I'm really hoping someone here can help me out because I'm worried sick about my cat, Max. Over the last couple of days, I've noticed that his frenum (I think that’s the right word? It’s that tissue under his tongue) looks really swollen, and he seems to be having trouble eating his favorite kibble. He’s been drooling a lot more than usual and I can tell he's uncomfortable, though he's still trying to be his usual cuddly self. I haven’t been able to get a straight answer online about what might be causing this. Unfortunately, I'm not able to get him to the vet until later this week, and I'm stressing out over what could be wrong. Has anyone else experienced this with their cat? Any advice or ideas on what might be going on would be super appreciated!
Hello there! I'm sorry to hear your cat is having some mouth issues. Let’s see if we can get to the bottom of this and make your kitty more comfortable.
The frenum is a small fold of tissue that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth. If your cat's frenum looks inflamed or swollen, it could be due to several reasons, such as an injury, an infection, or something stuck in their mouth. Another possibility is gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums. This can make the mouth look quite swollen and cause discomfort when eating or being touched.
At home, you can help your cat by checking their mouth to see if there's any obvious foreign body, like a piece of string or plant material. Encourage them to drink water to stay hydrated, as this can help flush out irritants. You can also offer them soft food to make eating a little easier.
Keep an eye out for signs of a more serious problem, such as if your cat stops eating, drools excessively, or has bad breath. If you notice these symptoms or if the swelling doesn’t improve within a day or two, it’s time to consult with a vet.
I recommend booking a video consult with Dial A Vet, where a veterinarian can closely examine your cat's symptoms and guide you on the next steps. Your cat’s health and comfort are our priority!
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