Are Cat Mouth Sores Contagious? The Answer May Surprise You

By / January 5, 2024

What are feline mouth sores?

Feline mouth sores, also known as oral ulcers or lesions, are painful open sores that develop in a cat’s mouth. They appear as circular, reddened sores that can occur on the lips, tongue, gums, palate, or throat 1. Mouth sores range in severity from mild irritation to deep, bleeding ulcers.

Common symptoms of feline mouth sores include:

  • Red, inflamed lesions in the mouth
  • Bleeding or swollen gums
  • Excessive drooling
  • Difficulty eating or dropping food
  • Decreased appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Bad breath

Causes can include bacterial, viral or fungal infections, injuries, metabolic disorders, cancers, autoimmune diseases, or allergies. Certain medications or oral tumors may also lead to the development of mouth ulcers in cats 2.

Are they contagious to other cats?

Feline mouth sores are often caused by highly contagious viral infections like feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus, which means they can spread easily between cats. These viruses are transmitted through direct contact with infected saliva, nasal secretions, or eye discharge from a cat that is actively shedding the virus (1). Cats that go outdoors, live in multicat households, or are in crowded shelters are at highest risk of exposure and infection.

To prevent spreading mouth sores between cats, infected cats should be isolated from other household cats during an active viral outbreak. Any shared items like food bowls, beds, and toys should be thoroughly disinfected. New cats should be quarantined for at least 2 weeks before introducing them to a household with existing cats, to monitor for any signs of illness. Vaccines for feline calicivirus and herpesvirus may help reduce shedding and transmission between cats, but they do not completely prevent infection (2).

Overall, feline mouth sores are very contagious to other cats when caused by viruses like calicivirus or herpes. Preventive measures like isolation, quarantine, disinfection, and vaccination can reduce risk, but caution is warranted anytime a cat develops mouth ulcers or sores.

Are they contagious to humans?

The risk of cat mouth sores transmitting to humans is generally low. Most cases of feline mouth sores are caused by dental disease, which is not contagious. However, some underlying infections like calicivirus are zoonotic, meaning they can spread between cats and humans.

According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, “As the name implies, this bacterial infection is usually transmitted from cat to human via scratches, although it can also be transmitted via bite wounds and direct contact with the infected cat’s saliva.” https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/zoonotic-disease-what-can-i-catch-my-cat

To reduce risk, cat owners should practice good hygiene like washing hands after interacting with a cat with mouth sores. Avoid direct contact with any discharge or wounds. Seek medical care if any symptoms develop after an exposure.

Overall, the risk is low for immunocompetent humans. But those who are elderly, pregnant, or immunocompromised should take extra care around cats with oral lesions.

Diagnosis

To diagnose the cause of mouth sores in cats, veterinarians will first perform a thorough physical exam of the cat’s mouth. They will look for signs of inflammation, ulcers, bleeding, and tooth abnormalities. The vet may use an otoscope to visualize the back of the throat and tonsils. Samples may be taken from any lesions or sores and sent for cytology or biopsy to determine if infection or cancer cells are present (Source).

The veterinarian will also assess the cat’s overall health status. Blood work may be done to look for issues like kidney disease that could contribute to mouth sores. The vet may also order x-rays of the mouth and jaw to check for fractures, retained tooth roots, or bone changes associated with infections or cancer (Source).

Once a diagnosis is made, the vet will recommend appropriate treatment options. Antibiotics, pain medication, and anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed. Dental surgery to extract problem teeth may be necessary. For cancerous growths, options like surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy would be discussed.

Treatment

Treatment for cat mouth sores often involves medications prescribed by a veterinarian. Common medications include:

At home care is also important for treating cat mouth sores. Soft foods, an elevated food bowl, and frequently cleaning the mouth can help. Most sores resolve within 1-2 weeks with proper treatment. More serious cases may require a longer recovery time of a few weeks to months. It’s important to follow up with the veterinarian to ensure the sores are healing properly.

Prevention

There are several ways to help prevent feline mouth sores from developing or recurring. Diet plays an important role. Feeding cats a high-quality diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation that leads to mouth ulcers. Canned food is typically better than dry kibble for cats prone to mouth sores, as it contains more moisture and is less abrasive on the gums.

