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Why is my stray cat drooling with black around her nose and mouth?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female

There's a stray cat I'm thinking of bringing in she very friendly I will take her to get checked first but I've noticed a back ring around her nose and anus and also there's back around her mouth and she seems to be dribbling from the corner of her mouth just trying to figure out what it maybe so I can finger out what the cost would be for treatment

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rebecca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 11th, 2017

Without a physical exam it's impossible to say what maybe going on. But often times drooling or matter caked on the mouth may be due to oral pain or an oral infection. This could be from ulcers in her mouth from calici virus to a dental abscess or stomatitis. From the picture the black on her nose just appears to be some crusting, so if she's had an upper respiratory infection it may just be nasal discharge and or dirt. As a stray she likely has parasites so may have a bit of loose stool causing her anus to appear black.
Typically when adopting a new stray the first recommendation is to perform feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency virus testing. The vet will also likely recommend an intestinal parasite test or prophylactic parasite treatment.
Depending on her general health and the results of these test they may recommend vaccinations or my suggest getting her a bit healthier and starting her vaccines in the future.
If concerned about cost I would recommend getting an estimate for initial exam, and testing and start there. If the vet finds any abnormalities on her exam or test results they can discuss options and estimates from there. Thank you for helping this sweet girl. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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