Our Vets are Available 🟢
Dial A Vet Logo
🐾 Pet Health
Blogs
Dog HealthCat HealthVeterinary ServicesPet Health
ask a vet
Ask A Vet Q&A - Free!
resources
Free Symptom CheckerDial A Vet NZFind a Local Vet Clinic
about DIAL A VET
Terms & Conditions
Privacy PolicyEditorial GuidelinesNewsletter
View all Blogs
Over 6,000 Articles
View All Q&A
5,000+ Answers
💵 Pricing📖 How it Works📧 Contact
Chat to a Vet

Question:

Cat, 20, Male, 4.6 lbs, Minnesota, Tongue issues - not clear what's going on with mouth

I’m really worried about my old man cat, and I could use some advice or insight from anyone who’s experienced something similar. He’s 20 years old, pretty tiny at just 4.6 lbs, and we’re in Minnesota. Lately, he’s been having some weird stuff going on with his mouth, particularly his tongue. It’s like he’s having trouble keeping it in his mouth or something, and he sometimes seems uncomfortable or like he’s trying to paw at his face. I’m at a loss because he’s been to the vet recently and they didn’t find anything immediately worrisome, but they also mentioned that at his age, things can just start going downhill. I can’t shake this nagging feeling that something’s wrong, and I don’t want him to be in pain or uncomfortable. Has anyone dealt with tongue issues in senior cats before? Any ideas on what this could be or what I should ask the vet to check for next? Thanks so much for any help.

Answer:

Hello there,



It sounds like your 20-year-old feline friend is having some trouble with his tongue or mouth, which can understandably be a bit concerning. In older cats, tongue and mouth issues could stem from several causes, including dental disease, ulcers, infections, or even a mass. Given his age, it’s important to pay attention to signs such as drooling, difficulty eating, bad breath, or pawing at the mouth.



You might want to gently check his mouth at home, if he's amenable, to see if anything obvious stands out, like redness, swelling, or visible sores. Make sure you’re in a calm and well-lit environment to do this. Offering him soft or wet food can help if he's struggling with dry kibble right now.



Keep an eye on his behavior—any increased lethargy, changes in appetite, or weight loss are signs that warrant a closer look. A persistent or worsening condition should definitely be addressed by a vet to rule out serious problems like oral tumors or systemic issues.



Since he's already quite underweight and elderly, I’d recommend scheduling a video consult with a veterinarian through Dial A Vet. They can offer more personalized guidance and help you decide the best steps to ensure he remains comfortable and healthy.

Answered by

Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet

June 20, 2025

  Book A Vet Consultation
The "Ask a Vet" forum on Dial A Vet offers general information and helpful tips on pet health, but it's not a substitute for professional veterinary care. The advice here doesn't create a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and our vets can't diagnose or treat your pet remotely. For emergencies or specific medical concerns, always contact your local veterinarian immediately. Your pet's health is unique, and decisions should only be made after consulting with a qualified professional. By using this forum, you acknowledge these limitations and agree to seek in-person veterinary advice for all your pet's health needs. View our content guidelines.
🧠 Related Pet Owner Questions
My little boy died. He was 4 yo
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
BYOP: Bring your own poop?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Am I over reacting to thinking I've been scammed & receiving the wrong care for my cat the past 2 years?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dog at Vitamin D Softgels
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Money Magazine
Australia's Leading
Online Vet
TrustPilot:
Excellent
Real Vets

Thousands of Pet Owners across the Globe rely on Dial A Vet for peace of mind.

Real questions, vet reviewed answers and quality care.

Trusted by 40,000+ users
4.7/5
dog in grass
Ina
Pet Owner

It was so easy, I needed some eye drops for my dog and thinking about going to the vet on a weekend made me nervous about the cost involved. Dial A Vet was a much simpler, cheaper option with faster results. Within 10 minutes of the call, I had the medicine I needed for my dog without an expensive consultation.

25 May 2025
Joanne
Pet Owner

A great fast efficient service with a qualified vet who was lovely and helpful. Thank you Samantha. I was able to sort my dog at 6pm on a Sunday night for $49 - amazing. Highly recommend.

12 May 2025
Lisa
Pet Owner

What an amazing service, at my wits end as I knew my beautiful dog had an ear infection, could not get into the vet for 4 days. Never knew there was vets online until I googled. Within 15 minutes on a Sunday I was taking to beautiful Samantha who diagnosed and treated our Jasper. Only $49. She trusted that we knew our boy and gave us lots of advice. I will definitely be using dial a vet every time and sharing with all my friends and family. Absolutely fantastic kind caring service. 11/10

7 April 2025
The logo for Dial A Vet, the online vet company.

With Dial A Vet, expert veterinary advice is just a tap away. Get fast vet consultations, trusted care, and personalized pet support—anytime, anywhere, all year round.

Dial A Vets uses software that is HIPAA compliant and SOC - 2 Certified.

support@dialavet.com.au

dial a vet owner with cat
dial a vet pet owner with dog in a orange top
colourful pet owner with their dog
40k+
Pet Owners
Fluffy stuff
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy policy
Company
How It WorksPricingBlogFree Online VetOnline VetPet Symptom CheckerFind a Local Vet ClinicFree Teachers lesson plansGasTexts: Free Gas Prices TextedCheersVC
NEW ZEALAND
Speak to A Vet NZ
Our Social Links