1. Home & Garden

Discuss in my forum

Readers Respond: Tell Us About Black Spots on Your Orange Cat

Responses: 8

By , About.com Guide

Orange tabby cats, just like calico cats, are often the inspiration for questions. A common question (and worry) of cat owners relates to black spots on orange cats that just seem to "appear" on the lips, nose and eye margins, especially on orange colored cats. This is a common finding, and usually not one to worry about. (But always visit your vet for any discoloration, lump or new finding to be sure).

Does your cat have black spots on the lips and nose? When did you notice this? What did your vet say? Please share your stories here.

Note: this page is for viewer stories, questions are not answered in this space.

Tell us about your cat

black spots on my orange tiger's lips

i also have a 4 year old orange tiger and I noticed his black spots almost right away they are spreading though...i'm relieved they are not to worry about. is funny how it's only orange cats.
—nancy12334

Pippin's spots

my cat is a persian/siamese mix but he has orange points, he started getting freckles on his nose and now they are huge black spots and he has them on his lips and in his mouth. They don't seem to bother him and they add to his character, now I know it is because he is a "ginger" and they are a feline freckle, thanks for the info!
—Guest Nelle

orange girl tabby 3 yrs old-freckled :)

How cute. My cat is three and seems to be getting more and more freckles...yes they are on her eye margins, nose and mouth...I think she even has them on her little paws. She is a little freckle puss.
—Guest holly

Orange tabby

My four year old orange tabby has these too! I was worried because I catch her constantly licking plastic bags and things. It's good to know it's normal and not cancer or anything. Thank you all for the responses!
—Guest Karla

Orange female tabby- black spots

My orange female tabby had no spots when I rescued her at about 2 weeks old. She's 5 years old now and started to develop the black spots around 4 years of age. I somehow knew it wasn't anything to worry about but I'm glad I found this link to confirm! She also had kitty acne under her chin (all my cats did) but I cleared that up by using ceramic bowls instead of plastic (cats don't like metal!), getting a water fountain with filter (they drink double the amount of water now!) and using a dab of apple cider vinegar on her chin each day. Happy, healthy cats now :o)
—Guest Natasha

Relieved to read this

I have two orange tabbies, both about 6.5 or 7 years old (rescues so I can't be sure). I have been wondering whether to worry about these spots or not; didn't seem to be swollen or uncomfortable etc. I'll talk to my vet, but I'm pretty sure I don't have to worry. Thanks for the explanation!
—serendipity1948

5yr old, orange male tabby, black spots

When my orange tabby was about 4 years old or so I noticed black spots on his lips, they seemed to multiply over night. As he gets older I've noticed more spots, but only on his lips. I also have a 2 year old orange male tabby who as of yet has no spots.
—Guest laura

Orange male tabby - black spots

My orange male tabby has always had smaller black spots on his nose and lips. He is starting to get more on his nose and I was worried, but it appears that this is normal and more like "freckles". I will check with the vet at his next exam but I am much less worried now. He seems in perfect health and is about 7 years old.
—Guest Lynne

Tell us about your cat

Tell Us About Black Spots on Your Orange Cat

Receive a one-time notification when your response is published.

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.