Monday, November 16, 2009

My cat is losing all of his teeth between his fangs. The vet doesn't seem to think it's a big deal...

My cat is around 6-7 years old..I'm not quite sure because I adopted him after I got back from Iraq and he was supposedly around 3 or 4 then. He's losing all the teeth between his fangs and the vet doesn't seem to care. What do I do?

My cat is losing all of his teeth between his fangs. The vet doesn't seem to think it's a big deal...
Well its weird that your vet doesnt care, I'd try another vet. But at the same time, my cat Prince is only 3 years old, and he's loosing the little teeth on the bottom between his 'fangs'. his teeth came in really crooked (ive had him since he was born, i was fostering his mom) and they've always been funny, but he is just fine without them. His gums are healthy and pink, and his fangs and molars are fine. If this is the case with your kitty, I'd maybe get a 2nd opinion, but not get too worried about it. As long as he's on a good diet and has been checked for diseases, it could just be a weird thing like my cats and he's as healthy as they come.
Reply:teath wear out and are broken and just like human teeth they do not grow after the cat become an adult. and the advanced age.
Reply:I'd recommend seeing another vet. Those incisor teeth are used not just for feeding, but also for grooming as the kitty uses them for picking out items caught in her fur.





She might be able to get along without them, but they're certainly not useless or vestigial structures.





I'd also be worried about what is CAUSING the tooth loss. It could be malnutrition, or tooth decay, or be a symptom of something much more serious.





Yeah, definitely find another vet and get her opinion.
Reply:Old age. A couple of our cats started losing their teeth when they were around 7 or 8 years old. When they ate dry food they lost more, so we started feeding the elderly ones only wet food from them on. I don't think there's really much else you could do.
Reply:How does his mouth look (and smell) in general? My cat has quite a problem with her gums and as a consequence - her teeth. The vet already removed 3 because of major decay, and she's only 6yo. Apart from seeing another vet, if your cat has swollen/red/bleeding gums, it might be a good idea to clean his teeth at least few times a week (there are toothbrushes and toothpastes specifically for cats; also wipes like "Kitty ToothWipes" which I found easiest to use)... That can be a challenge but it does help.





Changing diet also helps, they say...
Reply:In response to the above users, 6-7 years is NOT old for a cat. They live to be around 14 years or longer if they are well cared for. My friend's cat is 17 and going strong, even after surviving breast cancer and a horrible cold. My cat lived to be 15. If a cat is dead before then it was the result of neglect!





As to your question, get a different vet. Preferably at a different clinic. As has been previously mentioned, it is likely the result of decay and needs to be treated immediately before it gets worse.
Reply:Perhaps get a different vet! My vet was supposed to do a dental cleaning every year with his checkup and didn't, then what all offended when we got cheesed off at him because our cat had to almost have his teeth pulled (luckily it was not that bad yet). Make sure the vet cleans his teeth at least once a year.
Reply:Get a second opinion from a different vet from another clinic.


My 8 yr old cat may need all of his teeth pulled - has anyone else had this recommendation from a vet?

I have two brothers and only one has this issue (the other brother is allergic to his vaccinations, but that is another story). Apparently his gums are rejecting his teeth and they are red and swollen. Vet says he was born with this. We have tried the OraVet gel but it is too painful to apply twice a day. We have also tried steroid shots which worked on a temporary basis. They also no longer work. The vet says that the only option is to remove all of his teeth. I think that would be a great ordeal to put an 8 yr old cat through. Does anyone know of any other options, or has had a cat that has been through a similar situation?





Thanks to all who offer serious answers!


:-)

My 8 yr old cat may need all of his teeth pulled - has anyone else had this recommendation from a vet?
One of my aunts cats needed to have their teeth removed. The surgery went well and the recovery process took some patience.





Be sure you have a couple of days to spend with the guy so he can get the proper care. He most likely will need MAJOR help eating, and he might not even eat so try to blend the food to liquid as best u can and set it in a bowl. Unless you use a bottle with KMR Milk, he might have trouble eating on his own.





Also be sure that the meds he takes will not contribute to a loss of appitite. The meds my aunts cat affected his appitite and he was really down and out of energy within 3 days.





Also have your vets number habdy in case there are any problems afterwards.





Also note Monitor him while eating!!! this might need to be done at least 2 weeks after surgery.








Good Luck!!
Reply:kill the cat
Reply:sounds like this is the only option, but you might want to get a second opinion
Reply:I would check with another vet. I've never heard of this situation before and wouldn't rush into action until I was certain there was no other way.





And to the person who says kill it, who likes cats anyway...you sound like a nutcase.
Reply:If he's eight, he's only middle-aged. He's not a YOUNG cat, but he's also not old, either. He could easily have another good 8 years in him.





I haven't had this situation, but I do have this one. I have a mama-cat who found me last year, pregnant, and gave me a houseful of kittens (3 of the little monsters I still have - now 10 mos. old!) The momcat has lost all but one of her fangs. The vet said it was probably due to poor nutrition when she was on her own, coupled with the drain on her body during pregnancy. However, she seems to eat just fine - even dry food. She's adorably snaggle-toothed right now, and I'm ultimately going to have to have the final fang pulled, and because her gums are bad, she may eventually lose the rest of the little teeth, too. Personally, I think if he's in pain, get the teeth removed. Bad teeth can cause lots of other health problems - serious ones to the heart, kidneys, liver, etc. -- so it would be better to get your baby OUT of pain and out of harms way re: dental issues. As long as you're willing to make sure he gets food in a soft diet, he'll be just fine. He may look a little funny like a toothless old man kitty, but as long as you keep loving him like crazy and tell him how pretty he is, he won't mind all that much!!





Good luck!
Reply:my cousin is a vet and she has described a similar situation and i say. yes he maybe allergic to his teeth i have heard it before. after the teeth are gone he will have to eat only soft food but his pain will be gone as what is causing him pain is his allergic reaction to his teeth i say do it you may still have 10 years left in the cat yet.





goof luck
Reply:Many cats have a great many teeth pulled when they reach an advanced age. Infected teeth are very painful and they can't get root canals or caps. My cat, who lived to be 18, had many teeth pulled.





With so many excellent canned and pouch cat foods on the market, it shouldn't harm its quality of life any.





Many older cats suffer greatly from the failure to pull teeth. Some vets are nervous about putting them under anesthesia, especially if they don't like their blood tests.





A vet can recommend the best foods for its condition.





You can nonetheless visit or phone another vet if that would help.

children shoes

My cat keeps losing teeth?

I'm sure they're baby teeth but it still makes me nervous =[

My cat keeps losing teeth?
Hi there...kittens begin to lose their decidious (baby) teeth begining the ages of 5-7 months of age.





http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?...
Reply:if ur cat is still only a few months old im sure everythings fine but if its really worrying u check with ur vet
Reply:hi.


okay how old is kitty? if she is under 2 probably kitten teeth. older cats can loose teeth too. ours lost a fang 3 years ago and she was 10 years old at that time. if she is over 2 take her to a vet for a dental exam there are causes for them to loose teeth just like their humans. good luck
Reply:your kitty is loosing her baby teeth and maybe she is loosing her teeth a lot cause something you feed her or something watch your kitty very carefully i had a dog and she lost her baby teeth too dont be worried it happens to all animals
Reply:First of all how often does she loose teeth? If it is on a regular basis maybe something is wrong like if she looses one tooth every single day I guess something is wrong if she looses them once a week something could be wrong but as you say she is about 4-6 months old this I would say if it is on a regular basis take her to a veterinarian but if it is not on a regular basis I would wait and see if it starts happening on a regular basis to start to worry about you cat or kitten but it might have been a stray cat or kitten so even if nothing is wrong I would still take it to the vetaranarion
Reply:I have always owned a cat since I was 7. I have never known them to lose teeth-I guess mine all ate theirs or something. I raised a total of 5 from a kitten on and like I said the teeth thing is a surprise to me. Take him/her to the vet.


My cat is almost 2 years old, and has only 2 large teeth on side of mouth, he grows the rset top amd bottom, b

he eats hard food, and i dont know how he does it with no teeth.


so he hits me up for can food all the time.


my son says he is still a kittern, and they do this all the time, but i have never had a cat that kept loosing all its teeth, and they are still baby teeth too he grows back and then looses them again.


help some one, do not understand

My cat is almost 2 years old, and has only 2 large teeth on side of mouth, he grows the rset top amd bottom, b
Not sure what you mean that your cat grows the rest of his teeth on top and bottom but, cats don't really use their teeth to eat. Some cats like the FEEL of crunching down on food, but for the most part, whether crunchy or hard, cats gulp their food. They don't taste it like humans do, so you don't need to give your cat canned food if you don't wanna.


Another cat question, this time about his teeth?

So my cat looks like a mini Dracula his teeth are really sharp and his canine teeth stick out from his upper jaw and cover a tiny bit of his lower jaw.He looks like he has vampire fangs. Is this in any way normal?

Another cat question, this time about his teeth?
if they seem to long, you can go to the vet and ask. if the vet thinks there too long, you can get them clipped





same thing with rabbits
Reply:I would have a vet look at him. That doesn't sound normal and they might best be removed.





