Cat Gum Color Chart: Monitoring Your Cat’s Gum Health
Similar to the cat vomit chart, the cat gum color chart analysis is crucial for all pet owners. This is because you can help veterinarians diagnose and treat diseases promptly by monitoring early signs of health issues. Moreover, the cat gum color chart enables you to understand the overall health condition of your kitten, giving you signs if and when something goes wrong.
But is it really possible to diagnose health issues by analyzing gums? Many pet owners have the same reservations, so this blog explores everything about cat gum color examination. We will help you understand how cat gum health can show signs of underlying issues and what you need to do in such cases.
What Is Cat Gums Color Chart?
The cat gum color chart summarizes all possible gum colors and what they represent. Depending on a feline’s health condition, their gums can show various colors. A normal cat gum color chart includes six gum colors, including healthy gum condition and signs of underlying issues. By analyzing your feline friends’ dental health and comparing the conditions to the information on the chart, you can timely identify signs of health problems.
Why is this important, you might wonder? Simply put, the earlier you diagnose a health issue, the easier it is to treat it. Plus, treatment of health problems at an early stage will save your cat from much suffering and will reduce the damage.
What Color Are Sick Cats Gums?
Healthy feline gums are pink in color. When you press gently on your cat’s gums or the inside of their lip, the surface should temporarily blanch (or pale) in color. As you release the pressure, the blood returns to the tissue, making it appear a healthy pink. This is known as capillary refill time (CRT), and it can provide essential information about your pet’s blood flow and cardiovascular system. Usually, your cat’s gum color should return in under two seconds when pressed.
If you notice a change in the condition of feline lips, you can compare it to the cat gum color chart below to get into your feline’s health.
| Cat Gum Color | Meaning |
| Pink | Healthy cat gums are pink in color, similar to that of human gums. Pink feline gums indicate that your cat is healthy and not distressed in any way. It also suggests that your cat is well-hydrated, has good blood circulation, and receives an adequate oxygen supply to their tissues. |
| Pale Pink or White | White or pale feline gums are signs of a drop in feline blood pressure. This can be an early sign of anemia in cats or indicate your cat is in shock. If your furry friend has faced any kind of injury, white gums can suggest a high level of blood loss. |
| Bright Pink or Red | Bright pink or red gums can indicate several health problems in cats. According to the cat gum color chart, if your cat has bright red gum margins, it might suffer from gingivitis, a common dental issue that causes gum inflammation. Instead of the margins, if the entire gumline appears red, your furry friend might be experiencing heat stroke, an allergic reaction, or sepsis. |
| Yellow | Unhealthy cat gums can sometimes appear yellow with a pale tinge. This indicates organ problems in felines, especially liver problems, hemolytic anemia, and gallbladder issues. |
| Blue or Purple | Issues with low oxygen levels and poor functioning red blood cells can often lead to blue or purple feline gums. These might also indicate problems with breathing and need emergency care. |
Causes Of Infected Or Pale Cat Gums
The cat gum color chart helps us understand the meaning of different feline gum colors. However, one crucial aspect that we need to consider is the cause of such abnormalities. What are the causes of infections in feline gums? Let’s discuss a few common causes of cat gum problems.
Infectious Diseases
Often, feline dental diseases stem from bacterial and viral infections. As discussed in the cat gum color chart, dental diseases such as gingivitis can make the feline gums appear bright pink or red. The common causes of gingivitis are infections caused by the Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and the Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).
Genetic Factors
Many cat breeds, such as Persian cats or Siaseme cats, are genetically prone to dental diseases. These felines have a distinct facial structure and crowded and misaligned teeth, providing potential ground for feline gum problems.
Poor Dental Care
Pet owners are advised to care for dental hygiene as much as possible. This is because feline gums are susceptible to bacterial infection, which can worsen with insufficient dental care. Lack of regular brushing routine can lead to plaque buildup, which can cause tooth diseases and changes in gum color, as indicated in the cat gum color chart.
Treatment For Unhealthy Cat Gums
Feline gum examination should be part of your weekly grooming session. You can consult the cat gum color chart in case of any abnormalities. But what next? How are you supposed to treat feline dental issues? For all pet owners, it is crucial to visit the veterinarian if your cat’s gums have any color apart from a healthy pink. Experts often use advanced testing techniques to diagnose underlying health issues and recommend a treatment plan accordingly.
In general, treatment of dental issues in cats often includes the following.
Dental Cleaning
The vet will use professional techniques and equipment to remove plaque and tartar from your cat’s teeth, including under the gums. This will reduce the risk of bacterial growth and dental infections.
Tooth Extraction
Certain cat breeds often suffer from dental problems because of overcrowded and misaligned teeth. To eliminate the risks, your vet might extract some teeth and suggest procedures to realign your cat’s teeth.
Anti-inflammatory Medications
Apart from changes in gum color, felines often suffer from gum inflammation, dryness, and lesions. To reduce the pain and suffering of your pet, experts might also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications.
Bottom Line
A cat gum color chart is a helpful tool for pet owners to motor the dental health of their feline friends. However, proper dental care and hygiene are vital to prevent such problems from developing in the first place. Examining the feline gum colors allows you to understand signs of specific health issues. In the case of pale cat gums, you should visit your vet immediately and follow expert instructions for proper treatment and recovery.
