cat teeth

Do people collect animals teeth?

2010-05-21T18:50:00.001-07:00

My kitten is turning into a cat and 3 of his teeth have fallen out...and he is getting his new teeth in...I have them in zip lock bags and was wondering if there was a place that collect parts of animals like teeth for museum statues or stuff like that...you know how people stuff animals...dead ones that have died naturally not killed to be stuffed...I was wondering if anyone knew so I could send my cats teeth in...this sounds weird I know its 10pm and im tired...lol

Do people collect animals teeth?
You must be in Hawaii. There are probably no taxidermy shops on any island there. I doubt you have a natural history museum. They might be useful to those kinds of establishments but I suspect you don't have them there.
Reply:I'd guess that cat teeth are common enough that no one would be particularly interested in them, why don't you keep them yourself? I never found any of my kittens baby teeth, but I do save whiskers that I find around the house. And you thought your idea sounded weird ;-)
Reply:I bought a shark jaw in Maui and a few shark teeth necklaces.

I also live on a dairy and look for cow teeth in the water troughs. It's pretty cool what teeth people collect.

Male cat, neutered , 5 years old defecates in front of female cats litter box. How do I make him stop?

2010-05-21T18:50:00.000-07:00

Female cat is 7 yrs. old spayed. She was here 1st since she was a kitten. Male is 5 yrs. old, and has lived here for 5 months. He chases the female, and they don't get along. There are 2 litter boxes. He uses his all the time but every morning he defecates in front of the females litter box. I have to put newspapers down so it doesn't get on my carpet. I have moved the boxes to separate rooms thinking this would help, but it doesn't. There are two areas of the house now where the cats can get food and water, and this hasn't helped. I show the male what he has done, use my fingers around his neck like a mother cats teeth, and say no to him. He knows he has done something bad, but he still keeps doing it. At his previous home he lived with a small dog. He started doing it 3 yrs.later when the 2nd dog came to live there. My son gave up on the cat and asked me to help. The cat was fine the first three months he lived with me. I am 64 and daughter 39 no children in the house.

Male cat, neutered , 5 years old defecates in front of female cats litter box. How do I make him stop?
The male is trying to show dominance over the female. He is the newcomer so he has to try to show the female that he is in control. If you have 2 litter boxes and he only makes the mess outside of the one she uses, then you can't really do much to stop him. Showing the mess to him does no good, because when you do that, the cat's reaction is "Yeah, it's mine. Thanks for pointing it out to me." He is only doing it instinctively and doesn't realize (and probably never will) that this is unacceptable behavior. Try making both of them use the same box for awhile. If that doesn't help then he is definitely doing it to dominate the female and you'll have to give him to someone who will keep him as their only pet. He is not happy being with other animals, that's obvious from his behavior at the former home.
Reply:Thank you Report It

My cat and my bird?

2010-05-21T18:49:00.003-07:00

I had this love bird and i have this cat. My cat is a cat, but i don't know how to go around this. My love bird was in it's cage, i was at school, and my mom went to pick me up. When we got home i went into my room to find my bird dead with cat teeth marks in it, my cat laying on my bed. The bird was like a family member, and my cat killed, how should i go around it with my animal? please help.

My cat and my bird?
Cats hunt small moving things that's just the way it is . I am sorry you lost your bird but your kitty did not do this for any other reason besides instinct. If you plan on getting another bird make sure his cage is hung from the ceiling so kitty can't get at it , and keep your bedroom door shut when you aren't there . Try to understand your cat and if you decide to get any other small pets make sure they are kitty proof.
Reply:Keep the bird in a room with a closed door next time.
Reply:I am sincerely sorry to hear this. As awful as your cat seemed to be, you must realize that it wasn't the cat's fault. All cats have a natural hunting instinct, and are not conscientious about the results of their actions. The best thing you can do is try to get to know your cat better, so he too will seem like a family member. If you get another bird, make sure that there is absolutely NO WAY the cat can get to it. It is not fair to your cat if you harm him in any way or get rid of him.
Reply:Definitely keep the bird and cat separate, and if that is too much of a problem don't buy anymore birds! You have to be responsible with your pet choices. If you have no way of keeping your cat away from the bird, you shouldn't get another one. You could try putting the cage somewhere safer next time, like in a hanging cage on a stand.

My cat has really bad breath. Any at-home treatment ideas?

2010-05-21T18:49:00.002-07:00

I've had a lot of cats in my lifetime, but my 3 year old cat is the first one I've had who has bad breath. It's unbearable!

I will be switching cat foods soon. As soon as this bag runs out, no more Whiskas! But, I don't know if that is the problem.

I have seen breath fresheners for dogs, but none for cats.

I am going to mention it to her vet next time I take her in to see if it is feline halitosis. I have heard of people brushing their cats' teeth, but my cat would never, ever let me do that. Is there anything I can do to freshen her breath at home?

Thanks!

P.S. Feel free to chuckle if you would like. I know I would. :-)

My cat has really bad breath. Any at-home treatment ideas?
Bad breath is something to pay attention to. There could be lots of reasons. Your cat could be getting into something gross. Or maybe has a dental problem. Or other internal health problem. If your cat has a healthy diet, there should be no bad breath on a regular basis. I would start by checking the teeth, then making sure you are feeding kitty a very high quality food. After a couple weeks of a new diet, if still bad breath, then go to the vet.
Reply:I wish I knew. One of my three has bad beath, too. I'll keep checking back to see if anyone has any good advice. By the way, mine eat wet little friskies.
Reply:dog had the same thing....vet cleaned her teeth and cleared up that problem....
Reply:You never mentioned brushing your cats teeth...they have cat tooth paste and finger brushes, ya know. I used to get my cat's teeth cleaned once a year- by the vet (requires anesthesia)
Reply:My cat does too! Ugh.

His teeth and digestion were all checked out by the vet and he got the thumbs up. Very healthy teeth infact, we got praised for those.

But his breath is rank.

He has been eating Innova brand food.

