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Why is my nursing cat in pain, not eating, with a red tongue?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 6 lbs

My cat is chattering all the time, has a red tongue tip, runny nose. An anti-inflammatory injection made her feel better yesterday. But the next morning she is having pain again. She doesn't eat or drink when she is in pain. She is nursing 3 kittens. Thank you for the help.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 6th, 2019

I am so sorry to hear that your fur baby Lucha is experiencing some pain in her mouth along with redness of her tongue and a runny nose. It sounds like Lucha has some signs of an upper respiratory infection and possibly even stomatitis, which can be viral related (feline calicivirus, herpesvirus) in cats and causes pain in the mouth. The only good way to treat this condition is a steroid injection which can treat quickly, and then a plan to remove any diseased teeth for long term treatment. Here is more information on this condition and treatment --> https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951296

I hope that your fur baby Lucha feels better soon with these adjustments to her treatment! Best wishes and take care.
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