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WHY IS THE ROOF OF MY CATS MOUTH "BLACK"?? SHE IS A VERY TINY PETITE, 3 YR. OLD LONG HAIRED CALICO! I KNOW SHES NOT FULL BLOODED. WOULD IT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH HER BREED???
Hi Donna. Cats can have pigment not only on their fur, but also on their skin. Pigment is most commonly found on the paw pads, nose, rims of the eye lids, lips, gums and roof of the mouth. If the cat has some black fur, at least some of these areas are likely to be black. Just as calicos have patches of black pigmented fur, they also tend to have patches of black pigmented skin, which can sometimes be found on the roof of the mouth. However, you could always get the opinion of a veterinarian, since cats can get oral melanoma, a form of malignant cancer which can appear as black spots in the mouth.
Best wishes!
Jessica
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| Comment | MY QUESTION WAS ANSWERED THE VERY NEXT DAY!!! VERY GOOD EXPLANATION ! THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! DONNA | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Jessica
Expertise
The areas in which I have gained the most experience are cat health and feral cat management/rescue. I provide supportive care to chronically ill cats, hospice care to terminally ill cats and also am involved in trap-neuter-return efforts. My specialities lie in taming feral cats and in the allopathic treatment of cats with illnesses or special needs. I also have owned Siamese, Himalayans, Abyssinians, Russian Blues, Savannahs, Bengals, Peterbalds, Don Sphynx and Oriental Shorthairs and am well-versed in cat breeds as well as cat behavior and nutrition.
Experience
I have 15 years of extensive experience with cats ranging from breeding to medical care. My daily routine consists of caring for cats with diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney failure, feline leukemia, feline AIDS as well as feral cats. I have experience with liver patients, heart patients, feline infectious peritonitis, cancer, recovery from amputation and trauma, congenital deformities and most every disease in between. I have assisted cats giving birth and hand-nursed kittens who were neglected by their mother from 2 days old through weaning.
Education/Credentials
15 years' hands-on experience
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