Cysts on the Gums in Cats
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 12/12/2016Updated: 10/22/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
Cysts on the Gums in Cats - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost
What are Cysts on the Gums?
Cysts or masses in the mouth are a fairly common ailment among cats. In some cases, symptoms may not show in obvious ways, especially if the cat is eating mainly wet food. This can allow the cyst to grow to a dangerously large size before detection. A cyst can contain bony growths or trapped saliva. Cyst development may or may not involve the teeth, however, an unerupted tooth is often the root cause of the issue. These are called “dentigerous” or “follicular” cysts and can lead to the weakening or even fracturing of facial bones. Cats of all ages are susceptible to gum cyst formation.
A cat's gums are made up of soft, vulnerable tissue. Any injury, infection, or dental issue may lead to the development of cysts (hard or soft cavities filled with liquid or other bodily materials). These cysts may or may not be painful, and can grow to the point that both eating and breathing can be negatively impacted. This can lead to anorexia in the affected cat, which can be a life-threatening issue if nutrients are not being ingested to the point of weight loss.
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From 483 quotes ranging from $500 - $1,000
Average Cost
$800
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Symptoms of Cysts on the Gums in Cats
Outward signs of an existing cyst will vary depending on the cause of its development and the extent that it has grown. If a cyst is discovered, do not wait to see if it will grow. The cyst should be identified by a veterinarian as soon as possible to rule out the presence of cancer or other harmful diseases. Signs to watch for include:
  • Inability to eat
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Aversion to food
  • Weight loss
  • Drooling
  • Bleeding from the mouth
  • Painful mouth movement
  • Mass or lump in the mouth or neck
  • Asymmetry of the face
  • Red or swollen gums
  • Absence of a tooth
  • Bad breath
Causes of Cysts on the Gums in Cats
Gum disease is often the cause of gum cyst formation. It is the most common oral problem in cats. While the cause is usually mouth related, other issues in the body can lead to cysts in the gums. Known causes are listed below.
  • Salivary Mucocele
  • Unerupted tooth
  • Bacterial infection
  • Fungal infection
  • Viral infections such as FIV, FHV, FeLV or feline calicivirus 
  • Tumors
  • Feline stomatitis
  • Trauma to the mouth
  • Inflammatory disorders 
Diagnosis of Cysts on the Gums in Cats
If you suspect your cat has a cyst in or on its gums, take it to your veterinarian. You will need to also provide the cat's full medical history to help determine possible causes of gum disease. A physical examination, including an in depth look at the oral cavity, will be performed. Sedation may be necessary for a proper evaluation, as a cat in pain may not allow fingers or tools in its mouth. The vet will palpate the mouth and neck for masses. 
The cyst will need to be differentiated from cancerous tumors of the mouth. A deep tissue biopsy may be taken for a histopathological examination to determine the composition of the growth. If it is obvious that the mass is filled with fluid, the fluid may be removed with a syringe for further testing. Dental x-rays can show any unerupted teeth or tooth fragments in the gum line. A CT scan may be needed to see the cyst three-dimensionally to see if surgery is possible, and if so how to perform it. Full blood work including a complete blood count and a biochemical profile should be performed to assess overall body health and to determine liver and kidney function. A sample may be taken for a culture test to confirm the presence of bacteria. Feline viruses should be tested for.
Treatment of Cysts on the Gums in Cats
The best treatment for gum cysts and their associated symptoms will depend on both the location of the cyst and its underlying cause. Primary health issues may need additional and possibly extensive treatment.
Surgical Removal 
Often, the best treatment for a gum cyst is to fully remove it via a surgical procedure. It is imperative that the cyst be completely removed to ensure that it does not redevelop. General anesthesia is required for a cyst excision surgery. 
Tooth Extraction 
In many cases in which gum cysts are present, a tooth or multiple teeth may be broken or diseased. In these instances, the tooth should also be completely extracted under general anesthesia to remove all decaying matter in the mouth.
Antibiotics 
If any bacterial infection has been identified, a corresponding antibiotic will be prescribed to rid the body of all harmful bacteria. Antibiotics may also be prescribed post-surgery to prevent infection from developing.
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Recovery of Cysts on the Gums in Cats
If your cat has undergone oral surgery, follow all at-home care instructions closely to promote the healing process. Monitor the incision site daily to ensure that it is clean, free of food bits and that no signs of infection are present. Your cat may need soft or wet foods while its mouth heals from surgery. Administer all medications as prescribed by your veterinarian. If the incision heals correctly and the cyst has been completely removed, prognosis is excellent and cyst reformation is unlikely.
Making sure that your cat has a good dental hygiene routine is an excellent way to prevent gum cysts and other forms of oral disease. An examination of the oral cavity should be performed as a part of the cat's annual veterinary visit. Depending on the underlying cause of the cyst development, regular check ups may be needed, with repeated x-rays to evaluate the healing of the mouth. 
Cysts on the Gums Average Cost
From 483 quotes ranging from $500 - $1,000
Average Cost
$800
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Cysts on the Gums Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
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Calico
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Eight Years
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5 found this helpful

