Those fluffy pads on either side of your cat’s mouth often look adorable. But if they become suddenly swollen, uneven, or painful, beware. This may indicate a tooth root abscess, bacterial infection (like cat scratch disease), or even an oral tumor. Don’t assume it’s just “cute chubbiness”—your cat may be suffering from serious pain or even cancer.
1) Common Causes
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Tooth root abscess: Dental infection spreading deep into roots.
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Trauma infections: Bite wounds or foreign scratches allow bacteria in.
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Cat scratch disease: Bartonella infection can cause swollen nodes.
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Oral tumors: Squamous cell carcinoma or fibrosarcoma often start with swelling.
2) Warning Signs
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Trouble eating, chewing only on one side.
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Excessive drooling, foul odor.
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Whisker pad becomes firm or discolored.
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Lethargy, weight loss.
3) What Can Owners Do?
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Monitor changes: Unilateral vs bilateral, bleeding or discharge.
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Never squeeze: Draining abscesses at home spreads infection.
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See a vet quickly: Dental X-ray/CT identifies tooth vs tumor causes.
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Early treatment: Tooth abscess = extraction + antibiotics; tumors may need surgery/radiation.
Final Tips
A swollen whisker pad isn’t “cute fat.” It’s a warning of dental disease, infection, or tumor. The earlier you check, the higher the chance of recovery. Don’t hesitate—if you notice changes, see your vet immediately.
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