Cats don't need their teeth at all if they don't have to capture and kill prey for their food.
Reply:Cats canine teeth do stick out and cover the lower teeth in their jaws. In fact, while some cats sleep, you can see their teeth peeking out fron under their lips.





And contrary to other totally daft opions, cats DO need their teeth. Strangely enough, they need to chew and cats fed a natural diet, like mine, use their teeth top rip meat off bones quite successfully...cats don't need their teeth pfffft!
Reply:Cats can eat even dry food without any teeth, but what you describe seems quite normal to me. Consider that in the wild, what they chase after and bite after has to be held by the teeth, so the canines will be a bit longer than other teeth.





But you bring up a point that some never consider. Your vet should check your cat's teeth at each visit for any inflammations of the gum which can lead to serious problems. Cats get tartar build up on their teeth like humans can have.


My cat has red lines on his teeth..? what is it.?

My cat has red lines on his teeth. He is only one years old and hes already 10 pounds, however he is a stalky cat. He likes human food a whole lot. He chews fine and he doesnt seem to be feeling bad. Please help me and tell me whats wrong.! thank you ahead of time. please send serious answers.

My cat has red lines on his teeth..? what is it.?
usually 'red-lines' mean gingivitis in ferrets. if your cat's gums look really red and inflamed, and if you try to touch it and he looks to be in pain that could be it.
Reply:hmmmm never heard of a cat like that what i think it may be his teeth may be unhealthy and lack f calcium so you may be able to see some of the stuff inside the tooth maybe even some blood in there maybe who knows aint a docter
Reply:it could be a number of things, possibly staining for any types of human or cat food you may have been feeding him. Are you feeding him a lot of red meat or foods with a lot of dye in them? or maybe his gums are bleeding due to infection or something like that, i would try searching it on google or pehaps calling your local vet. Good luck!
Reply:my friends cat had red lines on his teeth and had to had some removed
Reply:battle scar? or killing mark
Reply:You should go to the vet.

baby shoes

My cat grinds her teeth, can anyone know why, she has diabetes but I don't think that's the reason .?

when she grinds her teeth I give her a little dry food %26amp; she stops but there might other reasons that's all the details I can give, just hoing maybe someone has the same (problem) not realy a problem. I wouldn't want her wear out her teeth, must be a reason for her doing this.

My cat grinds her teeth, can anyone know why, she has diabetes but I don't think that's the reason .?
Are you sure she hasn't got gum disease because if she has any loose teeth they will aggravate her and that could be her way of trying to get out any loose ones. I would suggest that she sees a vet for your peace of mind and her health.
Reply:My cat has been to the vet %26amp; doesn't have any gum diease or loose teeth, she had a tooth removed in July %26amp; since had her teeth cleaned, the vet says there is nothing wrong with her teeth. It's her silly way of asking for a treat but thank you all for your input its greatly appreciated. Report It

Reply:she doesn't grind her teeth every day only once in a while usally in th early morning to wake me up, i think. Report It

Reply:I have no more comments Report It

Reply:i use to have a cat that did the same thing that we put done but the reason she/he is doing this is because of teeth proplems or even a jaw problem make sure you get the cat to the vet right away so they can take x-rays to see what might be up with the cat to cause that problem...GOOD LUCK!!!!
Reply:well maybe your cat needs to see the dentist, it may be shes trying to grind any sharp bits which are uncomfortable, or it may simply be because she doesnt realise shes doing it, maybe the same reasons why people do it. my 3 yr old grinds his teeth in his sleep. who knows why. strange habit. if your worried ask your vet.
Reply:it is a sign of extreme pain.


4 year old cat is grinding teeth! What do I do!?

My grey American Shorthair, who is a male, has been grinding his teeth for 2 years now. It's starting to concern me very much! Should I start brushing his teeth? Does he want attention? Is it stress. He grinds his teeth, or he grinds his teeth by chewing on my curtains. Usually pieces of food are left on the curtains. Does this sound familiar. I've taken him to the vet and they don't see anything wrong. I've asked them twice. I need someone with experience, or a vet, to help me answer this question. What should I do?

4 year old cat is grinding teeth! What do I do!?
Hi there...I wonder if your cat is motioning more of a salivating grinding. The chewing on the curtains is common with cats who have PICA.





Here's a video of a cat grinding their teeth in the first part of the video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=YcZEtKb-tGI





More about PICA: Medically scientists have determined that cats who suck, lick, chew non-edible items suffer from a condition called PICA. This is common among kittens who were weaned early and seen in many Asian breed of cats as well. Here's an article about PICA by University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine on what is PICA and how to treat it: http://www.vmth.ucdavis.edu/home/beh/fel...





Pica: The Un-finicky Feline


Chewing or eating cords, fabric, houseplants, etc.





What is Pica?


Pica is the act of eating non-food items. In less serious cases, cats may chew or suck on objects, but not actually swallow them. Common targets include yarn or string, fabric, wool, phone or electric cords, and plants. Any object may be a potential target, however.





Why is Pica Dangerous?


Other than its destructive potential, pica can be extremely hazardous to your cat's health if non-food items are consumed. Ingested fabric, string, or other materials can lodge in your cat's stomach or intestine. The blockage prevents the passage of food and may cut off the blood supply to these organs. Both are life-threatening conditions. Cat's that chew on power cords may be electrocuted. Additionally, many common houseplants are toxic to cats; chewing or eating these plants can cause a wide range of symptoms from drooling to death. If your cat has a history of ingesting non-food items and becomes lethargic, vomits, or displays other concerning behavior, take them to your veterinarian immediately.





Why Does My Cat Eat/Chew on Non-food Items?


No one knows exactly why some cats exhibit pica behavior. Because pica has been associated with a variety of diseases including feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus, a veterinarian should examine any cat with pica. A genetic component is also suspected since wool or fabric sucking/chewing is more commonly found in Oriental breeds such as Siamese cats. Although it is normal for cats to eat small amounts of grass, consumption of large amounts of plant material may be an indication of a dietary deficiency or illness. Once medical causes are ruled out, behavioral reasons for pica can include boredom, attention-seeking, attractive odors, hunger, and learned behavior.





Treatment:





To rule out medical causes, a veterinarian should examine all cats displaying pica. Once your veterinarian gives your cat a clean bill of health, discuss with them what steps you can take to modify your cat's behavior. These may include the following:








1) Remove targeted items - Placing clothing, blankets, houseplants and electric cords out of the reach of your cat is often the easiest solution. Storage containers, electric cord guards, and other useful items are available at most home supply stores.





2) Provide alternative items to chew or eat - Food-dispensing toys, durable cat toys, or pieces of rawhide can be used to redirect your cat's chewing behavior to more appropriate and safe items (see handout). For cats attracted to houseplants, small flowerpots of grass or catnip can be planted and kept indoors. Birdfeed can be used as a safe source of plant seed.





3) Provide lots of structured play - Many cats chew on household items out of boredom. Provide interactive toys and set aside time each day to play with your cat.





4) Increase dietary fiber - It may help to increase the amount of fiber in your cat's diet. Besides providing more dietary fiber, high fiber foods usually contain fewer calories. Your cat may be able to satisfy their craving to eat more while still maintaining their weight. Consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your cat's diet.





5) Make targeted items aversive - Occasionally, applying aversive substances (e.g. hot sauce, Bitter Apple®, Bandguard®) to an item may deter a cat from chewing it. If this is not possible, spraying strong smelling substances (e.g. citrus air freshener, potpourri) or using physical deterrents (e.g. upside down carpet runner, Ssscat®, Snappy Trainers®) around an object may prevent cats from approaching.





6) Consult with a veterinary behaviorist - If your cat continues to ingest non-food items, referral to a veterinary behaviorist is recommended. Further environmental and behavior modification plans, specifically tailored to your pet, may be needed. In some cases, medication may be helpful.
Reply:You need to consult a more experienced vet, perhaps one that is board-certified in dentistry. Grinding of the teeth is no more healthy for felines than it is for people. Yes, it puts stress on the jaw, on the teeth, and will eventually wear his teeth down. See a more experienced vet.
Reply:When cats grind their teeth, it is often a sign of nausea. My FIV+ cat used to grind her teeth (she was on meds that made her nauseous). And my cat that has IBD will sometimes grind his teeth. Ask your vet if your cat could have IBD or another health issue making him nauseous. Changing to a novel protein diet (rabbit or venison) will usually help a cat with IBD, as will switching to a grain-free diet.





Chewing on curtains, or eating non-food items is a condition called PICA. (My Siamese was a PICA cat.) If he has swallowed something that he shouldn't have, he could possibly be nauseous from that.





An x-ray or ultrasound can help identify what might be the problem. With IBD, a thickening of the intestinal wall is often seen.


My cat eats like he has no teeth.?

He used to eat without chewing all of the pieces, now it takes him forever and then he only ends up eating a little bit. He tosses the food around his mouth, chews it into bits (many of which fall out) and seems have trouble chewing. He is 8 months old and his teeth are OK enough for treats!





My other cat on the other hand is a vacuum. He is about 8 months old and weighs about 11lbs.


Does anyone's cat eat like my finicky one? And is my vacuum considered obese?





These are my first cats so I don't really know what's "normal".

