---
title: "Mouth Ulcers in Cats UK"
description: "Mouth ulcers and sore gums in cats cause drooling, pawing at the mouth and not eating. UK guide to common causes — dental disease, FCV, stomatitis."
url: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/mouth-ulcers-in-cats-uk"
canonical: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/mouth-ulcers-in-cats-uk"
date_published: "2026-06-25"
date_modified: "2026-06-25"
source: "PETHEALTH+"
---

# Mouth Ulcers in Cats UK

**Mouth ulcers are painful and often stop cats eating.** Drooling, bad breath, pawing at the mouth and food dropping from the jaw are common signs. Because cats can develop **fatty liver disease** when they stop eating, painful mouths need **prompt vet assessment** — not a wait-and-see approach.

## What mouth ulcers look like

According to the PDSA and International Cat Care, **mouth ulcers** are sore, red or yellow areas on the gums, tongue, palate or lips. Owners may not see ulcers directly — cats often hide mouth pain — but behaviour changes are telling:

- **Drooling** or wet chin fur — see [Cat drooling excessively](/health/cat-drooling-excessively)
- **Bad breath** (halitosis)
- **Pawing at the mouth** or shaking the head
- **Dropping food** or chewing on one side only
- **Not eating** or preferring soft food — see [Cat not eating](/health/cat-not-eating)
- **Weight loss** over days to weeks
- **Hiding** or aggression when the face is touched

Any cat that has **not eaten for 24 hours** needs veterinary attention the same day.

## Common causes in UK cats

### Dental disease

**Tartar, gingivitis and tooth root abscesses** are the most common cause of oral pain in adult cats. Bacteria under the gumline inflame tissue and create painful lesions. Regular [Cat dental care UK](/health/cat-dental-care-uk) reduces risk.

### Feline calicivirus (FCV)

FCV is a common **upper respiratory virus** in multi-cat households and rescue cats. Some strains cause **painful tongue and gum ulcers** alongside sneezing and eye discharge. Vaccination reduces severity but does not prevent all strains — see [Cat vaccination schedule UK](/health/cat-vaccination-schedule-uk).

### Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS)

FCGS is severe inflammation of the gums and back of the mouth. Affected cats may have widespread ulcers and extreme pain. Diagnosis and treatment often need a vet with dental expertise; extraction of affected teeth is sometimes required.

### Kidney disease and other illness

Advanced [Kidney disease in cats](/health/kidney-disease-in-cats) can cause **uremic stomatitis** — ulcers linked to toxin build-up. Other systemic diseases may also affect the mouth; blood tests help rule these in or out.

### Burns and toxins

Chewing **lilies**, household cleaners, or hot food can burn the mouth. Never use human mouth gels or aspirin products on cats — they are toxic.

## When to see your vet

Contact your vet **today** if:

- Your cat has not eaten for **24 hours**
- There is **blood** in saliva or drool
- Your cat is **lethargic** or dehydrated
- You see **ulcers, swollen gums or a broken tooth**
- A kitten or senior cat is affected

## What to expect at the vet

Your vet will examine the mouth (often under sedation for a full look), check for **FCV**, dental disease and systemic illness, and may recommend:

- **Blood tests** and blood pressure (especially in older cats)
- **Dental X-rays** and extractions if needed
- **Pain relief** safe for cats — never human ibuprofen or paracetamol
- **Syringe feeding** or appetite stimulants if eating is unsafe short term
- Referral for **complex stomatitis** or oral surgery

## Home care while waiting for your appointment

- Offer **soft, warm food** (tinned fish in water, chicken baby food with no onion/garlic)
- Keep fresh **water** nearby
- Avoid forcing the mouth open — you may worsen pain or get bitten
- Do not use **human dental products** unless your vet advises

## Prevention

- Annual **dental checks** from age one
- **Vaccination** against core cat viruses including calicivirus
- Avoid **lilies** and toxic houseplants — see [Toxic houseplants pets UK](/health/toxic-houseplants-pets-uk)
- Brush teeth if your cat tolerates it — your vet can demonstrate technique

## Related guides

- [Cat dental care UK](/health/cat-dental-care-uk)
- [Cat not eating](/health/cat-not-eating)
- [Cat drooling excessively](/health/cat-drooling-excessively)
- [Cat respiratory infection UK](/health/cat-respiratory-infection-uk)

## FAQs

### What causes mouth ulcers in cats?

Common causes include dental disease, feline calicivirus (FCV), feline chronic gingivostomatitis, kidney disease, and burns from chewing toxic plants or chemicals. Your vet needs an oral exam to identify the cause.

### How do I know if my cat has mouth ulcers?

Signs include drooling, bad breath, pawing at the mouth, dropping food, weight loss, and reluctance to eat. Some cats hide or become grumpy when touched near the face.

### Are mouth ulcers an emergency in cats?

Cats that stop eating for more than 24 hours risk hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver). Mouth pain that prevents eating needs same-day veterinary assessment — do not wait several days.

### How are mouth ulcers treated in cats?

Treatment depends on cause: dental extractions, pain relief, antibiotics for secondary infection, antivirals in some FCV cases, and supportive feeding. Severe stomatitis may need specialist dental care.

## Sources

- [PDSA — Dental disease in cats](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub)
- [International Cat Care — Feline calicivirus](https://icatcare.org/advice/feline-calicivirus/)
- [Blue Cross — Cat dental care](https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice)

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Last modified: 2026-06-25