Cat Red Swollen Gums: Causes, Treatment & Home Remedies
Learn why your cat has red, swollen gums and what you can do about it. Discover causes from gingivitis to stomatitis, plus get AI-powered dental analysis.
Why Are My Cat's Gums Red and Swollen?
Red, swollen gums in cats are a clear sign that something is wrong. Unlike dogs, cats are masters at hiding pain, so by the time you notice gum problems, the condition may already be advanced.
Understanding the causes and getting early treatment can save your cat from significant pain and prevent tooth loss.
Common Causes of Red Swollen Gums in Cats
1. Gingivitis
The most common cause of red gums in cats. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by plaque bacteria.
Signs include:
- Red line along the gumline
- Swelling at the base of teeth
- Bad breath
- Reluctance to eat hard food
The good news: Early gingivitis is reversible with proper dental care.
2. Periodontal Disease
When gingivitis progresses, it becomes periodontal disease:
- Gums pull away from teeth (pockets form)
- Bone loss around tooth roots
- Pus may be present
- Teeth become loose
- Extreme pain when eating
3. Feline Stomatitis
A severe, painful condition where the cat's immune system overreacts to plaque bacteria:
Characteristics:
- Extreme redness beyond just gumline
- Inflammation extends to back of mouth
- Ulcers on gums, tongue, and throat
- Severe pain - cats may scream when eating
- Weight loss from avoiding food
- Drooling (sometimes bloody)
Important: Stomatitis often requires extraction of most or all teeth for relief.
4. Tooth Resorption (FORL)
Affects 30-70% of cats. The tooth structure breaks down from the inside:
- Extremely painful
- Gums may grow over affected teeth
- Red, inflamed tissue around specific teeth
- Cat may tilt head while eating
5. Oral Tumors
Less common but serious:
- Localized swelling
- May bleed easily
- Can be benign or malignant
- Requires veterinary examination
6. Viral Infections
Certain viruses can cause gum inflammation:
- FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)
- FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus)
- Calicivirus
These weaken the immune system, making gum disease worse.
How to Examine Your Cat's Gums
Checking your cat's mouth can be challenging, but here's how:
Step-by-Step Check
- Choose a calm moment
- Gently lift the lip on one side
- Look at gum color and condition
- Check for swelling or redness
- Note any unusual growths
- Smell for bad breath
Healthy vs. Unhealthy Gums
| Healthy | Unhealthy |
|---|---|
| Pink color | Bright red or purple |
| Smooth texture | Swollen or bumpy |
| No bleeding | Bleeds when touched |
| Fresh breath | Foul odor |
| Firm against teeth | Pulling away from teeth |
Treatment Options
Veterinary Treatments
For Gingivitis:
- Professional dental cleaning
- Antibiotics if infected
- Pain medication
- Home care instructions
For Periodontal Disease:
- Deep cleaning under anesthesia
- Possible tooth extractions
- Long-term management plan
For Stomatitis:
- Full or partial mouth extractions (often most effective)
- Immunosuppressive medications
- Pain management
- Ongoing monitoring
For Tooth Resorption:
- Extraction of affected teeth
- Pain management
Home Care
What you CAN do:
- Brush teeth daily (if cat tolerates)
- Use cat-specific dental treats
- Provide dental water additives
- Feed dental-formula food
- Monitor for changes
What you should NOT do:
- Ignore the problem
- Use human toothpaste
- Force brushing if cat is in pain
- Delay veterinary care
When to See a Vet Immediately
Seek urgent care if your cat shows:
- Refusal to eat for more than 24 hours
- Drooling (especially if bloody)
- Pawing at mouth constantly
- Facial swelling
- Visible pus or severe odor
- Behavioral changes (hiding, aggression)
Prevention Tips
Daily Habits
- Start dental care young
- Brush teeth if possible
- Provide appropriate dental treats
- Use water additives
Regular Monitoring
- Check gums weekly
- Use Nerovet AI for monthly scans
- Watch for eating changes
- Note any behavior changes
Professional Care
- Annual dental exams
- Professional cleanings as needed
- Address issues early
How Nerovet AI Helps
Our AI can analyze photos of your cat's mouth to detect:
- Early inflammation - Before it becomes severe
- Gum recession - Signs of periodontal disease
- Unusual growths - That need vet attention
- Disease progression - Track changes over time
The Hidden Cost of Ignoring Gum Problems
Cats hide pain well, but untreated gum disease leads to:
- Chronic pain affecting quality of life
- Difficulty eating and weight loss
- Spread of infection to other organs
- Expensive emergency treatments
- Potential tooth loss
| Treatment | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic cleaning | $200-$400 |
| Cleaning + extractions | $500-$1,500 |
| Stomatitis treatment | $1,000-$3,000+ |
| Tumor removal | $1,500-$5,000+ |
Check Your Cat's Gums Today
Early detection is key to preventing serious dental disease in cats. Don't wait until your cat is in obvious pain.
Upload a photo of your cat's teeth and gums for instant assessment and recommendations.
This article is for educational purposes only. Red, swollen gums in cats can indicate serious conditions requiring professional veterinary care.
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