Arpy is having facial swelling. Swelling like you are describing can be due to a variety of reasons, including infection (such as an abscess), a problem with a tooth, a growth, or an allergic reaction, among others. I would recommend having him evaluated by a veterinarian, as medications (such as an antibiotic or an anti-inflammatory) or even a dental procedure may be necessary to help resolve it. Good luck!

This is an emergency. Your kitty could have a severe allergic reaction, or a snake bite or serious injury (maybe because of a collision with a car). He needs to be seen by a veterinarian right away. Please take him to a PetEr right now as this sounds life-threatening.

This may be the start of an upper respiratory disease. They usually do have a fever and swollen lymph nodes (possibly causing the face to swell) early in the infection, which will make them feel bad. They also tend to avoid eating and drinking early in the infection. It appears that both sides of Blue's face are swollen, but if it happens that only one side is swollen, then this can indicate a local infection/abscess. This can happen with bite wounds, other puncture wounds, or dental disease. I wouldn't be too concerned about this being an emergency, but it's best if you can get Blue to a vet within the next day or two. While these infections are often mild, they can become complicated, which will make things much worse. The vet would be able to narrow-down the cause of this and prescribe the necessary treatment to make him feel better and keep the infection from getting worse. I hope this helps and Blue feels better soon.

Facial swelling can be caused by an allergic reaction to something such as an insect sting or spider bite, an abscess from an injury, or even an abscessed tooth (unlikely in such a young cat). I would encourage you to have him evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. Depending on what the diagnosis is will determine what medications are recommended. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Oh my, poor Gus! His face is quite swollen, and it could be he has been injured or has a dental problem causing the swelling. I think he needs to see a vet immediately for this. Please take him into a vet now.

It is extremely concerning that Peanut has a swollen face and ragged breathing, and I would be very concerned she could be experiencing an allergic reaction. It could also be that Peanut was attacked by another cat if she's allowed outdoors, and that could be causing the swollen face, breathing difficulties, and vomiting. When a cat is having problems breathing, it is a medical emergency and she has to be seen by a vet now. 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.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Facial swelling in cats is usually related to abscesses, either from external wound (scratch, cat fight) or from dental diseases. Please, take Bro to your local vets to confirm the diagnosis and to start treatment for him.