I tried a lot of things... Treats with parsley and other natural herbs, wheat grass... Nothing worked too well and I hated cleaning up after him. Wheat grass makes them spit up.

Recently he's started getting Greenies cat treats and those do seem to be helping. You just need to make sure to give them what the package sugguests, in this case it is about 18 pieces. It seems like a lot, but it has helped.
Reply:If you just rub some cat toothpaste in her mouth that helps.

My daughter had the same problem and had to have her cat's teeth scraped. The cat had periodontal decease. No longer does the cat have bad breath.

If it's that unbearable then she needs to have her teeth cleaned by the vet or more done.
Reply:YIPPEE! CATS! sorry....I'm random.

*Anyways,* I recommend some kitty-safe mouthwash or toothpaste. Mix it in with your cat's food.
Reply:I had the same exact problem! At all the pet stores, they sell these 'cat mints'. It's like a treat for cats but it doesn't stink up their breath! It's like $1.00 and it really works. I know some of them say 'chicken flavour' and 'fish flavour' and more, but it smells nothing like it! IT REALLY WORKS! Oh, and just a heads up: I left the mints on the edge of a table, my cat knocked them over and ate all of them. (Keep them out of reach) HEHE GOOD LUCK!
Reply:If your cat has feline halitosis it is because the teeth are

rotting and they have a lot of plaque and tarter, pls take

the cat to the vet, to clean and extract the bad ones. I know

because my cat casper has the same problem. Good

luck!
Reply:First, when switching foods, you want to combine the two and gradually make the change over a weeks time.

Next, bad breath can be many things, not just the food. It could be a dental issue or mouth ulcer or tumor. Could be heart disease or kidney disease. Could even be diabetes. Consult with your vet before switching foods. She should be examined to be sure it's not a more serious issue.
Reply:Quote:

"Dog/Puppy or Cat/Kitten Bad Breath—My pathology teacher used to tell us, “Cells are cells. They all act alike.” Treating bad breath in pets is much the same as treating bad breath in humans. One thing I’ve noticed though is that pets get sores on their tongue from Chlamydia or herpes infections more often than humans do. When this happens, the tongue can erode. When this happens, you will see lots of saliva, the pet tries to eat, but can’t, and they start to lose weight. Open their mouth, and check for sores. If it smells like rotten tissue and you see those tell-tale red sores, see your local vet. Feed liquid diets for a while until they recoup and their tongue heals.

If the teeth are red at the gum line, it could be a tooth coming in (pets will be less than 8 months of age) or maybe the teeth need cleaning (you will see lots of tarter built up around the back molars, on the canine teeth, or behind the front teeth.)

Don’t confuse these types of halitosis with the smell of healthy puppy and kitten breath which naturally goes away when the gut flora is established.

With all halitosis, it’s important to determine the cause of the bad breath and rectify it. Halitosis is a symptom of something not working right in the body (except when you eat garlic.) Healthy breath is part of a healthy body. These things can be corrected. Covering up the symptom with mouthwash or mints is only a temporary fix to a deeper problem."

End Quote.
Reply:i personally have 3 cats with a few in the past i would say give them a small dab of food that smells good or even a really small drop of toothpaste but check with your vet first to make sure its ok. good luck. :)

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I am feeding an emaciated stray cat . He has four canine and no other teeth. Have you ever seen this this?.?

2010-05-21T18:49:00.001-07:00

Impossible to determine how old he is

I am feeding an emaciated stray cat . He has four canine and no other teeth. Have you ever seen this this?.?
Thank the LORD I saw this question! I have alot of experience with saving cats/kittens.

The tooth problem is not good. AT ALL. You need to get this animal to the vet to make sure there are no infections.

Out a trapping cage out in your yard. Everyday you feed the animal, gradually move the bowl of food closer to the cage until eventually it is in the cage. Trap the animal and keep it calm over night. The next day take it to the vet to get checked out! Perhaps if the animal is okay, you can keep it yourself. You just saved its life, and taking it in would be even better for it.
Reply:It's not common, but it can happen if the cat is older or has been eating bad food. It would be nice to take him in and make sure he doesn't have worms or some disease.
Reply:he's a vampire cat haha jk well he could have been run over or hurt in some way and his teeth knocked out and broken there are a number of reasons a stray cat could be malformed you know maybe you could send me a pic of the cat then i could tell you more my husband knows more about this stuff
Reply:He let you look? If so, he may have been somebody's pet at one time and they fed him soft food or didn't get him to the vet much and his teeth went bad and fell out. He sounds like he could use a friend, and a trip to the vet to be checked out. Good luck!
Reply:first i think you should take him to the vet but i think he could eat on his own if you fed him soft food like salmon and tuna but don't feed him soft food that is intended for pets it is really bad for them because if the chemicals and the real stuff is the same price. hope it helped
Reply:Cats loose teeth for any number of reasons, so yes, it's possible to find most of the teeth missing. In his case he would have a hard time cutting up his prey/food into pieces he can swallow, so giving him dry or canned food would be a blessing. It's probably the reason he's so starved, he can't get food chewed small enough to get down his throat.

The tooth may be gone from sight, but the roots may still be there. Check for swelling in the jawline or on the cheeks, if he'll let you. A vet could tell if the roots are out.

He needs food, if you can't catch him at least put food out for him on a regular basis and a water bowl as well.

Cat breathe [eewwww]? help??

2010-05-21T18:49:00.000-07:00

HI my cat has the most horrible breathe ever it is sooo bad i'll bet you it could kill a skunk[lol] can i use dog tooth paste on her or do i have to use cat tooth paste?? will it hurt her help we've tried all kinds of cat food nothing helps soo maybe brushing her teeth would help?? but ya can i use it???

Cat breathe [eewwww]? help??
Hi there...generally, when a cat exhibits bad breath it could be a result of either periodontal, kidney, respiratory or liver disease to diabetes, skin disease (involving tissue around the lips) or oral trauma, such as electric cord injury. However, by far, the most common problem associated with bad breath is periodontal disease. All which will require a veterinarian's evaluation to treat respectively.

