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Why is my cat's lip swollen and hanging? Could it be a tooth problem?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 11 months and 3 days old | 6 lbs

Hello, my 10 month old cat Rosie has a slightly swollen lip and it’s hanging a little. I don’t know why. Her canine tooth seems to be stabbing the area so I’m not sure if that’s the cause but I just wanted to get an opinion

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Chad Brown, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 28th, 2018

Hello and thank you for taking such good care of Rosie. I really appreciate you taking the time to submit pictures of her lips and mouth.

Cats can sometimes get the same kinds of mouth and lip diseases that people get. Perhaps she bumped it against something or scraped it on rough surface as she was being curious. Another reason for swollen lips are possible allergic reactions to insect bites or noxious substances. In addition, dental disease or improper teeth occlusion can can cause lip abrasions.

My best advice is this: As long as she is eating, drinking, and playing normally, give the lip 3 days to improve and get smaller. If there is no improvement in that time, or if the lip gets bigger in the meantime, please have her seen by your veterinarian for a thorough oral examination.

I hope this helps. Thanks for your question.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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