Red Gums in Cats
WRITTEN BYKatie Grzyb, DVM Veterinarian Dr. Katie Grzyb received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University in 2009. She continued her clinical training at…,The following content may contain Chewy links. PetMD is operated by Chewy. Cats are known to hide illnesses, so it can be hard to spot the signs that your cat is sick. One great signal of your cat’s overall health is the color of their gums. A healthy cat’s gums should be a light shade of pink. If your cat has dark pink or red gums, this could be a sign of an underlying health issue. It’s also important to note if there are small, pinpoint red bruises or if the redness is only around the base of the teeth or at the gumline. Each of these can mean different things and can help determine if there is an emerging illness that requires immediate assessment by a veterinarian. Causes of Red Gums in Cats Red gums are a symptom of an underlying issue that can range from mild to potentially serious. Some of the reasons your cat’s gums might be red include: Gingivitis Gingivitis is a medical condition where the gumline becomes red and swollen. It’s caused by plaque building up along the gumline. Over time, bacteria infiltrate the plaque and trigger an immune reaction. This leads to inflammation, redness, swelling, and pain. Gingivitis is often caused by poor oral hygiene, tooth crowding, or an underlying illness. It can range from mild to severe and will get worse without appropriate dental therapy from a veterinarian. Red, inflamed gums on a cat with severe dental disease (Photo credit: Sandra Mitchell, DVM) Stomatitis Stomatitis is characterized by severe inflammation that’s spread throughout most or all of the oral cavity, including the gums, tongue, palate, or lips. It often accompanies gingivitis and may be related to an immune response to the bacteria that’s trapped in dental plaque. It is often very painful and may have symptoms like lethargy, drooling, lack of appetite, and poor grooming practices. If you see these signs at home, bring your feline to a veterinarian for evaluation. Underlying Illness Several diseases can cause gingivitis and inflamed gums, including feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV), calicivirus, diabetes mellitus, or kidney failure. You might also see severe periodontal disease or ulcerations or the gums and tongue. Heatstroke Normal cat body temperatures range from 99 to 102.5°F. Heatstroke in cats can happen when their body temperature reaches 104°F. The most common cause of heatstroke is prolonged exposure to heat without good ventilation. Cats aren’t great at regulating their body temperatures. They don’t sweat and only rarely pant—two ways of releasing heat from the body. Instead, a cat will typically move to a cooler area to lower their internal temperature. If they can’t get to a cooler spot, their internal temperature can rise to the point where it could cause organ damage or even death. Obese cats, breeds with flat faces, cats that are ill, kittens, and older cats are more prone to heatstroke. Signs of heatstroke in cats include dark red gums and tongue, rapid heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, panting or fast respiratory rate, lethargy, disorientation, drooling, or seizures. If you suspect heatstroke, take your cat to a veterinarian immediately, as this can be fatal if left untreated. Toxins Cyanide poisoning can cause red gums, dilated pupils, panting, and vomiting in cats. Cyanide poisoning is most commonly caused by eating certain plants, fertilizers, pesticides, or a lot of apple seeds, stems, or leaves. If you’re worried that your cat has ingested cyanide, which can be fatal, take them to a veterinarian immediately. Rat poison is another common poison that may cause gum discoloration. Some rat poison contains chemicals (anticoagulants) that stop the blood from clotting, which can lead to excess bleeding. An early sign of rat poisoning is seeing small red dots on the gums, ears, or eyes. This can progress to larger bruises on a cat’s body as well as internal bleeding. This is fatal if left untreated. Take your cat to the veterinarian immediately if you think they were exposed to rat poison or if you see red spots on their gums, ears, or eyes.
