A feline dental abscess is a potentially serious infection that develops inside, under, or around a tooth, typically as a result of bacteria getting in through decay or breakage. Because cats are adept at hiding their pain and discomfort, it can often be difficult to tell when a feline has a dental abscess. Knowing the signs will ensure you can get them to a veterinarian and have the issue remedied. Below are a few ways to tell if your cat has a tooth-related issue.

3 Ways to Tell If Your Cat Has a Dental Abscess 

1. Visible Lumps

One of the most obvious signs will be a visible red bump in the cat's mouth. The bump can make it difficult for the cat to eat, so you may notice that they are only chewing food on one side of their mouth or that food falls out of the mouth when the cat tries to chew on the abscessed side. The bump might also swell, which is an indicator that it is filling with pus. The swelling may expand and make that side of the cat's face noticeably puffy.

2. Bad Breath

An abscess can upset the bacterial balance in a cat's mouth, resulting in bad breath. If the cat is drooling excessively or bleeding from the mouth, both of which can occur with an abscess, their breath can be even more foul-smelling. However, bad breath is a common issue for cats and does not automatically mean they have an abscess, so be sure to have them checked out by a veterinarian if you're in doubt.

3. Behavioral Changes

When an abscess is present, a cat will sometimes paw at the afflicted side of their mouth. They may start to withdraw from your touch when you try to pet or scratch them, especially when reaching toward the affected side. Take note of how they interact with their favorite toys. If they start to neglect a toy they normally love to chew on, it could be because of discomfort from an abscess. Abscesses can also trigger a decrease in daily grooming habits and cause a general sense of lethargy and malaise.

If you notice any of the above symptoms, contact a veterinarian. High Point Veterinary Hospital in High Point, NC, has been serving the pets of the Tri-State Area since 2004. They offer a variety of pet care services, including exams, diagnostics, dental treatments, spaying and neutering, and an onsite pharmacy, as well as pet grooming and dog boarding. Call (336) 889-3832 or visit their website to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian today.