More about feline bad breath causes by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine for Feline Health:

http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/news/badB...

Ideally, cat toothpaste would be better to use for brushing teeth.

Here's an instructional video on how to brush cats teeth by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine for Feline Health: http://www.felinevideos.vet.cornell.edu/...
Reply:Take her to the vet she may have teeth that need to be removed or it could be the sign of a a larger problem.
Reply:Take your poor kitty to the vet and have her teeth cleaned. Your breath would be horrible, too, if you never went to the dentist.
Reply:rancid breath is a sign of kidney disease. it is also a sign of periodontal disease as well as bad diet.

Have your cat checked thoroughly by a veterinarian to rule out serious problems and put your house carnivore on a species appropriate diet of raw meat.

The ripping and tearing action needed to remove dinner from the bone will clean your cat's teeth naturally, and there will be no need to brush.

Just remember to feed giblets or other organ meat once a week or so.
Reply:Im not sure about that, but I do know that alot of the specialty animal food stores have kitty cat breath mints and they really do work
Reply:you can go to the store... go to the baby isle... get the lil toothbrush that slides over your finger... you can use baby toothpaste.... that is BABYtoothpaste... not kids toothpaste... baby toothpaste and you can brush kitties teefies.
Reply:well what kind of cat food have you tried? if youve tried fancy feast, friskies, any kind of purina, premium edge, iams...youre not doing yourself a favor. try a premium, or holistic brand that doesnt have all the nasty fillers in it. eagle pack, natural choice, nutrisource all can take care of the majority of it. but unfortunatly even at its best, cat breath will still be a bit stinky!! good luck. oh some petstores sell greenies for cats and kitty mints, my cats dont like the mints but they looooove the greenies
Reply:I agree with the answers that said you should take your cat to the vet. Sometimes there are teeth that are infected and need to be removed. That happened with one of my cats. Also, when my cat was older and had developed kidney failure, her breath was horrible and the vet told me that the bad breath was a symptom of the kidney problems. So I would take your kitty in to the vet and have her checked over. Then, if it's not a health problem, I'm sure the vet could recommend something to help with the bad breath. There are treats you can buy that are supposed to sweeten a cat's breath. But my first step would be the vet to make sure it's nothing serioius.
Reply:Take your cat to the vet - it's probably a dental problem.

Cats keep their teeth clean by eating raw meat. It is good to give cats raw meat daily or at least a few times a week.
Reply:I hate to be a bearer of bad news but your cat probably has medical problem that needs to be addressed immediately.

Take her to the vet ASAP. Brushing her teeth will not help.

Are ALL of my cats baby teeth supposed to fall out?

2010-05-21T18:48:00.002-07:00

My cat recently lost one tooth about a week and a 1/2 ago and not she is loosing more. Is this normal? Are ALL of them supposed to fall out? She's around 4 Months old is this the normal age to be loosing her teeth?

Are ALL of my cats baby teeth supposed to fall out?
All their baby teeth should fall out to make way for the adult teeth, they won't ALL fall out at the same time, it will be gradual. She probably already lost some and you didn't notice. Every once in a while they will retain baby teeth and you will have a baby tooth and an adult side by side, more common in dogs though.
Reply:4 months old is normal age to start losing the baby teeth. Its just like with a human child, they come out one by one. But with animals, you won't always notice when they lose one. Many times it gets swallowed and you never see it. The canine teeth (the pointy ones) will sometimes be double for a bit. The adult tooth grows out while the baby tooth still hasn't fallen out quite yet. My youngest one did that and he looked like a shark for a little while. =)
Reply:um she shouldn't lose all her teeth at once....she should lose them in like a 2 year period of time
Reply:kitty's teeth are supposed to start falling out at about 4 months. but not all at once. it may take up to 1 1/2 years! my youngest cat started when he was 4 months and he is still losing them, maybe one a week and he is 9 months old. this is perfectly normal, but do expect them to start teething on you...ouch!!! good luck!! :)

Do you know that cats have teeth in their toung also!?

2010-05-21T18:48:00.001-07:00

when you felt your cat lick you does it feel rough?yes it does scince have proof that cats have teeth in thier toung.

Do you know that cats have teeth in their toung also!?
NO, they do NOT have teeth on their tongues. Their tongues are rough so that they can clean themselves. It is like a natural hairbrush.
Reply:Omg Cats do not have teeth on their tounge! That is some funny stuff! is your tongue really smooth? LMFAO
Reply:havent heard something like that and never seen it!

Food

Do it yourself dental care for your cat....? Drooling?

2010-05-21T18:48:00.000-07:00

My cat has a canine tooth that has a lot of yellowish/brown plaque at the top, and her gum is red. It has been this way for quite awhile. I think it has been bothering her and I cant afford a teeth cleaning from the vet.

I had a collar on her about a year ago and somehow she got the metal loop that held her nametag on caught in her teeth and I didnt discover her perdicament until the next morning. She lost her tiny front teeth from this.

Does anyone have any tips on do it yourself dental care for pets? Should I buy some dental tools like a scraper? I have tried brushing her teeth with pet toothpaste, but it didnt do much.

She and my other cat also drool when they are being petted. I read somewhere that some cats sometimes do this when they are happy, does anyone know anything about that? Could it be because her tooth is hurting her? The other cats teeth are fine.

Do it yourself dental care for your cat....? Drooling?
If there is a lot of tarter on her teeth, no matter what you do, you can not remove it. The best you can do at this point, without getting the vet involved, is to "manage" the buildup of new tarter. This can be done with cat toothpaste, liek you are talking about. I would NOT, repeat NOT, purchase a "scraper" and attempt to scrape the tarter off. This is dangerous and can cause them a LOT of pain.

