Have you recently noticed black spots on your cat's face? These spots can appear on the nose, lips or around the eyes. Don't worry, it's nothing serious. It's fairly common in many cats, especially those with orange coats! We'll explain what it is.
A Common Condition Called Lentigo
Some people call them age spots, but these black spots on the nose, lips, gums and eyes are actually a condition that is passed on genetically. It causes melanocytes, cells that contain a lot of melanin, to multiply, and these are what cause the brown spots.
These spots are flat or barely raised and fairly small, no more than 10 mm in diameter. Several of them can merge to form a bigger one. This condition affects all cat breeds, but mainly orange cats and tortoiseshell cats. It usually appears after about a year, then spreads as your kitty gets older. In some cases, the spots can even reach the eyelids, ears and paw pads.
Is It Serious?
Owners of cats with lentigo often worry a lot and fear the worst. However, it's a fairly benign condition that doesn't affect your pet's health at all, and causes no pain or itching. This condition causes no particular symptoms and requires no treatment. Still, it's a good idea to see your vet when you notice black spots on your cat, as they may hide other diseases.
Diseases With Similar Symptoms in Cats
Allergies and dermatitis can also cause spots on the skin, but unlike lentigo, they cause irritation. They are reactions of the immune system to a foreign substance it can't tolerate. Allergies can be caused by pollen, dust mites or food. They can also be due to contact with an irritating product. It's often very hard to pin down the cause of these allergies.
Another disease that causes this type of spot is melanoma, a type of tumor. It can be serious or benign depending on the type and location of the tumor. Tumors are more dangerous when they're around the mouth, eyes or paws.
Melanomas can also affect the eyes: these are usually malignant melanomas that can spread elsewhere in the body. They look very similar to lentigo, but on the iris. They can be raised, unlike lentigo, which is flat.
In any case, it's essential to take your kitty to the vet to make sure these spots don't pose a risk to their health.
Black Spots, Scabs or Pimples: How to Tell the Difference
Not all black marks on a cat's nose are lentigo. Here's how to tell them apart:
- Lentigo : flat, smooth, well-defined spots that don't itch or bleed. They often appear at a young age in orange, cream or calico cats, then spread over the years.
- Feline acne : small black dots that look like blackheads, mainly on the chin and along the lips. It's often linked to plastic bowls.
- A black scab : raised, rough, sometimes with redness. It can follow a scratch, a fight or an infection.
- Dirt : a cat who rummages around or eats wet food may simply have a dirty nose. It comes off with a damp compress.
When Should You See the Vet?
Lentigo requires no treatment. However, book an appointment if a spot:
- becomes thick, raised or quickly changes shape;
- bleeds, oozes, forms a scab that doesn't heal, or a wound;
- bothers your cat (they scratch it or rub their nose);
- appears on an older cat with a light-colored nose who spends a lot of time in the sun.
Only an exam, sometimes with a biopsy, can rule out a skin tumor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my orange cat have black spots on their nose and mouth?
Orange and cream cats are the most affected by lentigo, a genetic quirk of their pigmentation. The spots appear on the nose, lips, gums or eyelid rims and are harmless.
My cat has black spots in their mouth or on their gums: is it serious?
If they're flat, smooth spots on an orange cat, it's most likely lentigo. If the gums are swollen or red, or if your cat has bad breath, see your vet to check their dental health.
My cat's nose is turning black: why?
In orange cats, lentigo often spreads with age until a large part of the nose turns black. If the change is sudden or comes with scabs, ask your vet for advice.
Can a kitten have lentigo?
Yes, the first spots sometimes appear before one year of age. They then gradually multiply.
Is there a treatment for lentigo in cats?
No, and it isn't needed: lentigo is purely cosmetic and doesn't turn into cancer.
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