Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why is my cat's upper lip swollen with no injury? Can I treat it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Longhair | Female | 7 months and 6 days old | 5 lbs

My cat's upper lip is swollen, there's no wounds or scanning on it and nothing wrong inside of her mouth. It just randomly got swollen. I don't know what's wrong and I can't afford a trip to the vet at the moment.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 20th, 2017

She could have an eosinophilic granuloma which is common in cats and can be caused by an allergic response. The lesion may become ulcerated and is typically treated with a corticosteroid. If she has any fleas then she should be treated for fleas. You could also put her on a hypoallergenic diet and see if that helps. Try to find a low cost clinic or a vet that would take a payment plan so you can get her treated. If she just needs a corticosteroid then it shouldn't be very expensive. Hope she gets better soon!

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on February 11th, 2018
This looks very inflamed, it is probably a condition called "rodent ulcer", it's an autoimmune/allergic condition, often it does not bother them until it is very serious. there are no home remedies for this, the treatment is with steroids, this will need to wait until you take him to the vet.
6Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on October 1st, 2017
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Nyla, she is so cute!

There are few possible causes for her swollen lip. Has she been excessively grooming? If she has then the swelling could be from that. Fleas and allergies can cause excessive grooming. Also cats can have this reaction to ceramic food and water bowel. I recommend changing to stainless steal bowls. And the last possibility is allergies in general. Cats are unique (in many ways!) in that they can develop eosinophilic granuloma complexes that can look like that.

If Nyla isn't excessively grooming and there aren't any fleas make an appointment with your Vet to see if steroids are warranted to make her more comfortable. Then change her food bowls. A new hypoallergenic diet may also be needed if the swelling returns.

I hope this helps and I wish Nyla a speedy recovery!
9Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Davis
Veterinarian
Published on April 8th, 2018
This looks like a tumor. Cats do get eosinophic granulomas on their lower lips but usually they are firm, pink and do not bleed. Since she’s a senior cat I recommend a veterinary exam to see it this can be treated with medicine to make it smaller or if surgical removal is needed. This looks painful and irritating so that is probably why she doesn’t want to eat much. She can get dehydrated and sick if she doesn’t start to eat soon so please take her in to find out what treatment is recommended. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Callie.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My cat's lip is swollen. Is it an allergy or something serious?

From the photos it looks like Xena has a "rodent ulcer" (aka: eosinophilic granuloma complex). It is best to have her checked out by your regular veterinarian to get a definitive diagnosis and treatment. ( https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951528 ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why does my cat have swollen lips and keep sneezing? Is it serious?

This looks to be a rodent ulcer (eosinophilic granuloma complex). She really needs to see a vet for this issue. This is not something you can treat with over the counter medications. Also, there are not many over the counter medications that are safe for cats. These lesions are treated, typically, with antibiotics and steroids. Likely the reason for it is hereditary or an underlying allergy. Please refer to this article for further information. ( https://www.thesprucepets.com/rodent-ulcers-in-cats-5093328 ) The sneezing is not likely related to the swollen lips. That seems to be a separate issue. Either way, Luna needs to see a vet.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

What's this pink swollen spot on my cat's mouth? How do I treat it?

There are a number of things that this could be. Cats can get small pink raw spots or swollen areas on their lips called rodent ulcers, which are caused by allergies. Other possibilities would include an insect bite or local inflammatory reaction of some kind, a localized bacterial infection, or even some type of tumor. Unfortunately, there isn't anything over the counter that can be used to treat any of these problems - you can monitor the swollen area for the next few days to see if it resolves on its own, but if it doesn't or if it seems to be getting larger, then Alaska will need to be examined by a vet. He/she can do some simple skin tests if needed to help determine the problem and get her started on appropriate medication to treat it.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat has a red, swollen, itchy lip sore. Does she need a vet?

I am sorry to hear that! I do think going to the vet would be a good idea. Cats can get many types of lumps at their mouths. From your description one thing I would want to rule out is eosinophilic plaques. These can be caused by allergies so getting on a low allergen food (I would recommend prescription due to cross-contamination at the manufacturing level) and medications can be vital! Of course it is hard to tell without looking at her so your vet may want to rule tests or take a biopsy first! I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat has a swollen bottom lip with acne. What could it be?

This condition is called Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex , also known as "rodent ulcer", The exact cause of feline eosinophilic granuloma complex is unknown. Some research studies suggest that a form of allergic response (hypersensitivity reaction) may be involved in the majority of cases. This is more likely in cases that are recurrent. Other studies suggest that the condition may at least be partially genetic or inheritable. Flea and insect control is very important in the treatment of feline eosinophilic complex. This is due to the suspected hypersensitivity reaction cause of the condition. Insect bites can trigger an exaggerated immune response in affected cats, causing or worsening clinical signs. Some cats respond to elimination or hypoallergenic diets, suggesting an underlying food allergy as the cause. Most cats diagnosed with feline eosinophilic granuloma complex benefit from a hypoallergenic food trial. Corticosteroids are the most common treatment to control the symptoms of eosinophilic granuloma complex. you will need to visit your vet to get this treatment.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat's mouth is swollen, but she's eating. Should I worry?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Korra. I recommend that she sees a veterinarian as soon as you are able. The lip is swollen and possibly ulcerated. This is likely uncomfortable for her. The veterinarian will examine her especially looking inside the the mouth. She could have further wounds in her mouth or even a bad tooth. Treatment will be started based on these findings. I do not believe an over-the-counter medication will help. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medications either as they are toxic to cats. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share