My cat eats like he has no teeth.?
It sounds like his teeth are hurting - maybe some are loose or broken or have something stuck in them. (quite common in kittens) Take him to the vet if you can, but in the meantime, try giving him soft foods so that at least he's getting some nourishment.





~~Lesions on your cat's gums or foul-smelling breath can be early warning signs of a potential problem. The most common dental problems cats experience result from plaque and calculus buildup. If left unchecked, plaque and calculus buildup can eventually cause inflammation of both the gums (gingivitis) and the membrane lining of the tooth socket (periodontitis).





The infection resulting from these conditions may spread to other parts of the body such as the kidneys or valves of the heart.





Dental problems may also result from injury, foreign bodies such as threads from toys, porcupine quills or foxtail, malnutrition or systemic health conditions that infect the mouth as well as other parts of the body.





Common warning signs of dental problems in cats include:





Red, swollen or bleeding gums


Drooling


Bad breath


Loss of appetite


Dark spots on molars


Raised sores in mouth ~~





Your other little guy is definitely obese ( or maybe not, if he's a recognised "giant" breed) since the average weight for a fully grown adult cat is :





6.2 lbs (or 2.81 kg) for a male, and


5.4 lbs ( 2.45kg) for a female.


Neutered cats of either sex, range between 7 - 11 lbs, but that's at their adult weight.





I hope this helps, and good luck with your little guys !


I have 4 of my own, and I love them to bits !
Reply:You need to take him to the vet for an examination. He may be having trouble with his little pearly whites, perhaps a toothache.
Reply:Definatly time for a visit to the vets, cats are good at getting teeth infections.





One of my cats doesnt chew her food and its given her some bad problems, as weird as it sounds! She now eats at least one meal of food thats been made for kitties like her thats really big so she has to chew it.





We clean tartar and other badies off our teeth by cleaning our teeth however cats do it by eating food, as chewing it helps rub off the excess, when your kitty doesnt do this it can cause bad problems that will cost a hella lot more to fix than one little trip to the vets costs!!
Reply:the finicky eater might have a sore mouth. or the food irritates his mouth.


give him a change of different flavor or texture of food. its okay to give treats but dont let them be a substitute for his lack of eating his regular food.


in addition give him milk, meat juice or raw scrambled egg lightly sprinkled with garlic.





if the vacuum is visibly fat for his age and size then perhaps you could for a short time cut down on the amount he has. but dont starve him. give more milk or meat juice or raw scrambled egg, to substitute the cut down of the other food.





also. the vacuum's behavior in eating could be because he feels threatened by mr finicky if you feed them together.


feed them separately and see if anything changes.
Reply:Though he seems to eat treats fine, your kitten may be having some teeth problems. But it may not need a vet visit, he is a kitten after all and teething. Try wetting the hard food for him for a while. As long as he is eating and not losing weight all should be well. Also watch the kitten to see if it will go for the hard food after a while.





As for your vacuum, cats normally do not over eat. If you are schedule feeding, you may need to increase the number of times you feed the cats, and lessen the amount each time. If you are just leaving a big bowl of food and he is pigging out, think about the brand of food you are using. If its crap his body will require more of it to get what he needs.





Hope this helps.


My cat had some teeth removed... Wants to eat dry food?

I have a rescue kitty and she had really bad teeth so I took her in for dental surgery. $1000 later, she came out with 8 tooth extractions and 4 root extractions. She is quite old and fairly small (she lost half her weight at the shelter before I had her) so I figured she wouldn't take the surgery well and come home quite groggy.





I was worried that she wouldn't be eating that much but as soon as she came home she went straight for the dry food (before her surgery she could eat wet food only because of the state of her mouth). After she had enough of the dry food, she'd head straight to the wet food and gobble it up.





I think it's great that she has such a big appetite but should I keep her away from the dry food in case she upsets the sutures in her mouth?

My cat had some teeth removed... Wants to eat dry food?
I just asked my vet this very question for the same reason.





Your feeding options are:





- Wet food


- Dry food that's been soaked in water


- Dry food that's been pulverized into dust.





And no dry kibble for 2 weeks when the vet will look to see it's all healed nicely.





Mine is perferring the dust a bit more than the other options, believe it or not. I never would have guessed since tuna is on the menu too. She seems to like the tuna if we sit together and she eats it from a flat dish with me giving her a little bit from the can at at time.
Reply:ya only wet food or she could have 2 lose more teeth!
Reply:I would stick with wet until healed.
Reply:If she wants the dry food, let her have it....It sounds to me like her nutritional needs far outweigh her tooth problems....GOD BLESS YOU FOR GIVING HER THE RIGHT HOME !!
Reply:actually the first to answer this may be wrong. wet food can lead to more dental tartar and therefore more dental cleanings. lay off the dry food for about 2 weeks, or at least get it alittle soggy with water. after that most of the ehaling should be complete and you can feed her whatever she wants! :o)
Reply:You need to keep her away from all of the dry food until your vet says it is okay to put her on dry again. Wet food is easier and better for her after her surgery. Call up your vet and ask when it's ok to give dry food again, if at all. Be sure of that!
Reply:This is a good question to call and ask your vet about.





Most likely she doesn't have sutures in her mouth. Your vet probably recommended feeding her soft food for 5-10 days until the wounds have healed. However, after the healing period dry food is the best food for her. It will keep the tarter down on her teeth and reduce the risk of future extractions.





Good luck.
Reply:add warm water to the dry food
Reply:I'd keep her off the hard kibble till she's healed.
Reply:Your kitty should be eating wet food just because of the extractions. HOWEVER you can add water to her dry food to make it soggy.





I agree that wet food is not good for cats, but in this case.. it is fine until she is feeling better.





Oh, and good for you for rescuing.
Reply:Are you sure that she has sutures? Most extractions are not sutured. I would call my vet to find out what he/she recommends. Otherwise, you could just moisten the dry food for a few days, since her mouth is probably a little tender.

asp

Cat's mouth bleeding and loosing teeth (maybe infection?)?

My cat has recently lost one of the small teeth on his lower jaw between his fangs. It was a bit red afterwards. In the last few days, my cat had this black stuff on his gum at the base of a few teeth near where tooth fell out. The black stuff has now gone but it seems like he has lost another tooth, maybe two.


I'm eager to avoid paying vet fees, so I'm wondering what it could be and whether it can be stopped without going to the vet if at all possible.


Thanks.

Cat's mouth bleeding and loosing teeth (maybe infection?)?
It sounds like your cat needs a dental. You have to see the vet for that.





You need to get your cat to a vet ASAP. Pick up the phone and call now, not later. When you took in that cat you made a committment to it, and along with that commitment means taking him to the vet when he is sick. He is very sick now. Thank you for reminding my that I need to make a dental for my cat so she doesn't develope dental disease this bad. Cats should have them done every 3 year or as needed.
Reply:Don't wait, don't argue about fees. Your cat need the professional help of a vet immediately.


Do you love the cat or don't you?
Reply:Please go to the vet, cats are known to have lots of mouth/teeth problems specially when they get older. This is very painful for the cat and can eventually kill it. Probably just a course of antibiotics will fix it right up but if you ignore it it can lead to other more serious problems
Reply:You really need to get that kitty attended to. That's a lot of pain to put your pet through to save money. Most vets will work out a payment plan if you're short of cash right now. He probably needs some extractions and antibiotics as well as a cleaning. Plus all that nasty bacteria can affect his overall health by stressing his heart and kidneys and liver. Get him seen as soon as possible.
Reply:It is common that cat's (especially older ones) need professional teeth cleanings done at the vet. Yes, it is expensive, since they have to be put under to do it. But it is just the cost of being a responsible pet owner.





Many of the teeth may be coated with infective tartar deposits, above and below the gumline. Some of the teeth may need to be removed and a course of antibiotics given. If untreated this painful gum disease condition will likely lead to diabetes, kidney disease and generally shorten the life of your cat. You vet will need to test your cats liver and kidney function prior to putting them under, and hopefully there has not allready been damage.





Once it is treated if your cat has enough teeth left, you will probably find that feeding dry crunchy food will keep the teeth cleaner. However if a lot of teeth are lost, then you may have no choice but to feed canned food. These professional cleanings may need to be done yearly?





This is all the same reason that people need to take care of their own teeth and gums to prevent their own systemic diseases.
Reply:Sorry, but your cat needs to see the vet. If you have trouble with vet fees, you shouldn't have a pet. Cats develop problems just like people and need to see the doctor regularly or whenever the need is there - and - the need is there. How long has this been going on? He may have an infection. I would get him help before things progress too far. Please take care of him, that's what you're there for.
Reply:immediately take the cat to the vet it may be something harmful.


Thanks for everyone's responses to my question on whether I should fix my old cat's teeth. I am doing it!

I really hope your cat gets well. My cat had the same problem when she was 14 and she lived to be 20 after having her teeth removed. Hope yours will live many more years! Good luck.

Thanks for everyone's responses to my question on whether I should fix my old cat's teeth. I am doing it!
Good luck.
Reply:Your cat thanks you.
Reply:Wonderful news! She will feel so much better. Keep us posted on her progress.





Purrs to you and kitty.
Reply:I am so glad to hear you are going to do this. She should feel much better and enjoy improved health!
Reply:Good.