Your best bet is to at least get it checked out by a vet to see if the tooth/gum is infected. If this is the case, they will probably prescribe/send you home with an antibiotic, which should help, if it is an infection. Otherwise, the doctor can give you a better feel as to what is going on. If you don't have the money, save up- it really is needed! Go without coffee for a week- you'll save some money there!
Reply:sounds like she is fine- if she only does it when being petted. my cat does the same thing and i worried also but it is fat and healthy so.....
Reply:the drooling is normal shes just confy and happy.and about the tooth thing i dont know what to tell you except take her to the vet because if it was you wouldnt to go to the dentist plus its just crool to leave her like that.
Reply:get yourself put to sleep and leave the cat to someone who will look after it
Reply:If her gum is red she might have a gum infection and should go to the Vet. Try taking a cotton ball with a small amount of peroxide on it and cleaning around the gum. As for drooling, this is normal in cats when they are relaxed or sleeping, if it's not excessive
Reply:Any dental care should be done by a veterinarian. Uncleaned teeth not only can lead to obvious problems with the teeth and gums, but an infection can also create problems with the heart and kidneys. At this point, since it sounds like gingivitis, she'll need a dental cleaning soon.

You can ask the vet to put you on a payment plan for the cleaning, some will do that. Or you'll have to charge it. Just like in humans, dental pain isn't any fun.

She can be drooling because she's content or drooling because she's in pain.....it's hard to tell.
Reply:Please, please, please....don't attempt to do your own dental work! It sounds like it's infected, and if she seems to be in pain, I would get her looked at. It's really not that expensive for dental work, and is really worth it in the end for your kitty! But if that's still too much money for you, perhaps they could just put her on an antibiotic to reduce the inflammation from the infection? I'm sure if you just bring her in to the vet to get looked at, they can offer you many acceptable options that are within price range.

Best of luck...I hope she gets the help she needs to feel better!

Why would my cat have to have antibiotics before having her teeth cleaned by vet?

2010-05-21T18:47:00.003-07:00

she has had her booster jag and is perfectly well

Why would my cat have to have antibiotics before having her teeth cleaned by vet?
Like someone else mentioned.... there is bacteria in the mouth of animals (just like us) that the bacteria goes into the bloodstream and affects the liver and kidneys. That is why they gave you the antibiotics to give your cat to prevent that from happening. When they clean the teeth the gums bleed hence that infection getting into the blood. Goes the same for us. If our dentist feels it is relevant that we need antibiotics for the same exact reason.

No worries. Your vet is doing the right thing.
Reply:It is a pre caution so that kitty does not get an infection.
Reply:to prevent infection.

i had the same thing done to my kitty.

it's all for the best, i assure you :)
Reply:To clear any possible infection prior to the extraction so wound healing can take place
Reply:there are harmful plaque that harbor bacteria in and near to the gums that when it gets into the blood stream will attack the heart and cause heart damage. It happens in humans also and studies show they should have a round of antibiotics before they get a tooth pulled in order to save the heart from any damaging infection from the bacteria. These are the common bacteria that live under the gum near the tooth that can be harmful to the internal organs and cause severe infections

Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans

Bacteroides asaccharolyticus

Fusobacterium nucleatum

Eikenella corrodans

Porphyromonas gingivalis

Actinomyces viscous
Reply:have had 3 gat's and never heard of this , would they be tring to get more money out of you
Reply:Because of the chance of infection. Gums often get cuts in them from cleaning.
Reply:inside a cats mouth is full of bacteria which could lead to an infection so they administer the antibiotics as a precautionary measure to help prevent an infection.
Reply:Cats have a lot of bacteria in their mouths as well as other animals, but they eat things such as rats, mice, bugs, and other highly diseased animals. When they clean the teeth, there is a chance the gum will be scratched or cut. If this happens, the germs from within the cats mouth will infect the cat (bloodstream). The antibiotic will help reduce any cat disease and keep your kitty healthy.
Reply:Cats have alot of germs in their mouths that cause major infections if a person gets bit. It is a precaution that is all.
Reply:To help prevent infection
Reply:to stop the mouth bacteria from entering her gums and causing nasty septicaema (infection of the blood)
Reply:The only reason for before teeth cleaning is because she has a heart condition or another preexisting condition that would require an extra precaution against infection.

We give antibiotics afterwards though. Perhaps your vet is just precautious?
Reply:To prevent infection after the cleaning. This is standard procedure. Your vet probably prescribed a basic, such as Clavamox or Amoxi...
Reply:It's to stop any infections forming post-op.

They do it with humans as well!

Hope she's ok.
Reply:Our vet surgery generally only gives long acting antibiotics at the time of the procedure by injection.

However, some animals which have particularly awful mouths, where there are rotten teeth and potential abscesses we do give pre-op antibiotics as it helps to settle inflammation and infection before the procedure, making the dental work easier for the vet and therefore less painful afterwards for the animal.
Reply:because tartar on the teeth can cause infections. The vets sound good ones by ensuring that everything goes smoothly and there is no chance of infection and it heals quickly and well.
Reply:my so he/she won't freak out duhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...

Could the vet be wrong about my cat's tooth?

2010-05-21T18:47:00.002-07:00

My vet diagnosed my cat (6 years old) as having an abscessed tooth saying the redness of the gum indicated so. My cat eats hard food with no problem. The gum on the other side of mouth is also the same color of redness. I can rub her teeth %26amp; gums with no problem. Is it easy to misdiagnose a tooth problem? Is there something more telling that would confirm a problem tooth?

Could the vet be wrong about my cat's tooth?
If you ever question ANYTHING your vet has told you, even if it's the slightest doubt, then take him to another vet for a second opinion. Especially if you are worried for your cat's health or if he is suffering in anyway.
Reply:Yes . . .
Reply:Yeah
Reply:The vet could be wrong. Did he take an x-ray? They can see abscesses with an x-ray. If you are in doubt, either take him to another vet for a second opinion, or ask the vet what other indications of an abcess he sees that makes him diagnose it. Get some research on the internet or books about abscessed teeth and go in with backup. You don't want to get the cat's tooth removed or have to have surgery for no reason.
Reply:Is there a swelling on the face too? That's a huge indicator of an abcessed tooth, but doesn't have to be present.

