what is wrong with my cat?

Question

one side of my cat's face is swollen. any idea as to what could be wrong with him?

Answer 1

Could be a spider bite. Better take him to a vet to make sure.

Answer 2

There's a small possibility this could be an insect bite of some kind but much more likely is an abscess from a cat bite. Cat bites make small incision wounds but leave bacteria deep under the skin, which can turn into a nasty infection/abscess, causing swelling. The other cause may be a tooth related problem; if the cat has an infected gum/tooth is can cause swelling.
I would take him/her to the vets as any infection will need treating with antibiotics and abscess may need to be drained. Hope he/she gets better soon!

Answer 3

An insect bite or sting is possible.

Dental problems are another possibility, and possibly very serious. Kitty needs to be checked by a vet in case he needs dental work. Please act quickly; he may be in serious pain.

Another possibility is saliva gland infarction, a seldom seen and poorly known condition that most vets haven't even heard of. I know about it because my late Scooter had it twice. Infarction means death - the saliva glands become necrotic (dead tissue) and the area swells up. Saliva gland infarction has no cure, but it resolves by itself in a period of ten days to a couple weeks. It may flare up again one or more times before it resolves for good.

Saliva gland infarction seems harmless but it presents two hazards. One is that it is often mistaken for cancer and results in the cat having unnecessary surgery (like what happened to my Scooter the first time.) The other is that cancer may be mistaken for saliva gland infarction, resulting in it being ignored when treatment is required.

I'd worry more about possible dental problems and get kitty to a vet pronto. If the vet can't figure out what's wrong, maybe it's saliva gland infarction. (I sure hope it's not cancer!)

Answer 4

Actually need a bit more history - has he been outside? Is this a tom cat? If so, it could be an abscess from a fight wound. It might also be tooth related....but an abscess is more likely. He probably should be taken to a vet for treatment (antibiotics). If an abscess, it might need to be drained also. If a tooth problem causes that much swelling, antibiotics are probably in order (plus a tooth may need to be pulled). When in doubt, always take to a veterinarian!

Answer 5

LOL I have to say that I agree with everyone and you should TAKE YOUR CA T TO THE VET! Lol. It could be any one of the things listed. This is what they will ask u at the vets.
Is the cat sterile? Is it out/indoors? Does it take any medications? Have you recently changed his diet?
Other potential problems could be issues with the teeth, a foreign body (such as a small mouse bone).

Answer 6

I know it might seem like a bug-bite, but TAKE THE CAT TO THE VET. Just in case it's not just a bug bite, I think it would be much safer to go to the vet, just to get a professional's opinion.

Answer 7

Could be a abcess cause by a bite wound from a fight, dental disease or tumor. Take your cat to the vet for a professional diagnosis

Answer 8

It sounds like he was bit by something, and is having an allergic reaction. I had the same thing happen, with my chihuahua being bit by a wasp. He needs to be seen by a vet, to get the allergic reaction treated.

Answer 9

Your cat could be injured or maybe allergic to something. You would need to see the vet.

Answer 10

most likley a bug bite possible a bee, but like everyone is saying do take it to the vet. better safe then sorry! poor kitty good luck