Make sure your vet does a pre surgery blood panel.





And during surgery,make sure they use isoflourene gas and that her blood pressure is monitored throughout. And given antibiotics for a day prior and several days after along with pain meds.





Good luck!


About how much do vets charge to have your cat's teeth cleaned?

Vets prices for teeth cleaning vary widely - anywhere from about 80 to 250 dollars. The cat has be put under anesthesia to scale and clean the teeth. This is the best way to clean them. Once that is done, you can brush the teeth at home to minimize buildup. It is relatively routine but is very important that it be done whenever there is tarter buildup, which is in most cats.

About how much do vets charge to have your cat's teeth cleaned?
Its very cheap to just do it yourself... I would try it yourself and save you some money.. But im sure that the prices would range from state to state...





http://www.petco.com/Shop/petco_ProductL...
Reply:When I took my senior cat for a cleaning it was around $60.


But he was a reputable dental vet that came with a good recommendation.





My advice is to find a regular vet near you, call them, and ask them who they would recommend in your area that is good and affordable. The regular vets will always have referrals. Shop around.
Reply:my vet is about $200 because they have to put the cat under and then scrape all that tartar off, after you get it done make sure you brush your cats teeth at home, it really helps
Reply:Here in Maryland it cost $45.00. My 1 cat needs it done once a year.Its exspensive because they have to put the cat to sleep to do the work on it. Its less truma for the cat.Hope this helps you out.
Reply:Prices will vary from vet to vet. Ask your vet what it will cost. Feel free to call other vets.


What do you do to feed a very old cat who is losing her teeth?

My 20 year old cat has lost most of her teeth on the top left hand side of her mouth. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with this subject. She's losing weight because it hurts her to eat but she seems to be in no pain otherwise. I am feeding her soft food and soft cat treats but I was thinking about seeing if she'll drink Ensure. Any ideas? Thanks!

What do you do to feed a very old cat who is losing her teeth?
You're doing the right thing, soft foods. At 20 years old, you must have done a great job at keeping her healthy.





I don't think I would try Ensure, there is a "kitten glop" I found for orphaned kittens and older cats can eat it to.





INGREDIENTS:


1 lg. can evaporated milk (not Milnot)


2 tbsp. plain yogurt (not diet)


2 tbsp. mayonnaise (real)


1 tbs. Karo Syrup (light)


1 pkg. Knox gelatin


1 egg yolk (beaten)


1 cup of liquid unflavored Pedialyte





INSTRUCTIONS:


Mix milk, yogurt, mayonnaise and syrup together well.


Bring 1 cup water to boil and mix in Knox gelatin; set aside.


Mix egg yolk with small amount of milk mixture and beat well.


Add gelatin and water to milk mixture and beat well. Add in egg yolk mixture and beat well.


Pour into a freezer safe bowl or similar type of bowl with a cover and set in refrigerator.


We usually use Ice Cube Trays for our glop pudding. Pudding will last for two weeks covered in refrigerator.


Always warm pudding to room temperature (milk form) before feeding.


It is very rich in calcium, this pudding can be used as a supplement for kittens, sick cats and show cats to put on weight. Several Veterinarians have approved this recipe as being balanced and nutritious.
Reply:ask a vet!
Reply:Soft cat food
Reply:there is a milk supplement made for cats they sell it in petsmart maybe you can try that...good luck poor kitty
Reply:Poor Kitty, the humane thing to give it is eternal rest..Tough call but if you were it?
Reply:Soft food is the best you can do. Ensure has too much sugar, even the lactose free one will upset her stomach. You can always take baby beef and wateat down and wisk it to make a meaty shake for her. This happens commonly and you are doing what you can for her. Good luck.
Reply:You should consult the vet. Never give him human food though. It could be very bad for digestion.
Reply:Ya, I'm dealing with a 14 year old cat with the same problem. I've softened up canned food with the water from tinned tuna which she seems to like, and although I never gave it to her during her life, I'm now giving her cream because of the fat content and she needs the calories. I haven't tried ensure, but that ought to help, maybe I'll try that too. Anything to keep her happy.
Reply:ASK HER VET FIRST ON THAT. TRY TUNA AND SOFT CANNED FOODS . SHE CAN GUMM IT. MAYBE SHE HAS A SORE TOOTH IN THERE AND THAT IS CAUSING THE WEIGHT LOSS. TOOTHLESS CATS CAN EAT CANNED FOOD IF THERE IS NO SORE GUMS. HAVE HER VET LOOK IN THERE, :)
Reply:gerber?
Reply:My cat has cancer, no teeth. Fancy Feast grilled tuna in gravy stuck in a blender with some prescription a/d. Start at shred and add a little water, blend at liquify for about 6 minutes. Licks it right up!





If you blend a 3 can batch a little thick and store it in a glass jar in the fridge, you can microwave a little water and add it to a few tablespoons and use the hot water to thin it and heat it at the same time. Looks like a chocolate milkshake, smells like tuna.
Reply:Just call your local, Animal Hosp., %26amp; they can help you, with the most best foods %26amp; drinks, for your Cat.
Reply:She probably has hyperthyroidism and borderline kidney function also. Almost all cats that age do. Feeding a high quality canned cat food is a good idea. Ask the vet or order online either Felovite, or Nutracal. It is a flavored "gel" type stuff in a tube that can provide extra calories and vitamins.


Ensure not a great idea. She probably will not drink it and diarrhea can result, which could kill her.
Reply:Same thing you feed any cat if you understand feline nutrition - a good quality wet cat food.





Read this and you'll know more about feeding a cat than most vets:





http://www.catinfo.org
Reply:soft cat food. you don't want to give a cat ensure.
Reply:BLENDER!!!!!
Reply:Pre chew her food for her
Reply:add water and make her food into a gruel, can also add some meat flavored baby food to keep her interested.
Reply:We had a cat who lived to be 22, but had no teeth. The vet said to feed her meat baby food, which she loved. Just make sure it has no garlic or onions.
Reply:Soft canned food, no people food not approved by a vet. Love this kitty. I had one that lived to be 21.

flip flops

What is the best way to clean my cat's teeth? ...and how can I keep them clean?

He drinks plenty of water and only eats dry organic food!!

What is the best way to clean my cat's teeth? ...and how can I keep them clean?
Brushing. That's really the only way. Or you can help matters by checking out some of the supplements - C.E.T. Dental has several that are pretty good; Wysong makes a supplement called Dentatreat, and there's another one out there called PlaqueOff.





EDIT: Also chicken necks. You can get them at the better pet stores. Offer 1-3 vertebrae per day or every other day.
Reply:I think his teeth will stay clean because of eating the dry food. It is not usually considered necessary to clean a cat's teeth if they are not eating wet food.
Reply:cat treats.. that specify for dental in cats
Reply:My cat has always had problems with gingivitis, so I have tried a few things that I can give my opinion on.


1) At any pet store, you should be able to find toothpaste and a toothbrush for your cat. This is what I have been using for a while now. The main drawback is that my cat really does not like the toothbrush. It takes two people to do the job (one to hold, one to brush).


2) I recently saw these wipes - DentalClens Pads. I think I am going to try them. They might be easier to use than the toothbrush, and I am sure they are more gentle on the gums. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Pr...


3)There are all sorts of crunchy treats (they might be harder to find if you only want organic though) that are supposed to keep your cat's teeth clean. I give my cat Greenies. This helps, but I don't think the treats alone are sufficient if your cat is prone to have dental problems.


4)The last resort is the vet. They can give your cat anesthesia and clean his/her teeth. That can be rather expensive though, and the cat's teeth will get dirty again, so I would only recommend this if there is a more serious issue such as bleeding gums, etc.
Reply:Dry food do not make a cats teeth clean - most dry cat food that does this was designed for a dog (different teeth, different requirements). And also, as more research comes out, many animal nutritionists are saying wet food is better for cats and cats fed a part wet diet get less kidney disease, diabetes, and crystals (but does nothing for teeth, and can cause more teeth problems)





A vet can clean a cats teeth - You can also purchase some toys that are meant to clean teeth - and you can actually brush them.





But what I've noticed is giving your cat raw food once in awhile works the best - after I started feeding a portion of the food they eat to raw- breath smelled good, and I got good rating from the vet. And after watching my cats eat raw food, it makes sense, they don't have any molars, so they tend to chew of chunks of meat. This process cleans their teeth.





For more info on food and cat health, check out www.thecatsite.com/forums. There are some very knowledgeable people who post there, and they should be able to give you a bit more information.


Why is it so difficult to brush my cat's teeth?

Brushing his teeth is difficult?


Man, wait till you have to take his temperature with a rectal thermometer.

Why is it so difficult to brush my cat's teeth?
Maybe your cat doesn't want his teeth brushed...
Reply:Take that puss to the vet and have the techs there do it.
Reply:because you posted this in the SPORTS SECTION !!!!!! NICE GOING!!!


Is there any medication you can give a cat for teeth pain?

What kind of pain exactly? From a broken tooth? Or general rotten teeth? If your cat has dental pain you can't just bung painkillers at him, he needs dental work from a vet!





If you already planning to take him to a vet and are looking for something to help in the meantime, as I said feline painkillers are prescription only. You can try any stuff you might find in a pet shop - it's all general sales stuff so should be harmless anyway (although petshop flea treatment isn't actually).