Cats mask their pain very well... I would trust the vet, but I'm biased because I'm a vet tech :)

but if you're in doubt, get a second opinion from another vet.
Reply:The great thing about your dilemma is that an X-ray can put your mind at ease.

But I ALWAYS endorse the idea of taking pets in for a second opinion if the pet owner is feeling uneasy. I did not follow my instincts and my first cat died because of being misdiagnosed. This is guilt I will have to live with for the rest of my life.

This problem is something easily figured out, but in the future always remember that second opinions are wonderful things.
Reply:I would get another vet's opinon.

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My Cat has a really bad swollen lip her teeth are fine and her gums are not black but her lip is huge?

2010-05-21T18:47:00.001-07:00

she does not seem to be in any pain or act like it is bothering her. but i am starting to get worried becasue it is not going down. I really dont have the money for a vet at the moment and is hoping some one might know the answer.

My Cat has a really bad swollen lip her teeth are fine and her gums are not black but her lip is huge?
It is possible that your cat has developed an allergy. Plastic food bowls are a common cause of mouth irritation in cats. If you have a plastic food bowl, switch to stainless steel. If that doesn't help within a week or so or your cat starts to be in pain then you need to take her to the vet. Cats can also get tumors inside their mouths.
Reply:I am no expert... She may have been stung by a bee. This is just a guess
Reply:it is probably an abcess or a buccal tumor (tumor on the lip) the tumor could be malignant. it would be best to take her to the vet but see if it is getting any larger or smaller. also how old is she? if she is over ten chances are that it is a tumor
Reply:Well, she could have been stung by an insect or she's just allergic to something..hope she gets better!
Reply:go to a pet store and talk to a person there about this they might be able to help you okay good luck sweetie
Reply:my cat had an absess on her cheek that was all swollen, she didn't respond like it was painful either. the vet did have to cut and drain it though. it cost about 75 bucks
Reply:the first question is:When did the swelling develop? If it is a sudden thing it is probably a sting or a bite or it could be due to an allergy. If it has been a gradual, long term problem it may be something more sinister. Check out the website: www.vethelpdirect.com and this may help you decide if you need veterinary help. Of course, it is always advisable to go to the vet if in any doubt at all.
Reply:ask a vet
Reply:If the lip just swelled up all of a sudden, then chances are your cat was bit by some insect. If cat is eating, drinking and shows no signs of distress, she should be fine - unless the swolen lip staus swollen for more than a few days.

My cats back teeth are really yellow. What can I do?

2010-05-21T18:47:00.000-07:00

My cat is roughly 2.5 years old and I noticed when playing with him yesterday that his back teeth are really yellow and covered in plaque. Is there something I can give him that will help clean his teeth or is that something a vet needs to do?

My cats back teeth are really yellow. What can I do?
If you can see plaque on his teeth and if there is any redness along the gum line you had best have the vet do a dental cleaning. It's very important that the plaque be removed - probably every year if he is a cat with a poor genetic heritage in the dental department.

After a professional cleaning you can try brushing his teeth with special cat toothpaste. Frankly I don't do that and there are people who do.
Reply:greenies (a dental treat) could help but if it is really bad the vet is your best bet.
Reply:I have cats and they also have the plaque on their theeth but they are also over 10 years old. Anyways the vet can clean the teeth but that can be costly. I bought some cat treats that are hard and on the container it says it is to help remove plague and clean cat's teeth. I would just look around at all your options and see what brand appeals to you most.
Reply:you can take him to the vet and have a "dental" done. they'll put him under general anesthesia, and clean his teeth. it is worth the expense, as clean teeth can help keep his vital organs in good working order. good luck.
Reply:First off, how much can food are you feeding your cat? A diet that is made up mostly of dry food will help keep your cats teeth from getting a build up of plaque and tartar. The only way to remove that plaque and tartar is to take your cat to your vet for a dental. That plaque and tartar harbor bacteria and can be harmful over a long period of time to your cat's overall health. They do make Greenies (chewable treats) for cats, but you should see if your vet recommends then or not. Also after your cat gets a dental, you can brush your cats teeth, with special toothpaste and brush.
Reply:You need to take your cat to the vet for a professional teeth cleaning. Plaque that bad needs professional removing, not a cleaning that you can do without anesthesia.

It could indicate a health problem, because it's very unusual for such a young cat to have plaque that bad. My vet (a cat specialist) said cats usually don't need a professional cleaning until they're six or seven years old or so.

If you don't get this treated, it could lead to even potentially life-threatening problems for your cat.
Reply:YOU CAN BUY DENTAL TREATS FOR YOUR CAT AND YOU NEED TO BRUSH YOUR CATS TEETH YOU CAN USE A BABY TOOTH BRUSH AND BUY SOME CAT TOOTH PASTE EITHER AT THE VETS OFFICE OR AT THE PET STORE PUT A LITTLE AMOUNT OF TOOTH PASTE ON THE TOOTH BRUSH AND GENTLY BRUSH THE TEETH IT WILL HELP WITH THE TARTER BUILD UP IF YOU DON'T BRUSH YOUR CATS TEETH HE/SHE COULD HAVE PROBLEMS LATER IN LIFE LIKE GINGIVITIS I KNOW MY KITTEN HAD IT HE HAD TO BE PUT ON MEDICINE AND I HAVE TO BRUSH HIS TEETH ONCE A DAY AND IT CLEARED UP BUT I STILL BRUSH THEM
Reply:buy fresh chicken wings and give one to your cat. DON'T cook it though. the raw chicken bone will clean your cat's teeth.

My cat is 4 mths.He has two canine teeth on one side and one on the opposite side. Is this normal?

2010-05-21T18:46:00.003-07:00

Your cat's adult canine teeth are starting to grow. When both sides have grown in completely and (hopefully) fallen out, he'll be old enough to neuter (usually around 6 months).

My cat is 4 mths.He has two canine teeth on one side and one on the opposite side. Is this normal?
Absolutely normal. Mine just lost his baby canines, and so he had 4 very big teeth at once. He'll loose the baby ones within a few weeks (or so...). Don't be surprised if he seems cranky and feisty. My boy Leo was a terror when he was teething. Offer the cat some hard rubber-like toys if you can. Ours was obsessed with the rubbery grip on broom handles and step ladder grips. Good luck :-)

Do cats regrow teeth?