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5 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Hello my cat has what looks to be identical growths on bottom gum… I would call the teeth the bottom canines if that makes sense. One is definitely a big larger as is sticks out a little when her mouth is closed
Sept. 25, 2021
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
5 Recommendations
This looks like gingival hyperplasia where there is an overgrowth of tissues. This can be removed by your vet to make your cat more comfortable
Sept. 25, 2021
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Domestic long haired cat
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Three Years
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13 found this helpful

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13 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Bump On Gums
There is a bump on her gums by her fang tooth
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
13 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I am sorry for the delay, this platform is not set up for urgent emails. The bump that you are describing may be normal tissue growth, or an infection in the tooth, or an epulis. Without seeing it, it is difficult to say, and having her seen by a veterinarian if it is not getting better would be a good idea. They will be able to examine her and let you know if there is anything to worry about.
Oct. 10, 2020
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Persian
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dog-age-icon
Eleven Years
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1 found this helpful

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1 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Blood In Stool
My cat has small lump on her front-side gum. It came to notice after i saw.her drooling while she was eating her food. Also, noticed some very little blood on her stool.
Sept. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay in my reply, this venue is not set up for urgent emails. Since she is drooling, and you noticed this lump, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 19, 2020
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Black cat
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dog-age-icon
Three Years
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4 found this helpful

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4 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Cysts
my cat has a cyst or bubble under his tongue on the right side of his mouth its huge. Had no idea until today. What is it? He has no teeth due to having gum disease he got from momma cat had all of his teeth pulled a year ago. Does not seem to be in pain. Help
Aug. 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
4 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. That looks like he may have an infection, or a salivary gland problem. It is good that you have an appointment with your veterinarian tomorrow, as they will be able to look at it and see what might be going on, and they will be able to give you a better idea as to what treatment might be needed. I hope that all goes well for him.
Aug. 29, 2020
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Tabby
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dog-age-icon
Two Years
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1 found this helpful

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1 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollen Gum
My cat Merv appears happy and in no pain, however his gums appear swollen. He eats, but very little and for a short amount of time (although he is naturally thin and not much of a foodie). He still grooms himself and his brother AND doesn’t seemed bothered when my bf or I tough his mouth. Any suggestions of what it could be? I have pictures!
July 10, 2020
Answered by Dr. Ellen M. DVM
1 Recommendations
Hi there, thank you for your question. I am sorry to hear that your cat is having swelling of his gums! Without examining him, it is very difficult to know what might be going on. This platform is not set up for pictures, but you could use the Wag! vet chat feature to send photos and live chat with a vet. It sounds like your cat definitely needs to be examined by his veterinarian. Swollen gums often indicate several dental disease, or could indicate a mass in the mouth. Your veterinarian may recommend a dental procedure to make sure there is no infection under the gums. The fact that he isn't eating much makes me concerned that it might hurt when he chews. Best of luck! I hope that he starts feeling better soon!
July 11, 2020
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Persian
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Kitty
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11 Years
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Bad Breath
Difficulty Eating
Discomfort
Regular shaped mass in Kitty's mouth. Looks like it is either attached to the inside cheek or on a tooth gum in the back left side of her mouth. Two days back we went to the vet and it looked more granular and reddish. After 2 days of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication prescribed by the doctor, the mass (which was granular) seem to have changed into a very regular elongated shape (one big with 2 smaller ones attached to the big one, all three having clearly defined shape). Her general well being did not change, except for: difficulty eating (but no weight loss), bad smelling breath (this is not new) and rubbing her left cheek from time to time and meowing. She eats normally, has clear eyes, her coat looks excellent, clean years, cold wet nose.
Cysts on the Gums Average Cost
From 483 quotes ranging from $500 - $1,000
Average Cost
$800
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