My cat has a swollen lip. Is it a spider bite? What should I do?

The swelling could be caused by blunt trauma (for example if she run into something) or allergic reaction. If it is not bothering Kitty at all, is not itchy or painful when you touch it, I would leave it for another 2-3 days. Most of the mild swelling regardless on the cause should disappear within 5-7 days. If the swelling becomes itchy, painful or gets bigger, please take Kitty to your local vets for a check up.

She is a cutie! This could be from an insect/spider bite that has cause a local infection/abscess which is why is has started to swell. This could potentially be a cancerous mass that has caused an inflammatory reaction as well. Since it has recently become swollen, I would strongly recommend for your vet to take a look at it. Your vet will be able to aspirate the mass or swelling if needed. They can even take X-rays if needed if they are concerned about sinus or honey involvement. They will also be able to start her on some antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory if needed. I hope this helps!

The picture doesn't look like a very serious wound to me. I would continue to watch it. If it starts bleeding, if the swelling gets larger, if there is a creamy yellow/white/green discharge, or if Venus is not eating well, she may need to see a vet for treatment.

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.

I am sorry to hear about your concern for Genkl. I would just recommend monitoring the area daily. Hopefully this was just a small spider and will just cause a local irritation, but it is best to keep an eye on the area to watch out for infection or damage to the tissue which can result from certain types of spiders (Brown recluse). If you notice the area is continuing to increase in size, if it opens up and starts draining, or the skin turns purple or dark in color, then an exam at your vet is recommended.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Steluta!! I agree, the most common reason for the swelling is likely an insect bite or other allergic reaction. If the chin is still swollen tomorrow or her attitude and eating habits change have her seen tomorrow by your Vet. The mainstay of treating allergic reactions are steroids in cats. I would want to have her mouth examined well first to be complete. I hope this helps and I wish Steluta a speedy recovery!

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.