2010-05-21T18:46:00.002-07:00

My cat is 4 month old and she lost a number of his teeth in a fight. Will he regrow them? he doesn't seem to be in pain do I need to take him to the vet ? can this be infected?

Do cats regrow teeth?
Kittens do start losing their baby teeth when they are around 4 months old, and usually they have their full set of adult teeth by the time they are 6 months old. The first sign of this that many owners notice, is when their kitten suddenly starts chewing on wires or other tough items, and they do this to relieve the pain.

If your kitten is still eating well and isn't showing signs of discomfort, then I don't think you need worry, but if you have any concerns, give the vet a call and they should be able to set your mind at rest.
Reply:if they were baby teeth,otherwise no.i would have the cat checked.
Reply:Cats have two sets of teeth, baby teeth and adult teeth.

Once your kitten starts losing baby teeth they will be replace by adult teeth just like humans.

However if the teeth have broken off and some of the tooth remains, you will need to take the kitten to the vet.
Reply:At 4 months old she will probably still have her baby teeth so yes those will be replaced. If she's lost any of her adult teeth that may have come through, then no they won't regrow. If she's been in a fight you should take her to a vet though to make sure she's ok.
Reply:Yes, cats teeth need to stay strong and sharp. They will lose teeth and regrow them.

Should I be concerned that my 3 yr old cat has lost the bottom row of teeth between her two canines?

2010-05-21T18:46:00.001-07:00

The tiny teeth between the canines can be knocked out by a fall, hit in the face, or dental disease. It's not unusual, but in a 3 yr old cat it is worth a trip to the vet. The jawbone has a 'seam' right behind those teeth, and what knocked the teeth out may have been hard enough to crack the seam in the bone...

Go get her checked

Should I be concerned that my 3 yr old cat has lost the bottom row of teeth between her two canines?
Yes, cats shouldn't be losing teeth. I would take her to the vet. Worse can senario, she had an infection which made her lose her teeth.
Reply:Yes you should!

I'd want to know why she lost her incisors, don't you?
Reply:no..everyone has differences in there teeth so i cant say that is happens to everyone.but, my sisters cat had the same thing and her teeth are ok.if you need more.. ask a dentisted
Reply:i had a pet rabbit once who did the same thing
Reply:Yes, I would definitely seek medical attention for your cat. There may be an underlying medical problem for her missing teeth.
Reply:Yeah, that's not normal.

A vet should test for feline Lukemia and feline HIV. IF the tests come back negative, and there is no sign of infection, the doctor can tell you what else it might be.

My friends moved across country with their cat, a month later her teeth fell out and the vet said it was stress from the move. Is she stressed at all?

It's still a good idea to have a vet check her over.

Why did my cat die? he was only 1/2 year old. he wasn't hit and his teeth had gone through his tounge...?

2010-05-21T18:46:00.000-07:00

we found him in front of the neighbors yard, dead. he wasn't hit and his teeth went through his tounge. we don't have enemy neighbors so i doubt he was poisoned. what could have been a possibility of how he died. i'm really sad about it. please someone answer.

Why did my cat die? he was only 1/2 year old. he wasn't hit and his teeth had gone through his tounge...?
He probably was hit, but just bumped, enough to do the tongue damage, and then made it far enough away from the road before dieing. Animals don't always die right away, it may take a moment, and the reflexes of flight are instant.

i'm sorry for your loss.
Reply:I am truly sorry about your cat. It is possible that he was hit by a vehicle, fell off of something and didn't land on his feet, or maybe sombody kicked him or hit him with something (some people are very mean and cruel to animals). I hope you eventually find out so you can at least know.
Reply:I also think your cat may have be hit by a car. It could be that there were some internal injuries that couldn't be seen on the outside.

So sorry for your loss. Pets are very special %26amp; losing them can be like losing a family member.

Cost for cat's tooth extraction?

2010-05-21T18:45:00.003-07:00

My cat is having 1-4 teeth extracted due to prolonged gum disease that appears to be too deep under her teeth to clear it up with just medication.

The Vet is giving me an estimate of $670- $970 (Price varying upon the amount of anesthesia needed and number of teeth pulled).

It includes cost for anesthesia, the tooth extraction, anti-infam. meds, and antibiotics.

She is also getting a gum biopsy so that we can send it to lab services if the tooth pull doesn't fix the problem.

Anyone know if this estimate is too high?

I've had issues with this vet being pricey in the past but I don't know if I should bother going to another Vet because they might not do what she's doing without doing their own tests on my cat first.

Please only answer if you have had experience or work in a Vet's office.

Cost for cat's tooth extraction?
Dentals plus extractions can run pretty high. Cost for dental is around $200-$300....it's the extractions that are really costly.

Extractions run any where from $30 to $150 per tooth depending on the difficulty.

That's why dentals are scary to most people because the Vet's and Vet Tech's can really give a good estimate because they don't know what they're dealing with until the actually get in there.

If your estimate includes the dental, anesthesia, hospitalization (probably for one day, no over night stay), extractions and biopsies, then the $600-$900 sounds about right. Hopefully it will be on the lower end.

If you did decide to take her to another Vet, they would at least want to examine her. They would probably be ok with copies of the blood work and any other pre-ops your current Vet has already done. But you would need to obtain copies or the new Vet can request them.

Good luck!
Reply:We were charged about $200 per tooth extracted. But that included the cost of anesthesia, antibiotics and meds. For 4 teeth that would add up to $800, but that would also be adding 4 times the anesthesia and medicines, which doesn't seem right. I would get a second opinion, but if it has come to an emergency situation, you might not have any choice.
Reply:The vet I worked for would charge the following:

Anesthesia - $60-100 dep on length of time under

Cleaning- $45

Extraction- $10-25 per tooth depending on difficulty of extraction.