Regular dental care is also key for prevention. Brushing your cat’s teeth daily or several times per week removes plaque and bacteria that can cause mouth sores. Annual veterinary dental cleanings also help dramatically. Using dental treats, gels, rinses, or water additives provides extra help between brushes and cleanings.

Finally, reducing stress is beneficial. Stress weakens the immune system and makes cats more prone to mouth sores. Using calming pheromones, providing environmental enrichment with toys and cat trees, and minimizing changes to your cat’s routine can help lower stress levels.

Prognosis

The long-term prognosis for cats with mouth sores depends on the underlying cause. In cases of feline calicivirus or other viral infections, the sores usually resolve within 1-2 weeks with proper treatment. Recurrence is possible if the cat is exposed to the virus again in the future. For autoimmune conditions like feline stomatitis, the prognosis is less favorable. According to PetMD, stomatitis tends to be a lifelong condition. Even with aggressive treatment like dental extractions, the sores often recur periodically. Cats may experience flare-ups during times of stress or other immune system challenges. With consistent medical management, most cats can achieve a decent quality of life despite the chronic mouth inflammation. But the condition can be difficult to control long-term. Euthanasia may be considered as a last resort if the pain and complications become too severe. Early intervention with dental extractions offers the best chance of remission. According to Rover, cats treated within the first 6 months of stomatitis onset have an 80% chance of achieving remission after extractions. Waiting longer than 2 years drops the success rate to less than 10%. So prompt veterinary care is essential for optimizing the prognosis.

Special Cases

Kittens and senior cats can be more susceptible to developing mouth sores. Kittens’ immune systems are still developing, making them more vulnerable to infections that can cause oral ulcers (1). Senior cats may have weaker immune systems and other age-related health conditions that increase their risk. Additionally, conditions like kidney disease, cancer, and autoimmune disorders are associated with a higher incidence of mouth sores in cats of any age (2).

In both kittens and senior cats, it’s important to have any mouth sores evaluated promptly by a veterinarian. Quick diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications. Kittens may need supportive care like fluids and nutrition assistance if mouth sore pain inhibits eating. Senior cats may require medication adjustments if current treatments are contributing to ulcer development.

For cats with concurrent health issues, vets will tailor treatment plans to each patient’s needs. This may involve coordinating with a specialist, modifying medications, and careful monitoring during treatment. While mouth sores can be challenging to manage in kittens, seniors, and sick cats, early veterinary care improves outcomes.

(1) https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/mouth/mouth-ulcers-cats

(2) https://www.rover.com/blog/cat-mouth-sores/

When to see a vet

You should bring your cat to the vet if mouth sores last longer than 1-2 weeks or seem to be getting worse instead of improving. Severe or worsening mouth sores can be a sign of an underlying health issue. According to PetMD, warning signs to watch for include:

  • Ulcers that are larger than 1/4 inch in diameter
  • Bloody or pus-filled ulcers
  • Ulcers accompanied by a fever
  • Loss of appetite or difficulty eating
  • Drooling or bad breath

You should seek emergency vet care if your cat has mouth sores along with symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, or facial swelling. These can indicate a serious condition requiring prompt treatment. Don’t try home remedies if mouth sores cause significant pain or make it hard for your cat to eat or drink. It’s always better to have a vet examine any mouth ulcers persisting beyond a few days.

Summary

In summary, cat mouth sores, also known as feline stomatitis, can be caused by different viral or bacterial infections. While not extremely common, they can occur in cats and may be transmissible to other cats through saliva or respiratory secretions. However, feline stomatitis is not considered contagious to humans. If a cat develops mouth sores, it’s important to take them to the vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, which may include medication, dental cleaning, tooth extraction, or diet change. Prognosis is generally good with appropriate treatment. Prevention involves keeping the cat’s mouth clean through dental care and feeding wet food, as well as limiting contact with infected cats. While cat mouth sores can be distressing, they are treatable conditions. With veterinary attention and proper care, most cats go on to make a full recovery.

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