Even the human 'toothache kits' you can buy specifically say they are only temporary measures until you can get medical attention.





Chalice

Is there any medication you can give a cat for teeth pain?
if he likes garlic, give him some. Garlic oil is one of the best remedies for tooth pain.


You should also know that tooth pain in a cat may be a sign of dental disease, which left untreated can lead to death. I'd recommend you to take it to a vet as soon as you can for a teeth check-up.
Reply:You could give it a little childrens Tylenol. You could also rub a bit of Oragel, Numbsit or something of that sort on the kitties gums. I've heard that pure vanilla extract rubbed on the gums will numb them a bit.
Reply:Your cat has tooth pain because of oral infection or injury, and giving him something to sooth it will only allow you to ignore the problem further. Have your cat's teeth cleaned.





Do NOT give your cat Tylenol, or any pain medication labeled for humans. It is toxic to felines and canines.
Reply:NEVER, NEVER, NEVER GIVE YOUR CAT TYLENOL!!!





It is EXTREMELY toxic to cats. It will send your cat into liver failure that it will have a very slim chance of living through!!! Ask ANY reputable vet!!





The best thing for pain relief is anything you can get from your vet. The best thing for your cat's dental health is for you to get it to a vet and have a dental cleaning done.


Do you think they'll notice the cat's teeth marks in the presents?

Nah, even if they do, you could always say you were attacked by a panther on the way to their house :)

Do you think they'll notice the cat's teeth marks in the presents?
yes,if they are big cat teeth marks.Just rewrap it.
Reply:Only if there food presents
Reply:hi no they'll think its a new trend Hugs
Reply:Unfortunately, I think they probably will.
Reply:It will give them a cozy touch.
Reply:No way!! Tell them you have mice. You must protect family members at all cost!! : }
Reply:Unfortunately, they probably will. You have two choices here: do nothing and act chagrined, making some joke about how much the cat wanted the present or re-wrap the presents and keep them in a closet until your guests arrive. I suggest the latter rather than the former.
Reply:Hi Deb,No,if they do...they wont mind...mine will be fine Thanks.Love Jo xx

men dress shoes

How to Brush Your Dog's or Cat's Teeth ?

get some special pet toothpaste in the pet store and a childs toothbruh (which is soft on the gums) and brush your pets teeth very carefully... don't forget the back teeth because those have the most bacteria on them. umm... oh make sure that the gums have no grime an when your pet starts to back away grasp the neck firmly so that your pet can't move but can still breathe clearly. thank you

How to Brush Your Dog's or Cat's Teeth ?
Get some dog toothpaste (no fluoride) put it on a brush, pull the lips up gently, and brush.
Reply:don't bother. just buy them raw hides. thats what they are for
Reply:The same way you would your own. Gently, up and down motion with a dog toothbrush or soft bristled child toothbrush. It is reccommended by my dog's vet that you do it everyday and we do and our dog's teeth are SO white. They could do crest commercials(:
Reply:Buy Aquafresh or Colgate and a battery operated toothbrush and clean it.
Reply:Give em a bone
Reply:Dentabone is a great way to clean a dog's teeth! I give my dog it and she loves it!
Reply:do you own a zoo. first birds now cats and dogs. just curious!
Reply:just take some good dog toothpaste and a hard brush, and then start brushing!!!
Reply:First, the equipment: Most vets and pet stores carry rubber pet toothbrushes that look like a long thimble or cap you wear on a finger and have short, soft rubber bristles on one side. You can also use a soft toothbrush. You will also need some pet toothpaste, which is formulated differently from human toothpaste, in part so that it will taste good to your pet and not do any harm if ingested.





Second, technique: find a time when you pet is calm and relaxed, especially when starting out. Put some animal toothpaste on the toothbrush and gently pull the lips away on one side. Gently brush as you would your own teeth. If your pet is reluctant, try to be quick, or do only a little bit at a time, rewarding the animal with treats or breaks in between sessions. Work up to longer/more thorough cleanings. Between the good taste of the toothpaste, the attention, and rewards, you should soon be able to brush all your animal's teeth in one go.





Most vets recommend brushing your animal's teeth at least once a week. Though chew toys and treats can help, they're not the same as brushing.





Also ask your vet about professional cleanings on occasion to avoid serious health problems from tooth decay.
Reply:well u dont brush them u have to by a dentel bone


How much is it to have a cat's teeth cleaned?

At our clinic, for a cleaning, oral exam (including anesthesia) we charge around $250-$300 (variable only on anesthesia time).





If the cat has advanced oral disease and requires extractions, the final total can be 2 to 3 times the base cost for cleaning. This is important, however, because oral infection can literally kill your animal.

How much is it to have a cat's teeth cleaned?
Whenever I have a question relating to vet prices, I call around to different vet offices and ask about prices. Then you'll be 100% sure where you want to go.
Reply:Get a kit and clean them yourself. They make kits for pretty cheap. Then keep up with brushings.
Reply:The vet costs vary from area to area. Call your vet and ask. I live in a lower cost of living area and what I would tell you wouldn't mean anything if you are in NYC or Los Angeles.
Reply:the price for teeth cleaning will vary depending on where you live. It is somewhat expensive because they need to be put under anesthesia to do the cleaning, however if you clean your cats teeth manually once or twice a week, you won't need to et your cats teeth cleaned very often. unfortunately actually cleaning your cats teeth can be very difficult because cats aren't as accepting as dogs are about things going into their mouth if it's not food. to really know how much it will cost, you need to call the vet where you will be taking your cat to find out the actual price.
Reply:You can call your vet, true, but also try a well knowned groomer. I have one but unfortunately my cats haven't let them brush their teeth yet. Vets are bound to be more expensive. Ask around.


Will warm wet food damage a cat's teeth?

I've heard they're only supposed to be fed food cold..is this true?

Will warm wet food damage a cat's teeth?
You've already gotten the correct answer - no. So I second what the other 2 said.





I just wanted to add that you should use caution if you're considering warming the cat food. If you nuke it, don't do it for more than like 3 seconds, or if that isn't enough, do it 2 seconds at a time. That small amount won't take long to heat up.





Or you could put the food in a baggie or other sealed container and warm it under hot water if you need to bring it to room temp.





And what the heck - I'm going to ramble on a bit more. I'm not quite sure why people think wet food is bad for cats' teeth. It's true that eating canned food offers no dental benefits (but nor does dry). However if it's a good quality food it isn't adding any sugar to the cat's diet either which dry food or lesser canned foods may do.





So at the least your cat's mouth environment is going to be healthier.





As the second person said, cats derive dental benefits really only from ripping and shredding through muscle meat and bone. If you've ever watched a cat eating a chicken neck, you'd understand why. I still get a thrill watching my two chomping away! (I'm a sick puppy I know).
Reply:No, that is not true. When a cat kills its prey it eats it warm.
Reply:Cats are obligate carnivores: what do you think the temperature and texture of a freshly-killed carcass is? I'd say it's fairly warm and wet.





Naturally, cats would work their teeth a lot more eating gristle, bones, cartilage and other hard or rough things. If you're asking because you're worried about your cat's teeth, feeding a small daily amount of a dry catfood alongside wet food will help keep plaque and tartar on a cats' teeth down. Alternatively, if your cat eats a dry catfood, you can use a feline toothcare solution such as Liquid Oral Care (made by Petkin) which can be added to cat's drinking water.





Teeth severely covered in plaque or tartar can be cleaned by a vet.
Reply:A domestic cat should be fed room tempearture food. Wet food can be refrigerated but must be left to warm up before feeding. I doubt it will damage a cats teeth but ask your vet for more advanced information and advice.
Reply:You've gotten good answers, but I'll give you one more vote for warming the food!





I always warm their wet food. I put the food in the bowl and add water for extra moisture. Then I put it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. I mush the canned food in the warm water and make sure it is well mixed to be sure there are no hot spots. My cats love it this way. They are all older and I just can't bear putting cold food in front of them.





Purrs to you and your kitty.


Is it normal for a cat to lose it's teeth??

My cat was biting my pant leg and three little teeth fell out, now his gums are bleeding, he doesn't seem to be hurting, He is 6 mothns old. Is this normal? What should I do?





Thanks.

Is it normal for a cat to lose it's teeth??
yep, just like humans. dogs and cats both have deciduous teeth(baby teeth) that they lose about 4-6 months old.
Reply:Don't fret, my cat had the same problem but my vet said that it's natural b/c animals grow adult teeth too, like humans. He also said that it was kind of rare to actually see the process and that's why most people don't freak out about it. Just don't worry, it's natural...
Reply:yes, it's normal, he's getting his permanent teeth. The ones he lost are baby teeth. The cat will be ok.
Reply:Like all children, pets loose their baby teeth too. If the bleeding continues however, take him to the vet just to be safe.
Reply:At that age, yes, but do watch the cat
Reply:They are probably baby teeth that were ready to come out. If the bleeding has stopped that's real good. If you can, for the heck of it look to see if the other teeth are popping through.


