What this means
Gum colour is easiest to judge in daylight, by gently lifting the cat's lip. Healthy gums are pink, moist and slightly glossy. Pale gums look light pink, white or porcelain. Part of some cats' gums is pigmented, so it helps to know how your cat's gums normally look and, if you can, to keep a photo for comparison. If your cat will not let you look in its mouth, do not force it: paleness can sometimes also be seen on the inside of the eyelids.
Pale gums are a sign, not a diagnosis. Most often they mean the tissues are getting less oxygen because there are too few red blood cells, they are breaking down too fast or blood has been lost. Sometimes the gums are pale because of poor circulation or shock. Cats can look almost normal for a long time because a slowly developing anaemia is easier for them to bear, so pale gums may be the first noticeable sign that something is wrong, and lethargy is often seen with them.
Only a vet can find the cause and test the blood, so do not wait and do not look for an explanation at home. It helps to know when you first noticed the paleness, whether the cat is quieter or eating less, whether there has been an injury or bleeding recently and whether it could have swallowed something toxic.
Possible causes
These are things that can cause this sign. It is not a diagnosis, and they are not equally likely for your cat.
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Anaemia from red blood cells breaking down fast
When red blood cells break down faster than new ones form, the gums turn pale. The cat may be dull and eat less, and sometimes the gums or eyes turn yellow.
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Long-standing organ disease
Some illnesses, for example of the kidneys or other organs, upset the making or the work of blood cells. The cat may drink more, lose weight and look tired.
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Blood loss
Bleeding after an injury, or internal bleeding that cannot be seen, can wash out the gums a great deal. The cat is weak and may feel cold to the touch.
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The immune system destroying blood cells
When the body starts to attack its own red blood cells they break down too fast. The gums turn pale and the cat tires quickly.
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Poor circulation or shock
If blood does not reach the tissues the gums go pale, and the cat is weak, cold and breathes fast.
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Poisons or other harmful substances
Some toxic substances damage blood cells. It matters to say if your cat could have swallowed something toxic.
What else to watch for
These observations help your vet build the picture faster. Note down what you saw and when.
- Since when you have noticed the paleness and whether it is getting worse
- Whether your cat is dull, sleeps more or tires quickly
- Whether it eats and drinks as usual
- Whether the gums or the whites of the eyes have also turned yellow
- Whether there has been an injury, a fall or bleeding recently
- Whether it breathes faster than usual while resting
When to book a routine visit
Pale gums are a reason to see a vet promptly, as soon as possible, even if your cat seems almost normal. Say when you noticed the paleness and what else you have seen.
Related conditions
Conditions whose entries mention this sign. The list is somewhere to read on, not a way to reach a diagnosis.
- Amyloidosis General health A condition in which an abnormal protein, called amyloid, builds up in the organs and slowly disturbs how they work. In cats it can settle in the kidneys, the liver or other organs, so over time these organs can start to work less well.
- Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) Infections A virus that spreads between cats through saliva and can cause anaemia and lymphoma and weaken the immune system. Not every infected cat falls ill, but a cat in which the virus takes hold faces serious disease.
- Fleas Parasites Fleas are small, jumping parasites that feed on a cat's blood. They cause itching, can set off an allergic skin inflammation and carry tapeworm, and in a kitten they can lead to anaemia.
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency Blood and immunity An inherited disease in which the red blood cells lack an enzyme they need to make energy. These cells break down sooner than they should, so the cat can develop anaemia.
Body systems: General health Infections Parasites Blood and immunity