Black gums in cats

M
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Black gums in cats

Hi everyone,

I adopted two cats a couple of months ago, and the male finally trusts me enough now for me to give him a proper fuss.

I'd already noticed that his gums were black, but they've been like that from the start, and my previous cat had black gums too.

The thing is, it was a mouth infection that ended up being fatal for my last cat, so I'm really worried. I've read that cats' gums are supposed to be pink. Does his mouth look normal to you? He isn't in any pain and he's eating normally (maybe even a bit too much, as he finishes his own bowl and then his companion's), and he doesn't have bad breath, but I don't want to take any risks at all given what happened with my previous cat.

Translated from French
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5 answers
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    • Blue_Cat
    Blue_cat Icon representing the flag French
    I don’t quite see why an infection would make the gums turn black, unless it’s already at a very advanced stage of necrosis. Are you perhaps making a connection between your previous cat’s infection and the black patches when there might not actually be one? A cat with a mouth infection usually makes it quite obvious: they struggle to eat, they drool, they keep their mouth open, etc.
    Translated from French
    M
    Mebo Icon representing the flag French
    Thanks for your replies. I’m probably just being a worried cat mum, but my last little fur baby passed away because we thought the black patches in her mouth were normal when it was actually an infection. How can you tell the difference?
    Translated from French
    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French

    Gum colour often goes hand in hand with the colour of the fur. If your cat has black fur, they can have black gums too; there is absolutely nothing to worry about and no link to an infection.

    Translated from French
    Blue_Cat
    Blue_cat Icon representing the flag French

    Hi,

    Some cats naturally have black pigmentation in their mouths. It’s just down to genetics and isn’t a sign of an infection.

    Translated from French
    ProvetoJuniorConseil
    Provetojuniorconseil Icon representing the flag French
    Expert verified
    Hi there, It looks like it might just be mucosal pigmentation. However, to be on the safe side, I'd recommend showing this to your vet during your next visit, for a booster for instance. You could also give them a call for some advice. Have a lovely day, Alice
    Translated from French

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