Cats Swelling Cheeks: Causes & Remedies Explained

Not all cats are capable of developing a "cheeky" look.

For those who have an orange tabby cat, no matter how round and plump its face becomes, it will never achieve the characteristic "cheeky" appearance.

Why is that? The likelihood of a cat developing cheeks is dependent on its breed. Cats like the British Shorthair, Persian, and Chinchilla are more prone to this feature. As long as a cat can eat, drink, and sleep well, acquiring a "cheeky" face is not a difficult feat.

Male cats are more likely to develop cheeks.

It's only male cats that can develop cheeks, while the socalled "cheeky" look in female cats is actually just a result of weight gain, often referred to as a "double chin."

Developing cheeks for male cats is more than just a matter of flesh on the cheeks; it's a symbol of their sexual maturity.

This signifies that once a male cat has developed cheeks, its reproductive system is fully developed. Consequently, cheeky male cats are more attractive in the wild and have a better chance of securing breeding rights.

Nutritional supplementation is key for cheek development.

Cats entering the cheek development phase require a boost of highprotein foods, such as cooked chicken breast or beef cubes, to meet their protein needs. Some pet owners, upon hearing that raw beef can aid in cheek development, may blindly feed their cats raw meat, which can lead to difficulty adapting to raw food and potentially cause gastrointestinal issues. Moreover, feeding large amounts of raw meat can pose risks of bacterial and parasitic contamination.