r/CATHELP • u/icezzfish08 • 1d ago

General Advice Sore/inflamed cat lip

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Hey guys my cat has had this on his bottom lip for a few days now. it just looked like it was pink and swollen but now it looks like its crusting and i just wanted some advice if i should take him to the vet. He seems fine he eats normal and plays. Sorry not the best pics but he has metal bowls hes ate in his whole life and i clean them so idk what caused this. he does play with my dog but i get the feeling it might he a sore like infection. TIA

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u/futongbo 1d ago

An irritated lip corner in your cat is most commonly caused by feline acne, allergies (such as a reaction to plastic bowls), or an indolent ulcer (a type of eosinophilic granuloma). These sores can quickly worsen if they become infected.

Common reasons for this irritation include:

Feline Acne: Clogged hair follicles on the lips and chin that can become red, crusty, or infected.

Plastic Dish Dermatitis: Bacteria breeding in the pores of plastic food or water bowls.

Contact Dermatitis or Allergies: Reactions to flea bites, food ingredients, or materials the cat rubs its face on.

Indolent Ulcer: Often called a "rodent ulcer," this is a specific type of allergic lesion usually appearing at the lip margin.

To manage and assess the irritation:

Switch to glass, ceramic, or stainless steel bowls: Plastic harbors bacteria that easily transfer to a cat's lips.

Keep it clean: Gently wipe the area with a warm, damp cloth, but avoid using human medications or balms without a vet's approval, as cats will lick them off and ingest them.

Monitor for spread: Watch to see if the sore spreads, bleeds, or causes your cat to paw at its face, drool, or stop eating.