But, please be aware, I'm no expert in this. Good luck
Reply:sounds like normal loss of baby teeth to me, but i would give the vet a call incase it is a gum disease. that could kill a cat! my cat got old and eventually and very slowly lost his teeth from gingivitis. it eventually killed him, though he was 17.
Reply:At 6 months old he may be losing his baby teeth and getting new ones. Baby animals develop just like baby humans, losing teeth is normal.
Reply:Yep- for his age thats normal. Its just his baby teeth, although three at once is kind of a lot. Just watch to make sure he is still eating and drinking normally, and within a week or two, you should see adult teeth coming in. If not, get hold of your vet.

Food

How can I brush my cat's teeth?

for me it was hard to get my 7 year old cat Penny to let me do it, they say you should get the cat used to the brush, then try with just water, then try to brush them but that takes like a month to work up to and my cat needed her teeth brushed bad so I just dove right it. she doesnt like it but I have to hold her head still and be careful doing it, sometimes I dont always do the best job but I try to do it 2X a week. Make sure you give the cat a reward after to it knows it will get something good once the brushing is done, I brush my cats fur after because she loves it so much. At petco or petsmart they have toothbrushes and cat toothpaste that you buy. Good Luck!

How can I brush my cat's teeth?
good luck on that! lol


hope he doesnt bite or scratch u!
Reply:with a toothbrush
Reply:Number one, this should be fun for you and your cat. Be upbeat and take things slowly. Do not overly restrain your cat. Keep sessions short and positive. Be sure to praise your cat throughout the process. Give yourself a pat on the back, too! You are doing a great thing for your cat!





First, have your cat get used to you putting things in her mouth. Dip your finger in tuna water, chicken broth, or other liquid your cat may like. Call your cat with a voice that means "treat" and let your cat lick the liquid off your finger. Then rub your soaked finger gently over your cat's gums and teeth. After a few sessions, your cat should actually look forward to this and you can move on.





Now, place a gauze around your finger. (You can again dip it in the tuna water or other liquid.) Gently rub the teeth in a circular motion with your gauzed finger. Repeat this for the number of sessions it takes your cat to feel comfortable with this procedure. Remember to praise her and keep an upbeat attitude.





After your cat is used to having the flavored gauze in her mouth, you are ready to start with a toothbrush, dental sponge, or pad. We need to get your cat used to the consistency of these items, especially the bristles on a brush. So, let your cat lick something tasty off of the brush or pad so she gets used to the texture.





Once your cat is used to the cleaning item you are going to use, we can add the toothpaste (or rinse). Pet toothpastes either have a poultry, malt, or other flavor so your cat will like the taste. Get your cat used to the flavor and consistency of the toothpaste. Let your cat lick some off your finger and then apply some to your cat's gumline with your finger. Praise your pet.








Now your cat is used to the toothbrush and toothpaste and you are ready to start brushing. Talk to your cat in a happy voice during the process and praise your cat at the end. At first, you may just want to brush one or both upper canine teeth (the large ones in the front of the mouth). These are the easiest teeth for you to get at and will give you some easier practice. As before, when your cat accepts having several teeth brushed, slowly increase the number of teeth you are brushing. Again, by making it appear to be a game, you both will have fun doing it.
Reply:they have brushes just for cats that can fit on your finger and open the mouth gently but kinda firm u have to do it quick cuz she is not goin to like you should have someone hold her while you do it hold the paws so you dont get scratched they also have tooth paste for kittys tuna isnt good for cats its high in sodium why do people think that
Reply:well maybe u could inject ur cat with a tranquiliser so as to make it sleep, then only u could safely brush ur cat's teeth
Reply:It's best to start with a regular brushing routine when the cat is young. Kittens usually adjust best to having their teeth brushed. Make brushing time fun for the cat and never lose your temper, even if kitty is reluctant to have her teeth handled. After all, this is not a natural thing for a cat to endure.





Start by gently massaging the cat's gums and teeth with your fingers. Repeat this for several short sessions for several days. Try to pick out times when your cat is calm and praise her every time and even give her treats. Your aim is to create a positive association with the procedure of having her gums and teeth touched.





When your cat accepts these sessions with ease, try to introduce the brush. Remember to use only a toothbrush designed for cats. Again, make sessions short and enjoyable and stop just before your cat becomes uncomfortable. At this stage, you can also introduce the paste. Make sure that it's a flavor that Kitty likes.





If you want to get your adult cat used to having her teeth brushed, it may be best to start with a veterinary dental check-up. Many adult cats suffer from a mild form of gingivitis. Their teeth may look all right to you, but trying to brush them will cause pain and perhaps even bleeding. This in itself may be enough to turn your cat off dental care for good, so it's best to consult a vet first. Once the vet gives the all clear, you can train older cats to tolerate brushing in the same way as you would a kitten.
Reply:Good news! Cornell University's Feline Health Center has a series of on-line videos on caring for your cat, and one is on brushing your cat's teeth! Here's the website:





http://www.felinevideos.vet.cornell.edu/...


How do you brush a cat's teeth?

Hi there...here's an instructional video by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine of Feline Health on how to brush a cat's teeth: http://www.felinevideos.vet.cornell.edu/...

How do you brush a cat's teeth?
just like how you brush yours
Reply:u dont the vet does otherwise u can poisin the cat not good
Reply:people say use an angle brush but i say use a small little kid brush and buy pet toothpaste and trust me its not going to be easy to get it in there mouth
Reply:This question is easy because I brush a dogs teeth. You can go to a store and buy a special brush or if you are not that kind you can use a regular human tooth brush. You just do it like you brush your teeth. Do the top all the way to the back and the same to the bottom teeth. Cats are not that hard so give it your best shot. Or take your cat to a grooming shop. Then you will get the whole works with the brush.Good luck with cat teeth. You don't have to use tooth paste. If you want to get some that is from a vet or at a pet store only.
Reply:Get kitty toothpaste at the pet store (it's safe for them to swallow--DON'T use human toothpaste). The easiest thing to use to brush is one of the finger brushes (it fits over your finger tip so you can just gently rub your finger over their teeth. Pet toothpaste is enzymatic and doesn't require harsh brushing like our toothpaste, so be gentle.
Reply:Ask your vets assistant or the vet for the proper procedure then proceed with extreme caution!
Reply:You can buy a little toothbrush that fits over your finger at the pet supply store along with meat flavored toothpaste. Brush just like you would your own teeth. If you take care of your pet's teeth at home, they'll only need the vet to do a cleaning once a year. Oral health is so important in animals, especially if your pet eats soft food and doesn't chew bones.
Reply:I have tried to brush my cats teeth before. It is really hard because they don't hold still. So, I just wouldn't brush its teeth.
Reply:toothpast may not be good for kitty, feed the cat a premium kibble cat food, that aids in keeping teeth and gums healthy...have your vet check the cats mouth regularly to see if a cleaning is in order.


about the only thing i give my cat that people can have too is liver, bacon, and sardines...oh and she loves spam, but those are rare treats
Reply:well you can actually brush their teeth (they make stuff for that) or you can buy those foods made to help with teeth and breath try greenies they work good and animals love the taste!
Reply:I brush my cat's teeth everyday. And it is a chore coz unlike a few cats, my cats don't like it. They have a special pet toothpaste (enzyme based) that I get from the vet and a little cat toothbrush. Its next to impossible to brush the cat's teeth like the way you brush your own. What I do is I make my cat sit lie down on the bathroom floor. I hold the face down either by grabbing the scruff of the neck or simply holding the cheek down. With my other hand, I gently open the side of the moth and insert the toothbrush to brush the sides of the molars and pre-molars and then the the incisors. I turn kitty about and do the same on the other side of the mouth. The procedure must be very brief. With the 1 yr old, I simply hold him on my lap. Grap the scruff of his neck and insert toothbrush gently atthe side of his mouth. Then I brush very quickly. Really depends how you can mamage your cat... in time, they get used to it although they never really love the process. But its important becuase I feed them mostly wet food.


Is it safe to put a 12 year old cat under to get his teeth cleaned?

My friend has a male cat, around 12 yrs old. His teeth are pretty dirty and is on an antibiotic for a tooth infection. The medicine is helping as he is eating normally again. However, the vet said his teeth may need to be cleaned, but also stressed that at his age he may not come out of the anesthetic. It's a tough call. Any vets out there?

Is it safe to put a 12 year old cat under to get his teeth cleaned?
The oldest kitty I have anesthetized for teeth cleaning was almost 17 years old. She had the pre-surgery bloodwork which did not show any problems and we scheduled the cleaning. She did just fine.





Before any surgical procedure for an older kitty, the vet should take all the precautions necessary.





But if kitty has health problems that anesthesia would complicate or intensify, the best thing is to skip the cleaning and treat the infections as they are now.





Purrs to you and your friend's kitty.
Reply:Hi John L,





You are so very welcome. Hope your friend's kitty responds to the medications and is able to have her teeth cleaned without any complications.





Purrs,


Patty Report It

Reply:I am not a vet but I have an older cat and I dont think it would be worth risking the cats health at that age just for teeth cleaning.
Reply:Only your friend's veterinarian should answer this question. He/she has the medical background of the cat and knows his history. If the cat is healthy, other than the tooth infection, he should come out just fine, but if there are other problems, they should be discussed with the veterinarian.