Injection of anti inflam-meds= $10

Antibiotics for home= $12

So even if your cat had a LOT of extra work...we would have only charged about $250

This is in the Bay Area, Ca. (not a cheap place to live)

I would seriously suggest contacting another vet. As far as the tests go, as long as they were dont in last 30 days, your other vet can print you a copy of the results and the new vet should honor them.
Reply:One of my cats needed some oral surgery a couple years ago. The vet gave a range including all of the things you listed. She had to determine how bad some of the teeth were before decided to extract or not. I believe we ended up paying around $500 for one extraction and cleaning, so the price you are being quoted sounds about right. If you feel confident about this vet office and the work they do, I would stick with them.
Reply:My cat needed to have most of her teeth extracted, as she was in so much pain. The vet presented me with an estimate of $2K! I took her in to the same office and spoke with his partner who only charged me $400 because I couldn't afford to pay the first estimate and because my kitty was in so much pain. Get a second opinion, if the vet is really there for your pet, he won't ask for such a high price.
Reply:My cat had ONE tooth extracted last Spring for same kind of reasons. Just that one tooth was $150 with the anesthhesia, extraction, meds and antibiotics.

If you trust the Vet and have been to them before, I say go for it. I hope your kitty starts to feel better soon! I know how painful the gum issues were for my kitty so my thoughts are with you!
Reply:A good cleaning for my cat is about 75 dollars to 100.

Our little dog needed 5 extractions and the cleaning and extractions - etc cost 100 dollars we paid another 250 on antibiotics and pain meds. This is in Sweden and everything here is so expensive.

I would call other offices and see what they say.

Another thought is after the extractions there should be an xray to show that no chips of tooth are left behind.

A cat with bad teeth is in a lot of pain. Cats rarely show pain, they know in the wild a sick animal is soon dead. Cats can be run over and have almost every bone broken and still be purring and acting like they don't hurt. So get the teeth done fast so she is out of pain.

Avoid dry food like a plague. It is the leading cause for feline diabetes, kidney failure, UTI's, Crystals in the urine causing blockages. Also obesity and many other problems.

Cats swallow most of the dry food if you look at their barf it is whole and a few of the pieces shatter. The vets feel it is good for cats teeth because the pet food reps tell them it is!!

My vet agreed that cats are obligate carnivores. Meaning they need to have high protein diets with under 10% carbs and dry is not good for them and then tries to sell some to me!!!!!!

Please read the first link to see everything I could write to you and decided to let an expert tell you. then chose a food that is canned from the 2nd list that meets the high protein low carb.

www.catinfo.org

read this article for all the healthy choices

in food for your cat.

www.geocities.com/jmpeerson/canfood.ht...

Janet and Binky's Cat food chart

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I think my cat has an extra set of canine teeth, is this normal ?

2010-05-21T18:45:00.002-07:00

How old is your cat?I thought my 6 month old cat had extra teeth,but as it turns out,He was teething,and one set was in the prosses of falling out.any ways good luck

I think my cat has an extra set of canine teeth, is this normal ?
Explain more in detail, please.
Reply:canine teeth would be dog teeth so pretty unusual
Reply:Depending on how long they are and also the race of your cat...Does that pose a problem? If so the vet should be able to help...
Reply:I believe you should be ware of your cat.

yes.
Reply:it can be...but you could get your cat checked if it is making her/him uncomfortable...
Reply:Your cat may have Kzin genes in it; they are supposed to have two sets of primary incisors and two sets of secondary incisors. With them, and claw marks, they can write in the Heros' Tongue, which ignorant people think of as 'Dots and commas'.
Reply:once i was riding my bike along here in my city in calif about 30 years ago and lying in the gutter was the skelaton of a cat about 20 pounds it looked like but it's fangs were huge about 10 to 12 inches,it looked like a mini saber tooth tiger,must of been a small bobcat
Reply:Are you shure your cat didn't eat your dog LOL
Reply:As long as it doesn't bother your cats eating then it shouldn't be a problem
Reply:a cat with canine teeth? hmmmm I'd have to see it
Reply:well this is very unusual so u should go to the vet for taking out the extra canine teeth cause i never saw a cat having many canine teeth.......!!!!!!!!!!

well this is a nice question....!!!!

Why does my cat gag when I make a noise by running my thumb across the teeth of a comb.?

2010-05-21T18:45:00.001-07:00

My cat gags when doing the above. It doesn't matter if the comb is new or old, clean or dirty, large or small.

Why does my cat gag when I make a noise by running my thumb across the teeth of a comb.?
Cats have a central nervouse system that is not as complex as other mamals such as humans and dogs. When they hear a noise that they believe could possibly be a threat to them, their body sometimes reacts in strange ways such as gagging.
Reply:She is probably irratated by the noise. IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII... "MEOW!"
Reply:people hate the sound of finger nails on a chalk board?
Reply:Just like people alot of pets have their own little corks. Just like some people cant stand nails running down a chalk board. Some fabrics make my teeth hurt when i touch them, I dont know why they just do. But a pet is only as weird as its owner, right?lol.
Reply:LOL I had to try it with my cat!! I dunno but I guess it would be equivalent to our teeth hurting when nails scratch a black board

My cat has red gums close to her teeth, is it gingervitis?

2010-05-21T18:45:00.000-07:00

if so other than going to the vet what can i do for her?

My cat has red gums close to her teeth, is it gingervitis?
Brush her teeth with an enzymatic toothpaste made for pets that's okay for them to swallow. Usually meat flavored.

If the gingivitis is really severe and she also has a lot of tartar build up on her teeth, she probably need a dental cleaning as well as antibiotics for the gum infection.
Reply:If you think there is something wrong then take her to the vet. That would be the best thing to do.
Reply:Poor thing, off to the vet I'm afraid. Try calling an animal rescue group to see if they get discounts or can offer advice for you. She may have to have one or two teeth removed.
Reply:Try brushing her teeth with a soft tooth brush. Maybe she has tinder gums. Feed her soft foods for a while. If it doesn't progress. Then I would suggest going to the vet :\

-Rouge
Reply:Gingivitis:

The precise symptoms will depend on the degree to which the cat's gums and mouth are inflamed and on any specific underlying condition. Typical symptoms may include the following:

Bad breath.

