My female cat is 7 years old. She is healthy, and active. She sometimes is allowed outside (private property). Just today I noticed her gums are so swelled she can barely close her mouth. This hasn't been an ongoing problem, and I have never seen anything like it. The gums are not red or bleeding but a whitish-pink like you would expect. It makes it seem she has only the 2 front upper and lower teach, when I know there are more in the back, I guess hidden. The vet appt. isn't until a couple days, so what can I do in the meantime? I have all ready swithced her to wet food so she can eat.
Is the cat in any pain and what is the cause?
(PS: She is cranky, but normally is)
2007-01-09 13:38:11 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Get her to the vet as quickly as possible. She probably ate a bug and was stung. You can give her 3 or 4 drops of children's benadryl (dyphenhydramine) which should bring the swelling down if its an allergic reaction to a sting, but I wouldn't assume that's all that's going on here. If her gums are swelling that badly, you don't want to take the chance that the swelling could go on and affect her airway. I'd keep a very close eye on her until you can get to the vet.
Best of luck!
2007-01-09 13:44:14 · answer #1 · answered by Amy N 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am glad you are giving her food that she can eat. She may NOT be able to eat tomorrow and I would take her in to the vet and just sit there and wait until they see her. She can get very sick if she does not eat for over a day and I would get her seen as soon as possible.
At my clinic I know the vets come in around 7:30 though they don't schedule appointments before nine. They are "busy" then and if I have an emergency they will deal with it. Even a steroid shot (and I don't like to have my cats get those) to reduce the inflammation could help her a lot till they can do a more thorough workup.
2007-01-09 13:49:53 · answer #2 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My Siamese cat had the same problem with his gums swelling, it was almost like he had "Bubba Gump" lips! I brought him to the vet and they told me that he had "eroding gums"!! They gave him a cortisone shot and it seemed to go away in about a week! This happend on several occasions and I kept bringing him to the vet and they kept giving him the same cortisone shot. It has probably been a year now and he hasn't had it happen since. He is an inside ONLY cat and is about 2 and half years old. One vet tech told me I should have him put to sleep BUT I REFUSED! He was not in any pain and it didn't seem to bother him at all! The last time it happend I didn't bring him to the vet and it went away on its own! I have no idea what caused it! I certainly don't think it is deadly!!! I would bring your cat to the vet if I were you to see what they say and I would like to hear back from you!!! Please..... Thanks
2007-01-09 15:21:52 · answer #3 · answered by Lindsey D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If she is in pain,you will probably never know unless it is really serious.Cats mask there illnesses and pain very well.It is an instinctive reaction.They do not want to appear weak to potential predators.As long as she is drinking,eating some and peeing and pooping,and not vomiting,she should be ok til your vet appointment.Keep a close watch on her,it is very easy for her to become dehydrated and that can be very serious.You need to make sure she is taking in some water and food.Do not be alarmed if she does not seem to be drinking as much water,as long as she is eating and drinking some it should be ok.Canned food has water in it so cats get some of their hydration from it too.Good Luck and God Bless!!!
2007-01-09 13:53:02 · answer #4 · answered by Mr Bellows 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Swollen gums and odor from the mouth are often the signs of dental disease. Once the teeth are cleaned the veterinarian will determine if extractions are necessary. . After a dental cleaning and if there are some extractions some cats prefer canned food for a time, but usually they can later return to their dry food without a problem.
2007-01-09 13:43:21 · answer #5 · answered by Chico 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there are an excellent type of circumstances you want to think about. Does your cat go outdoors? if so, she would are growing into some thing she shouldn't, a plant or maybe were stung by way of an insect. Even interior cats could have issues of homestead flora and cleansing products. How previous is your cat? Cats as youthful as 2 years previous can get periodontal ailment, which causes infected gums, and if it really is the case she'll choose her tooth wiped clean and may choose antibiotic, too. the suitable ingredient to do is make an appointment with a vet and get the advice of an authority.
2016-12-28 13:55:42 · answer #6 · answered by strandberg 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She got into some poison somewhere or something has caused an acute allergic reaction. She needs antibiotics .... AND FAST. I wouldn't wait two days. I'd call my vet and request an immediate aappointment or I'd take her to an all night emergency animal clinic. Check your yellow pages.
2007-01-09 13:48:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is a good chance she ate a poisonous bug of some sort. i just hope, for your sake that the cat's that it wasn't something like a hobo spider or the like. and if she were in pain, she would surely let you know, by rubbing her paws along the sides of her face, meowing more than normal, wincing away from touch, maybe even hissing or biting if touched.
2007-01-09 13:43:14 · answer #8 · answered by wrldzgr8stdad 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can take her to a 24 hour emergency pet clinic without an appointment. it doesn't sound like a normal problem and should be addressed as soon as possible. no idea what it could be, maybe an alergic reaction to something? or an infection?
2007-01-09 13:43:48 · answer #9 · answered by summer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's All you can do just make her as comfortable as possible. if she doesn't want to be touch just leave alone. but try to comfort her. I Agree With The person above me a bug can do something like that be.
2007-01-09 13:43:15 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