Cat Making Weird Mouth Movements: 13 Reasons
Cats have always been known for their quirks. Whether they’re bouncing off the walls, sleeping in tight spaces, or ignoring you, we all know that cats have their own unique personalities. And while many of us find these quirks endearing, we can also agree that they can sometimes be a little strange.
But did you know that there’s a reason behind some of the weird things cats do? One of the most common examples is when cats make weird mouth movements. This can be quite disconcerting to watch, but don’t worry – it’s usually nothing to be concerned about!
The most likely explanation for this behavior is that your cat is chattering. Cat chatter usually happens when a cat sees a bird outside and is trying to scare it away. The noise that accompanies the chatter is actually just the cat’s teeth clicking together!
However, there are also some others reasons your cat might be making these unusual movements. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of these reasons in more detail. So if you’re concerned about your cat’s strange behavior, keep reading to find out what might be causing it and how you can help put an end to it.
13 Reasons Your Cat is Making Weird Mouth Movements
When your cat starts making weird mouth movements, it can be a little disconcerting. After all, you’re not quite sure what’s going on with her! Is she in pain? sick? What could be the reason for her strange behavior?
Here are my top 13 reasons for why your cat might be making weird mouth movements:
1. Cat Chatter
Some cats make weird mouth movements that look like they are talking, and it’s all because of cat chatter. Cat chatter is a term used to describe the noises that cats make when they are communicating with each other. These noises can include meowing, hissing, growling, and purring.
Cats use these noises to communicate with each other about things like where they are, what they’re doing, and how they’re feeling. And while we may not be able to understand what they’re saying, we can tell that they’re communicating with each other.
As I said you before, cat chatter is a normal behavior for cats, and it’s something that you’ll likely see your cat doing when he or she is around other cats.
Here I’ll tell you why cat chatter so that you can better understand and appreciate it.
1. Preparation to Hunt
If a cat is seeing prey, like a bird outside their window, they may begin to chatter as they prepare to pounce on it. This sends a clear message to the potential prey that it has been spotted and should leave quickly.
2. Warning Others
Cats may also chatter if they feel threatened in any way, such as by another cat or a dog. This can be a warning to the potential threat that they need to back off, and it may help them feel more safe and secure.
3. Anxiety
Some cats chatter when they are feeling anxious, such as if you’re preparing to leave for an extended period of time or giving them some medicine. They may be communicating their anxiety and trying to get your attention.
4. Training Their Owners
Many experts believe that cat chatter may also be a way for your cat to train you, teaching you when they need something or when they want attention. When your cat makes these noises, it’s important to pay attention and figure out what he or she needs. Besides, you can also see your cat might chatter when see other cat (it is a kind of communication tool for cats) or anything interested and can give an extra excitement to them.
2. Your Cat is Trying to Smell Something
Another important reason for your cat to make weird mouth movements is that he or she is trying to smell something.
Just like us, cats are very visually-oriented animals and use their sense of sight when looking around them. However, their other senses – including the sense of smell – can also be quite important to them. In fact, it’s believed that cats can actually smell things that are up to 100,000 times better than we can!
If you see your cat making weird mouth movements while looking around, it could be a sign that he or she is trying to smell something. They might be smelling the air around them or even tasting the air by sticking out their tongue.
Sometimes, your cat might even move his or her nose up and down to get a better sense of the smell around them. This can be especially common if they are hunting, trying to catch prey, or if there is something interesting nearby that they want to check out.
So if you notice your cat making weird mouth movements, don’t be alarmed. It could just mean that he or she is trying to use their other senses, including their sense of smell, while they are looking around and exploring the world.
3. Your Cat May Have a Condition
While most cats making weird mouth movements is nothing to worry about, there can be some medical issues that could cause this behavior.
For example, your cat may be experiencing a form of dyskinesia. Dyskinesia is the term used to describe any abnormal or involuntary movements that occur in cats and other animals. It can be caused by conditions such as feline hyperesthesia syndrome, neurological disorders, or even stress and anxiety.
Other medical issues that could cause your cat to make these movements include epilepsy or an inner ear infection. So if you notice these behaviors persist for more than a few days, it’s best to take your cat in for a check-up with your vet so that he or she can determine what’s going on and treat the condition appropriately.
