Cat teeth cleaning/pulling?

My cat needs his teeth cleaned and possibly pulled (Last year the vet said to try to feed him chicken necks, but he wont eat them). Our vet wants $250 for having them cleaned, and then $500 if any need to be pulled. Another vet we've asked wants $385 regardless of if any teeth are pulled or not.





I was wondering (well, my mum, who's paying, was) if there is a way of being able to estimate if he will probably need to have them pulled or just cleaned? One of his canines is really browny/yellowy, with brown striped and chipped at the bottom, and most of his top teeth (not incisors or bottom teeth) are yellowy, with pink/reddish/some brownish blotched gums.





Or is there another teeth option that we haven't considered yet?





*He was a stray cat by the way. We are not horrible owners or anything.*

Cat teeth cleaning/pulling?
Wow, your cat's teeth looks better then mine (minus that one front canine).





The vet really should have been able to tell you weather at least that one tooth would need to be pulled. Mean yeah my cat's teeth looks like your cats (we can't afford getting his teeth cleaned) but its not hurting him any and we have the dental food as well. and I try to brush them (you should try that too if you can).





but really I still think a vet should be able to tell you if a tooth needs to be pulled BEFORE hand. So you can look at how much money you will be spending. But that depends on the vet. Some care about the animals, some just want the money.





Good luck to your kitty.
Reply:Wow. It sounds like his teeth are in pretty bad shape, and this could either be because he's a stray or just because of his genetic makeup. In my experience, when the teeth are chipped and brown, they usually need to be removed, and the gums should be pink...It sounds really painful.
Reply:Of course you're not terrible owners. Forget the judgment call on that one.





Me thinks your vet is not giving you all the information you require. S/he is either not fully informed or is of the breed of vet who is in the profession for the $$ and not the hipocratic oath. I have a cat with similar problems. My vet knows I'm in no financial position to have the "necessary" work done with my boy but advised me to switch over to a dental diet cat food. That has saved me a great deal. Harley still needs the dental work to some extent but he's okay for the time being.





Note: dental disease among cats is one of the leading causes of premature death. Poor dental care can lead to unforeseen infections that can affect the digestive, circulatory and cardiovascular. It's no different than with humans. Do your research.
Reply:Thats an awful lot of money isn't it? I think some vets out there are unscrupulous and in it for the cash to be charging this amount of money just to clean or pull teeth. I know they have to be put out for it and the gas costs but the amount stated is ridiculous! Of course you're not bad owners - you took him in off the streets and gave him a good home! Older cats will lose their teeth over the years and i'll give you a piece of advice. If he isn't in dire agony with his teeth, let them fall out on their own, it happens in the wild and they cope just fine with it. From your picture it seems as if he has a gum infection ( the red bits ) so i'd just ask your vet for some antibiotics to clear that up and some pain killers as it probably hurts a bit ( infection does especially in the mouth ) then let them come out on their own. My old cat lost her teeth over the years and was virtually gummy when she died but she never showed us any signs that her mouth was troubling her and she got on just fine with her dinner and her tit bits although she was on wet cat food towards the end of her life and she lived until she was 23! If you're concerned that she really needs them pulling then i'd look around for a cheaper vet! Good luck.
Reply:You did a good thing rescuing your kitty. Any cat can have dental problems. I have a 4 year old sphynx with terrible teeth/gums. He has already had 6 teeth pulled, which cost $180. That was in May and he already has had another round of antibiotics and 2 steroid shots for inflammation. He will probably need to have more removed. I have done some research and some cats will actually eat better and feel better without the teeth. Their gums are hard and they can still eat whatever food they want. I know my cat's teeth cause him pain because he has a bad attitude when his gums start getting red. He also gets really bad breath when they get bad.





The vet should be able to tell you approximately how many teeth may need to go. The difference should NOT be so great. My vet estimated $250-300 for a total extraction. You might want to check with some other vets in your area. Make sure they have lots of experience with cats teeth. You want only the best for your furry friend.





For a quick fix, the steroid shots have done wonders for Max. They last 1-2 months. I tried brushing his teeth, but he wouldn't have it!





Good luck with your kitty and his teeth. I hope he feels better soon!