Is it normal for orange cats to have black spots on their lips?
When black or brown spots just seem to appear on the lips, nose, and eyelid margins of aging orange-colored cats, owners tend to worry. What are they and should you worry? The short answer is almost always no—they may look ominous, but they are harmless.
What does it mean if your cat’s gums are red?
Healthy gums are pink, pale or bright; red gums may mean something is wrong with your cat. Drooling and pawing at the mouth are cause for concern as well. Brown streaks and tartar build-up on the teeth may indicate a dental problem.
Why does my orange tabby have black spots on her lips?
The most common reason for these dark spots is lentigo simplex, a genetic condition that is most common in orange tabby, calico, flame point, and tortoiseshell cats. Most often the spots (lentigines) appear in middle-aged to older cats, but they can begin appearing in cats as young as 1 year of age.
What to do if your cat has black spots on his lips?
If you’re concerned about a spot on your cat, especially if it changes in size or is raised or tender, contact your veterinarian to schedule an appointment. There’s a good chance that your cat’s black spot may simply be lentigo, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately.
Is it normal for a cat to have spots on its lips?
Lentigo Is Not Cancer Rest assured: Lentigo is not a form of cancer, nor do lentigo spots advance to become melanomas. Lentigo is, in fact, completely harmless, like human freckles or age spots, and no medical treatment is necessary for the condition.
Why does my orange cat have black spots on his lips?
The spots are the result of the pigment-producing cells called melanocytes making more melanin than the surrounding skin. It is thought that the gene that codes for orange coat color is unstable and reverts back to its more natural “non-orange,” dark gene over time.
Why does my kitten have a lip ulcer?
For a variety of reasons, lip and mouth problems are common in both kittens and cats. Most are easy to fix, but beware: they are hard to tell apart and some are extremely serious. Here are the essential facts for cat owners. In order of frequency, oral lesions of cats are most often caused by:
Why does my cat have a lip sore?
In conclusion, if your cat has a mouth or lip sore, it’s probably one of the causes above. However, as much as I’ve tried to explain them, their appearances overlap too much to ever replace the opinion of an experienced vet. And with a diagnosis there’s a lot that can be done to help.
