Strange mouth movements

Hello!  Our 4 year old female, Karma, has always opened her mouth but doesn't necessarily vocalize.  Lately, however, we've noticed her mouth move rapidly (as if it's involuntary)....when trying to "speak," when drinking, when licking her paws, etc.  Almost like a "tic" in humans.  Needless to say, we're very concerned...thinking it could be something neurological?  She's otherwise very healthy....very active, a good eater, etc.  I don't know how else to explain the rapid movement...other than to compare it to when our big guy would "chatter" at birds, etc.  Any thoughts?  Thanks for reading.....

I wish I had some thoughts as to what this might be but I don't. However, since it does sound like it could be neurological you need to make her an appointment with the vet. 

Hopefully it's just some sort of quirk, but you want to be sure it's not an indication of something more serious. 

 Vibes that it all turns out okay! 

Hello and welcome to TCS.

I found some information on this and it may be tooth pain. I would definitely have it checked by a vet.

This 'chattering' is the classic symptom for FORL, Feline Odontoclastic, Resorptive Lesions, (also called resportive lesions or neck lesions) an extremely painful dental condition.

Cats are so good at hiding pain, usually by the time you see the chattering the condition is critical. Take your kitty to the vet right away, she most likley will need dental surgery with extractions.

There is not really a known cause for this condition yet. My Tolly had it, and had very few teeth left by the time he left us for the Bridge.(from something unrelated) His first dental surgery due to FORL was when he was about 5.

I was mortified when, at a routine check up (he went twice a year because of other issues) my vet told me he had FORL and had probably been in pain for several months.

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