My cats gums are really swollen....?

Question

Earlier I noticed that my cats gums were swollen on the right side of her mouth. I just looked again, and now the left side of her mouth is swelling as well.

It doesn't seem to be bothering her. I planned on taking her to the vet this week anyway, before I even noticed this. Now it looks like I'll be taking her sooner than I thought.

I was just wondering if anybody knows what the problem might be. I really have no idea, I don't think I've ever seen her gums like that.

Thanks for the help!

I forgot to mention that she is 12 years old. I live in AZ, and the only time she goes outside, is to go to the bathroom.

Answer 1

This just happened to my friends cat. she took the cat in and found out his gums were infected, he had to be put under and have a through cleaning and all kinds of stuff done. good luck

Answer 2

Some cats have a disorder where they are allergic to their own teeth. However I think this causes a lot of pain. I read about a resucued cat that had it and they had to remove all the teeth. I wouldn't think this is it though since it is extremly rare disorder. It could just be inflammed gums from tooth decay. You may need to get your cats teeth cleaned. it is a fairly simple process. I worked in a vets office and they cleaned cats and dogs teeth all the time. They just knock it out and the vet tech cleans it much the same way a human would have theirs done. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

You need to start brushing fluffys teeth.Ask the vet about what to use as a form of tooth paste here is some info, you may be able to use kid tooth paste


Our cats are living longer now than in the past. Today, we have better preventive medicine (e.g., vaccinations and blood screening) and better ways to diagnose and treat many diseases. Now we are seeing more cats whose most severe medical problems are dental problems. To prevent oral disease, which is the number one health problem diagnosed in pets, it is essential to provide our pets with good dental care, both professionally and at home.

Dental disease in cats

Plaque: Cats rarely get cavities, but are much more prone to gum disease and excess tartar build-up on the teeth. Food particles and bacteria collect along the gumline forming plaque. Routine home care can remove this plaque.

Plaque and gum inflammation (gingivitis) in a catTartar: If plaque is not removed, minerals in the saliva combine with the plaque and form tartar (or calculus) which adheres strongly to the teeth. Plaque starts to mineralize 3-5 days after it forms. The tartar is irritating to the gums and causes an inflammation called gingivitis. This can be seen as reddening of the gums adjacent to the teeth. It also causes bad breath. At this point it is necessary to remove the plaque with special instruments called scalers, and then polish the teeth.

Periodontal Disease: If the tartar is not removed, it builds up under the gums. It separates the gums from the teeth to form "pockets" and encourages even more bacterial growth. At this point the damage is irreversible, and called "periodontal" disease. It can be very painful and can lead to loose teeth, abscesses, and bone loss or infection. As bacterial growth continues to increase, the bacteria may enter the bloodstream. This can cause infection of the heart valves (endocarditis), liver, and kidneys. If treated by your veterinarian with special instruments and procedures, periodontal disease can be slowed or stopped.

Answer 4

If your cat has red, bleeding gums and lots of tartar buildup, take him/her to the vet! (if not treated it might get infected)

Is your cat refusing to eat? eating less or slower paced? It might be gum disease. Check out this site and see if any of the symptoms match or treatments work.

http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-treat-common-cat-diseases10.htm

a couple of the treatments: brush his/her teeth,
give gum massages, feed only hard food (dry food)

Answer 5

sounds to me like your cat has a severe tooth issue -it's probably an abscess which can be very painful, don't be suprised if she suddenly stops eating! she needs to see a vet ! If you have financial problems - a lot of humane society's have clinic's affiliated with them for a sliding scale.

Answer 6

ur cat could have mouth rot u must get her to vets asap could be infected from rats ect.

Answer 7

sounds like she has some type of infection. hopefully your vet can prescribe some antibiotics for her.