Cat Mouth Ulcers - A Brief Guide on Types, Prevention & Treatment

Cat mouth ulcers are one of the serious health conditions that indicate underlying periodontal diseases or other health concerns. 
Ulcers can cause persistent discomfort to the pet patient and negatively affect their life expectancy.
Here in this blog, we’ll discuss everything about cat mouth ulcers, including their types, symptoms, treatment, and more. 

What’s Ahead?

• 5 types of cat mouth ulcers and their symptoms, causes, and treatment. 
• Graphical representation of the 5 different types of ulcers' impact on the quality of the cat’s life. 
• Graphical depiction of 5 different types of ulcers' adverse effects on the patient’s life expectancy. 
• Frequently asked questions about ulcers in cats. 

What Are Cat Mouth Ulcers? A Scientific Overview

Ulcers are characterized by open sores that affect the mucous membrane of the cat’s mouth. They weaken the mucous membrane and ultimately lead to tissue death. These sores can develop on the gums, tongue, palate, lips, or inner cheeks and often appear as red, inflamed patches where tissues are lost.
Various factors contribute to the development of ulcers, including infections, periodontal diseases, and environmental irritants. 
Mouth ulcers impact the cat's overall well-being, making it essential to diagnose the underlying cause immediately and treat them with proper medication. 

How Many Types of Mouth Ulcers in Cats Are There?

There are different types of cat mouth ulcers. 
Veterinary professionals classify these types based on their causes and severity level. 

Here are the five types of ulcers in cats, including their causes, symptoms, and treatment options: 

Here are the five types of ulcers in cats, including their causes, symptoms, and treatment options:

Periodontal disease-related ulcers are more common among cats of all the above types. Meaning that any cat suffering from gingivitis, periodontitis, abscesses, or halitosis is at a higher risk of developing ulcers.  

As you now have a clear idea of ulcer types, let’s move forward to the diagnosis of this health condition. 

How to Diagnose Feline Ulcers?

It is to thoroughly diagnose the cat’s oral health and look for signs of periodontal disease and dead tissue patches. The diagnosis of this health condition is pretty straightforward. However, you may need to conduct a few tests, such as bloodwork, dental radiography, or other diagnostic tests, to identify underlying issues. 

How to Prevent Ulcers in Cat Mouth?

Taking precautionary measures to prevent ulcers in cats starts from the very young age of the cat and goes a long way throughout their life. 
Here are some tips that can help: 

Prioritize Oral Hygiene at Home

It’s important to brush the cat’s teeth regularly and assess their gums, cheeks, and tongue for any signs of inflammation. 
As a responsible veterinary professional, you can recommend pet-friendly toothpaste and other hygiene products to promote oral hygiene. 

Educate Yourself

With the advancement in research and the veterinary field, new trends and treatment techniques keep emerging. 
To stay abreast of the trends, you must educate yourself with the latest techniques and tools. 
You can join online veterinary learning platforms, read feline journals, follow feline oral health communities online, and attend webinars. 

Missed Our Webinar on Feline Oral Health? No Problem!

You can now watch the recorded session on Feline Oral Disease, available on Vet and Tech! This valuable webinar, part of the DVM Central Expo - Dental Edition, dives into the latest in diagnosing, treating, and preventing periodontal disease and other oral health issues in cats.

Instructor: Jeanne R. Perrone

Earn CE credits, access expert insights, and stay up-to-date with veterinary dental care—whenever it suits you, only on Vet and Tech.

Are Home Remedies for Cat Mouth Ulcers Safe? 

It’s not advised to treat cat mouth ulcers at home. 
Guide pet parents that they should seek professional help and follow the veterinarian's proper treatment or medication plan. 
Remember, ulcers can be life-threatening, and if not treated properly, they might lead to cancers or other serious conditions. So, deal with caution in a hygienic environment.  

Can Cat Mouth Ulcers Kill Them? 

Depending on the type, ulcers in cat mouths can adversely affect their quality of life. If this disease is not diagnosed and treated on time, it can unfortunately result in life-threatening diseases. 
Here is a graphical representation of the ulcer's impact on the patient’s quality of life: 

This image suggests that gingivostomatitis and periodontal disease-related ulcers have a severe impact on the pet patient’s life compared to the rest of the types. 
Here is another graph that shows these ulcers’ negative impact on the life expectancy: 

As you can see, the underlying causes for ulcers, such as gingivostomatitis, calicivirus, and periodontal diseases, tend to have the most significant negative impact on a cat’s life expectancy. On the other hand, herpesvirus and eosinophilic have a relatively low impact on the ulcer cat patient. 
Note
These graphs represent general data. Remember, individual cats may experience different outcomes based on factors such as overall health, breed, and the severity of the ulcer.

To Sum Up!

Cat mouth ulcers should be diagnosed on time and treated according to the underlying causes. It’s important to understand the causes, symptoms, and treatments necessary to provide the best possible care to your pet patients. 
Bookmark this blog to access the information within a few clicks in the future. 
To learn more on “Treatment and Diagnosis of the Diseases of the Feline Oral Cavity”, DVM Central Expo - Dental Edition, powered by Vet and Tech
 Watch the recorded webinar on Feline Oral Disease

FAQ 

What does an ulcer in a cat’s mouth look like? 

Ulcers in feline mouths look like red, inflamed sores. The death of the tissues causes this condition. Ulcers can also be identified by cobblestone-like patches in the gum, cheeks, tongue, or back of the mouth. 

Are cat mouth ulcers a sign of kidney disease? 

Yes, ulcers in cats can be a warning sign of serious kidney issues in cats. When the patient’s kidney can’t filter the waste products out of the body, the waste gradually converts into metabolic waste in the blood, leading to health issues like ulcers. You should read the Nephrectomy Surgery Procedures. A surgical practice to remove the kidney and the linked ureter.

Can acidic foods cause mouth ulcers in cats? 

Yes, acidic foods can cause ulcers in cats. Fruits like pineapples and lemons are high in acidity and cause ulcers. You should guide pet owners on feeding the cats based on the individual needs and health condition of the cat.

Do cat mouth ulcers in cats go away on their own? 

Unfortunately, cat mouth ulcers don’t go away on their own. Proper treatment and medication are required to treat the ulcers and underlying issues.