coloration on cat's lips

[Kittenwhiskerz]

Hello, I just joined this forum today, have read lots of it and you all seem so helpful and soooo nice.
I have a white cat, blue eyes, slight orange coloration on ears, forehead and tail. He's approx. 8 years ........ only a guess because he was found by us, hiding out on our deck full of fleas, ticks and starving to death at only 6 pounds. He's now probably 3 times that and not fat. Anyway, a month or so ago, he got these brown spots on his lower lip. Not black, just brown. They don't seem to be swollen or to extend beyond the lipline. I can't help but worry, even though I've been told by others that this is a common thing in white and orange cats. I would appreciate anyone's ideas about this. I do tend to rush the animals off to the vet much too often so I'm trying to not panic.
Thank you much ........ Kittenwhiskerz in California

[Traci]

It is probably only pigmentation, which can occur as kitty ages. These spots can occur anywhere on the lips, gumline (although rare here), nose, and inside the iris of the eye.

However, if they at all seem raised above the skin surface or appear as an obvious bump, mole, etc, or if they have suddenly changed in appearance, size, color, then kitty should be seen by your vet. When sudden and obvious changes to these spots occur, then it could be anything from a melanoma to ulcers, allergic reaction, eosinophilic granuloma, etc in which vet should be consulted immediately.

[Kittenwhiskerz]

Thanks so much Traci. You have really confirmed my hunch that I should get this checked out. I've decided to talk to the vet Monday and he will most likely say to bring Sunny in Tuesday. I will post the results and thank you again for you help. I truly appreciate it.
Kittenwhiskerz in California

[Kittenwhiskerz]

UPDATE: Sunny was checked out for the new spots on his lips today and the veterinarian said that there is nothing abnormal that he can find. There are spots on his little white nose too, but they were always there. He said that the spots on his nose and lips are just pigmentation and that it is kind of like a human redhead getting freckles. Well I am glad we got it checked because it relieves my mind, but I still intend to keep a watch on it.
Oh and our vet said (as usual) "Sunny is a little ummm 'chunky' so don't give him so many treats." Oh gee our vet really is into skinny animals. Just kidding ...... Sunny could stand to lose maybe two pounds, but he really isn't fat.
Thank you much Traci for your guidance. We appreciate it alot.

[Traci]

I couldn't be more thrilled to hear it is only pigmentation. Do, however, like you mentioned, keep an eye on them. As long as they are not actually raised above the skin or suddenly/drastically change in shape, size, color, etc, then they are probably pigments only. Any kitty could be predisposed to serious issues like melanoma, with white and pale coated cats being more susceptible.

As for diet....if your vet at any time feels kitty may be over his optimal weight, don't hesitate in the least to discuss a dietary management plan for him. A feline weight reduction plan must be done slowly and cautiously, however, because too sudden or drastic weight loss can fast predispose a kitty to liver failure, diabetes and associated problems. If it should come to a weight reduction plan, your vet can calculate kitty's requirements and food amounts based on his individual health status/assay. (complete bloodwork should be done prior to ANY clinical weight management program)

If he is slightly overweight only, now would be a good time to introduce some interesting exercise or activity for him (scheduled playtime, interactive play sessions and toys, etc)....just spend about 10 minutes a day (can be divided), and with consistency, he might be able to maintain his weight rather than gain more. Because he is now 8 years old, you want to get annual checkups and annual bloodwork to keep ahead of any underlying disease process. At your next exam, I would request a thyroid function test to be included with any bloodwork (not to worry you, it should simply be routine on an annual basis on any kitty over 7 years of age).

I'm glad the exam turned out good....it's good to have peace of mind