What many people don't understand is that the health of a cat's teeth is very important. It isn't as simple as "just a teeth cleaning". Dental health plays a vital role in the overall health of a cat. Many fatal diseases are caused by dental problems, so this procedure could add years to his life, as simple as the procedure seems to you.





This article explains further, the importance of dental health in cats and dogs.





http://vetmedicine.about.com/cs/diseases...
Reply:Rather than trying to get vet advice "free" on-line, it's always best to get advice based on first-hand experience. If a vet hasn't seen the cat, there can be no accurate opinion given. Your vet is probably making the call after taking the cat's health into consideration as well as age. If you dispute the vet's advice, then get a second opinion.





I wonder, however, why you are asking for your "friend" instead of the "friend" asking???
Reply:Ive just gone through the same but with a 10yr old dog ,she was fine but i have a 14yr old cat and she also needs her teeth doing but i think she is to old but i am going to ask my vets advise cos we all know what bad tooth ace is like (not nice)
Reply:I am not a vet. Just a pet owner... I have had at one time or another all my cats and dogs teeth cleaned. There is always a risk being put under with an anesthetic, even for people. If the cat had an infection from his teeth already I would say his teeth must be pretty bad. Your friend should talk it over carefully with the vet and make a decision. So many bad things can come from bad teeth. It can damage their organs also...I hope all goes well for your friend and the kitty
Reply:yes you can do this..i had to for my oldest girl..she had to have a tooth removal at the same time..she came thru it with no problems...i gave her a towel that smelled like us to have with her during her surgery..when i went to pick her up they had used something around her eyes that looked oily..so when she came out from under the blankets and towels in her cage..she was kinda wild eyed..but i could tell she was thrilled that i was there to get her...when i got her home the hardest problem was getting her meds into her...she hates to be held down..and is scared of everything..but she did fine..she was 11 when she had her surgery..
Reply:My experience is the same as Patty O's. My cat who lived to be 22+ had her teeth cleaned every year up until her death and my other cats who are in their "teens" (16, 13) also have it done when needed.





You need to find a vet who will do pre-anesthesia blood work to determine the condition of the cat's kidneys and ONLY use a vet who uses the isofluorine gas for the anesthesia. The gas lives the system almost immediately that the mask is removed. Some fluid therapy before and/or after the dental is also advisable to better clear the kidneys.
Reply:I lost an 18 year old cat to the anesthesia for a tooth scaling back in the early 90s. They have a newer anesthetic for cats available now, which is not as hard on their system, %26amp; that is what I had them use 3 years ago when anothe cat needed a dental procedure. Its pricey but it was well worth it..My 8yr old will be having a dental done later this summer, %26amp; all you can do is take reasonable precautions. There aren't any guarantees with animals any more than there are for people..
Reply:I have my cat's teeth cleaned every year---he gets along fine. This year he will be eleven.


What catfood is best for cat's teeth?

Reviews and recommendations for cat food.

What catfood is best for cat's teeth?
Any cat food that is labeled "complete and balanced" has been tested on cats. "Complete" means that it contains all the nutrients that cats are known to need, and "balanced" means that it has been tested on cats. Actual testing is important to ensure that the food is healty. Report It

Reply:Dry catfood is best for cat's teeth. In addition treats like Pounce help.
Reply:I don't know if it's the best, but I use Dental Diet from Purina.
Reply:dry food
Reply:definitely dry food-something they can actually use their teeth for.
Reply:I think any food because If there new to the house let them have all different varieties.


See what It might like and dislike.
Reply:dry catfood


plus Tartar control treats


I use Indoor Formula - purina its in a green bag





Don't use IAMS products because they test on those poor kitties

ladies dress shoes

How to brush my cat's teeth?

I can barely get his mouth to open. Im afraid bacteria might grow in his mouth and effect his life span.








Any recomended toothbrush or toothpaste?





What are the steps too?

How to brush my cat's teeth?
You have to desensitise cats to this procedure slowly. It's best to start when they're young - if the cat is already an adult it won't be easy, and may not be possible.





You don't actually have to open up the cat's mouth - though it is preferable- you can pull up their lips from the side and brush from there. We use Logic toothpaste, comes in poultry or fish flavour. You can use any small toothbrush really, but one specially for cat will be easier, particularly those ones you can put on your finger.





Brushing and dental foods are preventative measures - if your cat already has a degree of dental tartar you need a professional scale and polish. The younger this is done the better- you can then commence preventative treatments to help stop the cat ever needing dental work again.





Most cats over the age of 3 have some kind of dental problems. By age 8, the majority of cats are in need of dental work at the vets. By the time they're in their teens, pretty much all cats need dental work including extractions! Have you cat's teeth checked by a vet if they haven't been in the last year, and don't be horrified if the cat needs dental work, it's par for the course for cats really. My cat didn't get her first dental until she was 16 and her teeth were awful - don't leave it this late!!!





Chalice
Reply:They make cat toothbrushes and toothpaste. The cat toothpaste is flavored so your cat might open his mouth to lick the toothpaste and it will make it easier. Ask your pet store or vet what they recommend.





What ever you do don't use human toothpaste, I gave my cat some when I was little and it started foaming out her mouth.
Reply:you shouldn't have to brush the cats teeth.


They make food that cleans their teeth.





But if you want to know how to brush a cats teeth, you do it very carefully.....
Reply:Go to the following link it has important steps and information about brushing a cats teeth. Hope this helps. :D








http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/articl...
Reply:With a tooth brush lol
Reply:Go to the vet......
Reply:Start by getting the cat used to you messing with his mouth. See if he'll let you put your finger in his mouth. If he will you can get a tooth brush that fits on your finger. C.E.T. makes pet tooth paste that comes in all kinds of flavors. You don't have to scrub like we do you just have to get the paste on the teeth. Pets DO need their teeth cleaned. All that tartar build up can lead to other diseases and tooth loss. Yes there are dental formula foods, but I find very few animals like them and brushing is much less expensive.
Reply:You can make tooth brushing a game by playing with him first so you can get rid of some excess energy. Then place a little bit of cat toothpaste on your finger and let him lick if off. Try this several times until he gets used to it.





Then place your finger with the toothpaste on it against his mouth. You can graduate to using a thin washcloth or gauze wrapped around your finger to use as a brush, this is usually less foreign to a cat than a toothbrush.





Eventually, you can desensitize him to opening his mouth with one hand and using a toothbrush in the other. If he is highly sensitive, this may take several weeks. Otherwise, it may just be a few days especially if he really likes the toothpaste.





This is really a helpful exercise if you ever need to feed him pills as he will be used to you fiddling with his mouth.
Reply:Hi there...Petrodex makes a flavoured toothpaste for cats and usually comes in a kit with a toothbrush. Here's an instructional video on how to brush a cats teeth by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: http://www.felinevideos.vet.cornell.edu/...
Reply:u dont really need to brush the cats teeth cats are one of the cleanest pets ever trust me i never brushed my cats teeth


Should I brush my cat's teeth?

I've heard that some people do this

Should I brush my cat's teeth?
Yes, you should. If you've ever seen your cat's vomit, you'll notice that few of the crunchy, plaque-fighting hard food has been chewed.





So, just as you need to brush your own teeth to prevent things like plaque, tartar build-up, gingivitis, and bad breath, you need to do the same for your pets.





Special tooth paste is needed for pets that can be bought from your local pet store, and a wide variety of toothbrushes are also available. A human toothbrush can be used if it is a soft bristled, child's toothbrush.





Dental hygiene in animals is important because the bacteria that are covering and rotting the teeth can get into the animal's bloodstream, too, which is very bad.





If your cat already has bad teeth, I would suggest getting his/her teeth professionally cleaned by your veterinarian first, as brushing only removes plaque, not tartar.





And just as you brush your teeth at least once a day (at least, I hope so), your cat's teeth need to be brushed every day. If you brush them less than three times a week, tartar can still build up, and there's really no point.
Reply:GO 4 it.
Reply:Yes....
Reply:yes
Reply:yes because if you dont, you end up paying a vet tons of money for scalings
Reply:It's tough to do but yes it should be done ask any vet
Reply:yes!!!
Reply:Sure
Reply:I've never tried it, and I've cats all my life.
Reply:My vet said at least once a week
Reply:my friend brushes her cats teeth..but i dont brush my cats..so i guess its up to you..
Reply:Only if you want your cat to hate everything about you and try to get killed rather than let anyone ever do that to him again
Reply:yeah ya can, theres like special toothpaste u can buy at the petstore, i wouldnt use human toothpaste
Reply:no i dont think u ur self should do it i tried to once and i hurt him they have very soft gums if u want to do that u should take him/her to the vet
Reply:If your cat will let you it's a great idea to brush her teeth. A healthy mouth and teeth are essential to the health of your cat.





You can buy kits from your pet store that come with cat-safe toothpaste and a brush.
Reply:well if their really nasty


and always yellow lol


i say do it


but i hope it doesnt bite yew!!
Reply:ask your vet. I do know that cat's teeth should be brushed to prevent decay, but I personally am not brave enough to brush my cat's teeth. I should though because she is 18 and her breath stinks. My vet said he would brush it, but I just can't afford dental for my cat, when I don't even have dental for myself.
Reply:YES IT IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE I HEARD IT MIGHT AFFECT YOUR ANIMAL IN SOME WAY AND TO PREVENT BAD BREATH
Reply:is the smell that bad? if it is go 4 it.
Reply:yes, but dont scare the cat.


brushing your cats teeth can add years to its life, so its a good thing to do but not that often.


