What is Facial Swelling?
Some of these causes of swelling are incredibly serious and need to be treated immediately to protect your cat. It doesn’t matter whether the swelling is only occurring on one side of the face or affecting the entire face, you should bring your cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible if you spot any signs.
If you notice your cat’s face looks puffier than usual, he could be suffering from facial swelling. It may be difficult to spot swelling at first, but as it worsens, your cat’s eyes may begin to close as the surrounding area swells. The signs of facial swelling can come on suddenly or develop over time, depending on the underlying cause. Swelling can be caused by a variety of conditions, including exposure to allergens or toxins, dental abscesses, trauma, and insect bites.
Facial Swelling Average Cost
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Average Cost
$850
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Symptoms of Facial Swelling in Cats
It’s much easier to spot facial swelling in short haired cats than in long haired cats. Facial swelling is characterized by a puffy, abnormal facial appearance. Depending on the cause, the swelling could affect small areas, one side of the face, or the entire face. You may also notice your cat’s eyes appearing smaller than usual because of the swelling.
Causes of Facial Swelling in Cats
A number of different factors can cause facial swelling in cats, some which are more severe than others. To ensure your cat is properly treated, take him to an emergency veterinarian as soon as possible. Some of the causes include:
- Allergic reaction
- Dental abscess
- Facial trauma
- Insect/snake bite
- Muscle inflammation
- Inflamed salivary glands
- Acetaminophen poisoning
- Cancer
- Hematoma
- Infection
Diagnosis of Facial Swelling in Cats
Bring your cat into a veterinarian as soon as you see signs of facial swelling. Provide as much information as possible to your vet regarding your cat’s diet and medical history. If your cat has any known allergies, make sure you mention this to the veterinarian. You should also let your veterinarian know if you have an outside cat, as snakes or insects can easily come into contact with outside cats.
Next, the veterinarian will begin a physical examination of your cat. He will look for signs of insect or snake bites, wounds, infection, and hives, which are often present during an allergic reaction. Veterinarians will also check the skin to look for signs of hematoma, which is characterized by skin discoloration. The veterinarian may also look inside your cat’s mouth to determine if a dental abscess could be causing the facial swelling.
If the swelling is localized, the veterinarian may be able to determine if it is caused by muscle or salivary gland inflammation. However, localized swelling can also be caused by tumors, which the veterinarian may be able to feel during the physical examination. If no cause is determined after the physical examination, the veterinarian may perform X-rays or an ultrasound to check for tumors in the head or neck. Biopsies may need to be performed on any tumors that are found to determine if they are cancerous.
Treatment of Facial Swelling in Cats
The treatment plan will depend on the cause of facial swelling. Allergic reactions will often be treated with corticosteroids and antihistamines. If the swelling is caused by an infection, the bacteria may need to be cultured to determine which antibiotic will be the most effective. Muscle or salivary gland inflammation is usually treated with anti-inflammatory medication and steroids.
Veterinarians may recommend letting hematomas clear up on their own, but in some cases, they may think it is best to drain the hematoma before sending your cat home.
If your cat has been diagnosed with cancer, the treatment will depend on the severity of the disease. Your cat may require surgery to remove the tumor, along with radiation and chemotherapy.
If your cat has ingested acetaminophen, the veterinarian will administer acetylcysteine, which will protect the liver from serious damage. Cats suffering from acetaminophen poisoning will need to stay with the veterinarian for several days for intensive therapy.
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Recovery of Facial Swelling in Cats
Most cats will fully recover from facial swelling, especially if the cause was an allergic reaction or infection. However, if the swelling was caused by cancer or acetaminophen toxicity, your cat’s recovery will depend on the severity of his condition.
Be sure to administer medications to your cat as advised by the veterinarian. If the swelling was caused by an allergy, try to remove any potential allergens from your cat’s environment. It’s recommended that you keep your cat indoors to limit his exposure to potential allergens, insects, and snakes.
The veterinarian may ask that you bring your cat in shortly after your initial visit to ensure the swelling has gone down and the underlying cause is being properly treated.
Facial swelling can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your cat has facial swelling or is at risk, start searching for pet insurance today. Brought to you by Pet Insurer, Wag! Wellness lets pet parents compare insurance plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Trupanion. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!