4. Your Cat Wants Something Specific
Another reason that your cat might be making weird mouth movements is that he or she wants something.
For example, your cat may want you to feed him or her, to play with them, or even to give them some attention. And when they see you or notice that it is time for a meal, they might begin to chatter as a way of communicating their request.
Alternatively, your cat may simply be trying to tell you that there is something unusual going on in the home. This could include seeing another pet in the house, hearing strange noises outside their window, or detecting an unfamiliar scent.
5. Something is Stuck in Their Mouth
If you’ve ever seen your cat making weird mouth movements, there’s a good chance something was stuck in their mouth. Cats will often make strange noises and movements when they have something caught in their teeth or gums.
In most cases, the object will be something small like a piece of food or a blade of grass. However, if your cat has a larger object stuck in their mouth, it can be a cause for concern. Make sure to take your cat to the vet if they have something lodged in their mouth that they can’t remove themselves.
One of the most common causes of objects getting stuck in cats’ mouths is when they try to catch prey. If your cat spends a lot of time hunting outdoors, there’s a good chance they will eventually catch something they can’t swallow. This is especially true for small prey like rodents or birds.
In addition to hunting, there are other things that can cause objects to get stuck in cats’ mouths. For example, cats will sometimes chew on things they shouldn’t, like electrical cords or plastic bags. These items can easily become lodged in their teeth or gums.
If you think something is stuck in your cat’s mouth, try to see if you can remove it using tweezers or forceps. If you can’t remove the object yourself, take your cat to the vet as soon as possible.
6. Gingivitis (Gum Disease)
If you have ever seen your cat making weird mouth movements, it may be because they have gingivitis, or gum disease. Gingivitis is a common oral infection that can cause inflammation and bleeding of the gums. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious dental problems.
There are a number of symptoms of gingivitis in cats, including red and swollen gums, bad breath, and difficulty chewing. If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, be sure to take them to the vet for treatment. Gingivitis is usually treated with antibiotics and/or oral rinses.
If your cat has gingivitis, there are a few things you can do to help keep their mouth healthy. Be sure to brush their teeth regularly (at least once a week) with a toothbrush and pet-specific toothpaste. You can also give them chew toys and treats that help clean their teeth, such as rawhide chews and dental sticks.
7. Periodontitis (Next Level Gum Disease)
In addition to gingivitis, your cat may also develop periodontitis, which is a more serious form of gum disease. Periodontitis occurs when the infection spreads to deeper layers of the gums and other tissues in the mouth. It can cause severe inflammation, swelling, and pain, as well as bad breath and difficulty eating.
If you notice that your cat is having trouble eating or drinking, or if they are making weird mouth movements and noises, it could be a sign of periodontitis. In most cases, the infection will need to be treated with antibiotics and/or stronger oral rinses.
To help prevent periodontitis in cats, it’s important to take good care of their teeth and gums. This means brushing their teeth regularly, giving them treats and toys that help clean their teeth, and avoiding foods that can damage their gums or cause plaque build-up.
8. Glossitis (Sore Tongue)
If you’ve ever seen your cat making weird mouth movements, there’s a good chance they were suffering from glossitis – a condition that results in a sore tongue. Glossitis can be caused by a number of things, including an infection, a food allergy, or even stress.
If your cat is suffering from glossitis, you’ll likely notice that their tongue is swollen and red. In addition to making weird mouth movements, your cat may also have trouble eating or swallowing. If you think your cat has glossitis, it’s important to take them to the vet for diagnosis and treatment.
While there is no cure for glossitis, there are a number of things you can do to help relieve your cat’s symptoms. Some of the most common treatments include antibiotics, corticosteroids, and antifungals. In some cases, your cat may also need to eat a special diet or take supplements to help improve their health.
If your cat is suffering from glossitis, make sure to give them plenty of water and keep an eye on their diet. You may also want to consider giving them supplements like fish oil or probiotics to help them heal. With proper treatment, your cat should start feeling better in no time.
9. Feline Stomatitis
Feline stomatitis is a severe and painful form of gum disease that affects cats. It is believed to be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, though it can also be triggered by other factors such as stress.
Symptoms of feline stomatitis can include mouth pain, bad breath, difficulty eating and swallowing, excessive drooling, swelling of the gums, and pawing at the mouth or face.