Hope this helps!
Reply:# Periodontal disease usually affects the upper, back teeth first and worst. Plaque builds up on the tooth surface daily, especially just under the gum line. It takes less than 36 hours for this plaque to become mineralized and harden into "tartar" (calculus) that cannot be removed with a brush. Because of this progression, brushing should be done daily, with a brush to remove the plaque from under the gum line.





# Pick a time of day that will become a convenient part of your pet's and your daily routine. Brushing before a daily treat can help your pet actually look forward to brushing time. Take a few days to let both of you get use to the process. Follow with praise and a treat each time.





# Start by offering her a taste of the veterinary toothpaste. The next time, let her taste the toothpaste, then run your finger along the gums of the upper teeth. Repeat the process with the tooth brush. Get the bristles of the brush along the gum line of the upper back teeth and angle slightly up, so the bristles get under the gum line. Work from back to front, making small circles along the gum lines. It should take you less than 30 seconds to brush your pet's teeth. Do not try to brush the entire mouth at first. If all that your pet lets you brush is the outside of the upper teeth, you are still addressing the most important area of periodontal disease - prevention. If your pet eventually allows you to brush most of her teeth, so much the better.





# Even with the best tooth brushing, some cats may still need an occasional professional cleaning, just like humans. By brushing your pet's teeth daily and curtailing the amount of periodontal disease, you may reduce the frequency and involvement of dental cleanings and provide your pet with a healthier, sweeter smile.
Reply:GOOD LUCK I WOULDENT USE ANY TOOTHPASTE, OR WATER. LET US KNOW HOW IT TURNS OUT!
Reply:If you dare!
Reply:I don't, she brushes her own.......
Reply:i don't think it's necessary unless something's seriously wrong with him, in which case s/he should be brought to the vet
Reply:only if you want to get scratched like hell! Don't think u need to do this
Reply:Don't be ridiculous! That's the kind of idiot thing they do in Hollywood.
Reply:thats kinda weird why would you, if you wnat to go for it
Reply:Right after you wipe it's bum!
Reply:Good lord! Haven't you got anything better to do?
Reply:NO! you shouldent because a cats teeth will naturally stay clean by themselves and also the cat would probably hate you forever if you put anything like a tooth brush and tooth pase in its mouth.


Should I get my cat's teeth cleaned?

She is 13, it'll cost $238, money isn't an issue, more worried about her not making it through the cleaning and coming out of it. She is in great health. Any advice?

Should I get my cat's teeth cleaned?
Definitely. That's slightly more than I pay for my cats who are also in their "teens". Bacteria from plaque can be shed into the cat's digestive system and make its way to other organs in the body. When cats get older they may begin to lose some kidney function so you don't want anything in their system that can affect the kidneys adversely.





Dry food does not "clean the teeth" and of course canned is not good for teeth either. I use a raw diet with ground meat and that is just as bad. The only thing that really keeps a cat's teeth in the best shape is chewing on bone and chunks of meat - that's the way nature keeps cats' teeth is great condition.





So even with a good diet most cat owners do not reach this ideal - though many raw feeders do.





Even my old cat had her teeth cleaned annually under anesthesia every year from age 15 to when she died at 22 and 1/2.
Reply:i see your concern since anateshia(spelling) is very stressful on any older animal. Unless she was in dire need of a cleaning i wouldnt. If she doesnt need it really badly then i would go buy pet toothpaste and try it myself. good luck!
Reply:getting your cat's teeth cleaned is a grea idea! Especially if you can afford it. My sister has an older cat who's teeth are terrible. She needs to have 4 pulled my sister can't afford it though. I would say get them cleaned and your cat will thank you. As for coming out of i, Im sure she will be fine if she really is in great health.
Reply:WELL,if she needs it a lot well you could take her..
Reply:She won't be in great health if her teeth are bad and she doesn't get them taken care of. Kidney and heart problems are common in cats with bad dental disease.


Todays anesthesia is pretty darn safe and they do not have to be as deep as they do for surgery.


Have it done.
Reply:NO
Reply:If shes in good health and the vet doesn't see a problem, then you should have her teeth cleaned, especially if there's a lot of tartar buildup and plaque. There could also be some decaying teeth that you don't know about. Bad dental hygiene can lead to other problems like heart and kidney problems.





There's always a risk when being put under anesthesia, for humans as well as animals, but that shouldn't stop you from having them taken care of.
Reply:No, your cat is too old to be put under anesthesia. Buy some cat toothpaste and a toothbrush and brush your cats teeth.
Reply:If its been a while since you have had them cleaned get it done.





As with any surgery there are risks but if your cat is healthy the risk is quite low.





I hate to admit it but I had a cat that I didn't watch his teeth very well and they ended up getting real bad. When the vet cleaned them he had to remove 3 of them which made it hard for him to eat.





Now I make sure that I check them once in a while and I also have my vet look at them each year.
Reply:Have it done. She'll be much more happy. Have the doc do a blood test just to make sure she'll handle the anesthesia OK.





I have to take my 8 year old in to have that done too. The vet says they could lose teeth and get all kinds of infections if it's not done, so that is worth the risk in my opinion.
Reply:First of all, congratulations on taking such good care of your cat! It's obvious that you are a very loving and concerned owner, your cat is very lucky to have an owner like you that is willing to consider taking care of her teeth and her over all health.





From my anesthesia class last semester:





There are several blood tests and potentially some urine tests to confirm the health status of your cat that your Veterinary Doctor will run prior to administering the necessary medications.





The medications that are used are considered fairly safe, even for senior / elderly cats.





And I believe the benefits out weigh the risks in every extent and manor for every reason.





However, having said all of these things, any animal can go at any time while they are under the Isoflorane/Sevoflorane that is used. Our pets can ultimatly just expire regardless of how many blood tests, urine tests, x-rays and ultra sounds we run prior to the procedure.





There can be little or no warning prior to complications arising, but the frequency of complications is very rare.





I would encourage you to take your cat in and have their teeth done.





Since your cat is older than 10, there may be some precautions, and thorough blood tests that you may want to ensure that the vet perform for maximum safety.





I hope you don't decide to euthanise your cat, it seems she still has a lot of good years ahead of her!





Talk to your vet thoroughly before making such a heavy decision, there may be some alternatives!
Reply:If she's in good health otherwise, cleaning her teeth will help keep her that way. Most vets are very good about advising you if they think there will be a problem, and will do blood tests and so on to make sure there isn't a pre-existing condition.





Good luck!
Reply:talk to your vet about and go over the pros and cons, best bet is if you decide to do it is spend the extra few dollars and get the preanestesia testing to make sure that she is healthy enough for it. good luck!
Reply:Absolutely! There are always risks when a pet is anesthetized and they do increase as pets get older, but by performing the preanesthetic labwork to make sure she can handle the anesthesia, monitoring her during the procedure and using safe, gas anesthetics, the risks are greatly reduced. We see SO few anesthetic deaths compared to the past. In fact, I can't even remember the last patient we lost on the table. It just isn't as risky with the newer anesthetic protocols.





Dental health is very important, especially to older cats! The bacteria that live in the mouth that cause the plaque, tartar and bad breath spread throughout the body through the blood vessels lodging in the heart valves, kidneys, liver, etc causing infections and damage. Especially with cats, kidney problems are always something to worry about. Keeping your cat's teeth in good health will help prevent these other problems, help her keep her teeth, help reduce pain and inflammation in her mouth and make her feel better all over.





So, in short, the risks of anesthesia are less than the risks of complications from the dental disease.





If she has severe periodontal disease, please remind your vet about antibiotics. Many vets do not prescribe antibiotics with teeth cleaning, but when the teeth are cleaned, lots of blood vessels are opened up and the gums are irritated from the cleaning and infection that was there, the bacteria is stirred up and flushed into the blood stream and it's important for an animal with severe periodontitis to also have antibiotics with a cleaning.
Reply:I understand your concern. 13 isn't real oild but it would make me concerned, too. I would call your vet and tell them you want to get your kitty's teeth cleaned but her age has you worried. If you're still not comfortable with it after talking to him, I would get another opinion. If it turns out you can't get it done, at least brush her teeth on a regular basis. I brush my cats' teeth once a week.


Price on deep-cleaning cat's teeth?

(where they are put under)

Price on deep-cleaning cat's teeth?
Hi. The whole procedure here in Florida, for the cleaning, anesth. and pain/antiobitic medication after the cleaning is:


$125.00 - $150.00.


Well worth the price. FYI: The teeth cleaning prevents Heart Disease. Well worth the money.


Great question and here is a Star for You.


Blessings, Patti
Reply:around $150-$200.
Reply:My cat went through this recently. He went in for a teeth cleaning and ended up having to have 4 teeth extracted (he has a bad case of periodontal disease). Is your cat getting any teeth extracted? If so, that will add considerably to the cost. His ended up being a little over $200 for blood work, the teeth cleaning, extractions, pain medication, and antibiotics.

Beauty
 
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