A lump or swelling on a cat’s cheek can have several causes, and an abscess is one of the more common. Abscesses are painful and usually need veterinary treatment. This article is general information only.
What a cheek abscess is
An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms when bacteria become trapped under the skin or around a tooth root. In the cheek area it often shows up as a swelling that can feel soft or firm and warm.
Signs of a cheek abscess
- A swelling or lump on the cheek or side of the face
- Pain when the area is touched, or a cat that pulls away or hisses
- Fever, lethargy or hiding
- Reduced appetite or trouble chewing
- Drooling or bad breath
- Discharge, with a foul smell, if the abscess has burst
- Matted fur or a wound over the swelling
Causes: bite wounds and tooth roots
The two most common causes are:
- Bite or scratch wounds (see cleaning a cat wound). Bacteria are pushed beneath the skin by teeth or claws, and the surface may heal over, trapping infection inside. Cats that go outdoors or fight are more at risk.
- Tooth root infection. An infected tooth root can lead to an abscess that swells on the face or under the eye. See normal cat gums for gum health clues.
Other causes of a cheek lump
Not every lump is an abscess. Other possible causes include an insect sting or allergic reaction, a cyst, a salivary gland problem, a foreign object, or a growth. Because it is difficult to tell these apart by looking, have any new lump checked. A lump that is growing, hard, or not healing needs prompt attention.
What to do
- Call your vet and describe the swelling and any other signs.
- Keep your cat calm and indoors.
- Do not squeeze, lance or poke the lump.
- Do not apply human medications or creams unless your vet says so.
- Offer water and soft food if your cat will eat.
Vets generally advise that abscesses are not safely managed at home, since attempts can worsen pain and infection.
What happens if it bursts
A ruptured abscess may leak pus or blood and smell unpleasant. Your cat may seem relieved, but the infection is not necessarily gone. Gently wipe away discharge with a clean, damp cloth if your cat allows, and contact your vet the same day. Prevent licking if possible and keep other pets away.
Vet treatment
Treatment varies, but may include:
- Sedation or anesthesia to examine and treat the area
- Draining the pus and flushing the pocket with sterile fluid
- Antibiotics
- Pain relief
- Dental X-rays and extraction of an affected tooth if a tooth root is involved (see cat tooth extraction recovery)
- A cone (Elizabethan collar) to stop licking
Do cheek abscesses go away?
Sometimes an abscess bursts and seems to improve, but without proper treatment it may come back or spread. Veterinary care is the safest route. A cat that is not eating, is lethargic or has swelling around the eye should be seen urgently.
Aftercare
- Give medication exactly as directed and finish the course.
- Keep the wound clean as your vet instructs.
- Keep the cone on if advised.
- Watch for increased swelling, discharge, or loss of appetite and report them.
- Attend any recheck appointment.
Prevention
- Keep your cat indoors or supervised to reduce fights.
- Get prompt care for any bite or wound.
- Have teeth and gums checked regularly.
- Ask your vet about spaying or neutering, which can reduce roaming and fighting.
Related reading: cat drooling and cat mouth ulcers.
FAQ
What is an abscess?
A pocket of pus caused by infection.
Why is there a lump on my cat’s cheek?
It may be an abscess from a bite or a tooth root, but other causes exist. A vet can tell which.
Is it an emergency?
Call the same day, and go to an emergency clinic if your cat is not eating, has a fever, or is very lethargic.