If your cat is showing any of these symptoms, it’s important to take them to the vet right away for a diagnosis and treatment. Feline stomatitis is typically treated with a combination of antibiotics, antifungals, and other medications to help manage pain and inflammation.
In order to prevent feline stomatitis, it’s important to take good care of your cat’s mouth and teeth. This means brushing their teeth regularly, giving them treats that help clean their teeth, and avoiding foods that can damage their gums or cause plaque build-up.
If necessary, your cat may also need to take supplements or eat a special diet to help reduce inflammation and improve their oral health.
10. Tooth Resorption
Tooth resorption, also known as feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion (FORL), is a serious and painful dental condition that affects cats. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the roots of their teeth for unknown reasons.
Symptoms of FORL can include gum swelling, bad breath, pain and discomfort when eating or drinking, drooling, pawing at the mouth or face, and trouble closing their mouth. If your cat is showing any of these symptoms, it’s important to take them to the vet right away for a diagnosis and treatment.
There is no cure for FORL, but there are a number of treatments that can help manage your cat’s symptoms and improve their oral health.
These may include antibiotics, corticosteroids, and antifungals to help reduce inflammation and prevent infection. In some cases, your cat may also need special dental care or surgery to correct any other underlying issues with their teeth.
11. Soft Tissue Trauma
Cats are known for being curious creatures. And while this curiosity can often lead to them getting into trouble, it’s also what makes them so entertaining and unique. One of the most curious things a cat can do is move its mouth in strange ways, for no apparent reason.
While there can be many causes for this behavior, one of the most common reasons is an injury to the soft tissue inside the mouth. This type of injury can be caused by a number of things, such as:
- Cheek Biting: Many cats like to play rough with each other, and sometimes this leads to injuries. Cheek biting is a common way for cats to injure the soft tissue inside their mouths.
- Playing with Toys: Cats love to play with toys, but sometimes they can get too rough and end up injuring themselves. This is especially common when cats play with small objects, such as balls of yarn or pieces of string.
- Catfights: If two or more cats are fighting, there’s a good chance that someone will end up getting hurt. And when cats fight, they often use their teeth and claws to inflict damage. This can lead to injuries to the soft tissue inside their mouths.
- Mouth Burns: Cats sometimes lick things they shouldn’t, like hot plates or cigarettes. This can lead to mouth burns, which can cause inflammation and pain in the soft tissue inside the mouth.
12. Jaw Abnormalities
Along with their teeth, a cat’s jaw plays an important role in their ability to eat and speak. This is because the jaw contains several vital muscles that allow them to chew, swallow, and make noise.
Unfortunately, some cats are born with jaw abnormalities that cause problems with these functions. For example, they might have a jaw that is too small or too big, which can lead to issues with chewing and speaking. They may also have problems opening their mouth wide enough to eat a normal diet or groom themselves properly.
If your cat has jaw abnormalities, they may need special treatments or surgery in order to improve their oral health and quality of life. This could include braces, dental implants, or other specialized care. Talk to your vet to learn more about the best treatment options for your cat’s specific condition.
13. Feline Orofacial Pain Syndrome
Last but not least, feline orofacial pain syndrome (FOPS) is a relatively rare condition that affects cats’ mouths. It occurs when the nerves inside their mouth become damaged or inflamed, which leads to symptoms such as chronic facial and oral pain.
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for FOPS and no clear cause has been identified. However, there are a number of treatments that can help manage your cat’s symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
These may include pain medications, stress reduction techniques, and changes to their diet or daily routine. Talk to your vet for more information about how to best manage this condition with your cat.
So if you suspect that your cat may be struggling with any of these oral health issues, it’s important to seek veterinary care right away. With early diagnosis and treatment, your cat can live a long, healthy life with a happy and healthy mouth.
My Final Thoughts
After reading the article, you now know more about why your cat is making strange mouth movements. This behavior can have many different causes, including cheek biting, jaw abnormalities and even feline orofacial pain syndrome.
The best way to address these issues is to seek veterinary care as soon as possible, so that your cat can start getting the treatment they need right away. Good luck!
I hope this post has been helpful to you and given you some insight into why your cat may be making strange mouth movements. Thanks for reading!