Facial Swelling Average Cost
From 449 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$850
Top
Facial Swelling Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Domestic short hair
9 months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollen Face
My outdoor kitten came home this morning with a swollen face, eye is not swollen, he is eating and has been drinking. It’s hard but doesn’t bother him for me to touch it. I did notice a small scab on the area and have started ice compresses. My local vet is closed at this time and an emergency vet is hours away. I’m concerned for my little guy but he doesn’t seem to be too bothered besides the swelling
July 17, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
He may have an abscess or a trauma, and as long as he is eating and drinking and comfortable, that should not be an emergency. It would be best to have him seen as soon as your veterinarian opens, and I would not be surprised if there is an abscess if it ruptures at some point, but as long as he seems okay otherwise he should be fine to wait until your veterinarian can see him. If he becomes lethargic, doesn't want to eat, or just doesn't seem like he feels good, then it would be best to have him seen sooner. I hope that all goes well for him.
July 17, 2020
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Domestic long hair
6 months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollen Face, Panting, Tongue Out, Sleepy
My cat has been acting strangely. His face is swollen, his tongue is hanging out of his mouth, he keeps meowing, and his eyes look swollen as well. Very worried about my baby. He hasn’t been outside, hasn’t eaten anything strange.
July 9, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
I'm sorry that is happening to your cat, that does sound quite alarming. Without being able to examine him, unfortunately, it is hard to say what might be going on. It does seem, however, from your description, that he needs to be seen by a veterinarian right away. They will be able to examine him, see what might be happening, and get him any treatment that he needs. I hope that he is okay!
July 9, 2020
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Persian
Koki
4 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
I have just noticed a small bump on my cat face, looking a bit swollen on one side only! Tried to touch guess it’s painful since he is moving his face away! It’s covered with hair so I can’t actually see what is it! He have history of sudden bumps but usually they go away alone after some time! He is 4 years old and I did all check ups for cat aids and all other diseases he was negative! But constantly he have swollen bumps on his face mostly! Lips and around nose! Any help? Thanks
Sept. 25, 2018
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domestic short hair
Mister
8 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
Swollen Abdomen
Vomiting
Itching
Swollen Face
Mister is an 8 month old kitten. He's high energy and cuddly but recently he's been vomiting and having diaherria plus a swollen face and itching. I've changed his food multiple times and I treated him with cerenia plus steroids multiple times. He seems okay some days but not on others, these relapses are at least a week or two apart each time.
Sept. 24, 2018
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dsh
Tidbit
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swelling
Tired
My cat and dog were playing yesterday and the dog got a little too rough with the cat. Today he has some swelling by his jaw and throat. There are no puncture wounds and he does not mind the area being touched. He did eat and drink, but is sleeping more than normal. What can I do to help his swelling until I can get him to the vet?
Sept. 23, 2018
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Long haired
Pheobe
19 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Facial Swelling, Sneezing, Bumps
End of December took 19 year old indoor cat to vet for bumps near nose and respiratory infection. Complete blood work was all good, urine analysis showed UTI. Vet noticed mouth ulcers and low weight. Got a shot of antibiotics, and returned to vet two weeks later. Gained over half a pound, behavior was back to normal but bumps on side of nose grew, sneezing continued and right below eye is severely swollen. Another antibiotic shot and steroid oral meds. Have been giving steroid meds daily morning and no improvement in bumps or swelling...amy ideas on next steps. Vet seems to be guessing at this point
Read more at: https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/facial-swelling
Persian
Shero
2 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swelling
Laziness
Bad Breath
My cat’s name is Shero. He is two years old and has long fur. Today, I noticed a swoelling area under his chin, He stared to get fever 🤒 and suddenly has bad breath 😷 . The swelling wasn’t there yesterday? He ate once in the morning ,and slept throughout the rest of the day. There is no vet in the area I’m currently in , and I don’t know how to help him 😢.
tabby
Whisper
5 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollen Jaw
My cat has been experiencing various episodes of swollen lips, once in spring last year, then again spring this year, which was concluded to be due to an allergy and got treated, but after that he had it again twice, then swollen cheeks last month, followed by a swollen jaw today, and I'm not sure if it's still connected to this allergy, or how to determine what's it caused by. Last time he had a swollen lip, I was giving him a new catnip snack, and it went away in a few days after I stopped giving it to him (and I realized that I get him potted catnip to chew on in the springs), but I can't find any information on cats being allergic to catnip. Is that possible?
I will be taking him to the vet, but due to language barrier, I'm not able to discuss this with them and would really appreciate some insight. Thank you..
American shorthair
Beef
13 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Forehead Swelling
I came home from work this evening to find my adult cat has swelling of his forehead centrally just above his nose to just above the brow ridge. He seems mopey. There are no lacerations or broken skin. There was no swelling this morning or last night. I recently used a catnip spray on a piece of furniture. He is an inside only cat along with a litter mate who is displaying no symptoms
Facial Swelling Average Cost
From 449 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$850
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