Difficulty in eating.

Weight loss.

Pawing at the face.

Drooling salvia (this may be tinged with blood).

Reddened gums and mouth lining.

Symptoms of periodontal disease.

Tacky (somewhat sticky) salvia that stretches across the cat's mouth when it is opened.

That actually sounds more like peridontal disease

Symptoms:

Bad breath.

Yellow or brown deposits on the teeth at the edges of the gums (these will be rough looking cursts in an advanced case).

Reddened gum edges.

Receding gums, revealing exposed tooth roots.

Drooling saliva (this may be tinged with blood).

Lack of appetite.

Mouth pain (pawing at the mouth or rubbing the side of the mouth along the ground).

Difficulty in chewing food.

Inability to close the mouth.

As far as I've researched, there really isn't any at home remedy.
Reply:Nothing, teeth brushing, changing food, or chew treats will not help at this point. Those are all PREVENTATIVE, they will not reverse oral disease. The best thing you can do is have her teeth cleaned under anesthesia, and any abscessed teeth removed. Once clean, THEN you can prevent future oral health problems with brushing and dry kibble and dental chews.
Reply:my 7 year lod has gingevitis and her gums kinda look like how u are deskribing your cat we took winky,my cat,to the vet they gave us med but said there is nothing ells we can do!so nothing realy!

Broken Teeth

My cat won't let me brush her teeth. Is it true that tartar and gum disease can cause other problems?

2010-05-21T18:44:00.002-07:00

oh yeah, very true! It is hard to get a cat use to having some one put a toothbrush in its mouth.

Animal mouths work the same as humans, if you don't take care of them, then they will get tooth decay, and periodontal disease. Since the teeth are sooo close to the brain (this is for humans too) if there is an infection that is not taken care of, the brain may get poisoned.

Another way to cut the tartar on animals teeth is by buying special dry food formulated to knock the tartar loose, I believe Iams makes it. And stay away from wet food, very very very bad for thier teeth.

good luck

My cat won't let me brush her teeth. Is it true that tartar and gum disease can cause other problems?
THERE IT THIS STUFF FOR TARTAR IT CALLED WISKERS CAT TREAT WITH TARTAR CONTROL BECAUSE IF YOU DO THE CLEANING YOUR CAT WILL NOT GET USE TO CLEANING HERS OR HIS TEETH OR ENYTHING ELSE.AND IF YOUR CATS HAVE GUM DISEASE TAKE IT TO THE VETS THAY WILL DETERMEN WHEITHER IF YOUR CAT HAS GUM DISEASE OR NOT STAY POSTIVE
Reply:Tartar management is cats can be challenging, as you have found. If you have seen that there is significant tartar on your cat's molars and premolars, you are already at a stage where you will need your local veterinarian to perform a complete dental prophylaxis under anesthesia. This tartar is probably causing the gingivitis that you are seeing. Dry kibble diets help in tartar prevention, however, even cats who eat nothing but dry food occasionally need dental prophylaxis. The most important thing is to have the tartar taken care of because leaving it in the mouth can cause kidney infections and heart valve disease.
Reply:Plaque can trap bacteria at the base of the tooth where it has easy access to a blood supply, and thus the rest of the body. In cats it is especially important because that bacteria can lead to kidney damage. If your cat won't let you brush, there are commerically available "treats" that can help with tartar build up. Eukanuba and Iams have "dental defense", a coating on thier kibble that helps break up plaque and tartar (they are owned by the company that makes Crest, and have taken the technology from Crest toothpaste).

If you cannot easily brush her teeth, and other methods do not help, you may have to invest in a dentistry for your cat more often. Your vet can tell you the pricing, but they sedate the animal and clean their teeth just like they clean ours (scale, polish and sometimes, fluoride treat). It does involve sedating the cat, and it is a long procedure (usually for an average cat about 30-45 minutes of sedation), but if she is healthy otherwise it is a good option.

There is no truth to the wet food versus dry food myth. There are cats (and dogs) that eat nothing but canned food and have beautiful teeth, likewise there are animals that eat kibble only (even the best "dental" kibble) and have horrible teeth. While you can do your part to help, a big chunk of it is affected by her genetics and how strong her teeth and enamel are. I do not recommend ignoring her teeth if you think they look okay, but even if you do everything you can, she may still end up with tartar, plaque, gingevitis, cavaties or teeth that need to be pulled. None of which is all the fault of you, your managment or her teeth.

My cat has bad breath,I brush his teeth on a regular basis.But it's still awful. Should I be worried?

2010-05-21T18:44:00.001-07:00

It does not seem to bother him. The vet says he see's some slight gingivitis but nothing to worry about.

My cat has bad breath,I brush his teeth on a regular basis.But it's still awful. Should I be worried?
try buying anti-tartar or anti bad breath cat food.
Reply:cats lick their butts all day what do you expect their breath to smell like
Reply:Science Diet - Oral Care worked on my cat real well. It's available at Petco and Petsmart.
Reply:get him some treats that clean their teeth and prevent bad breath
Reply:It might be normal...you might be able to find cat food that helps with bad breath...you should ask an animal specialist (vet, zoologist) because they can give you a professional answer.
Reply:i dont think you should be that worried unless it never goes away, but you can always get some better smelling food.
Reply:There are treats you can buy at your local vet that work great. When you try this, go to www.fatcatinc.com for a great toy. My cat loves these toys.
Reply:I wouldn't worry too much about it, but I would check it's teeth to make sure one isn't infected, because sometimes cat's get food stuck in their teeth and it can rot them. Trust me... I went through it. I hope this helps.
Reply:Check his food,does it stink? That maybe be the problem.
Reply:I have known cats to lick a little Scope off a finger tip or even a capful. Offer it on the finger first. Crunchy tartar control treats can be very helpful too.

Peace!
Reply:If the vet has checked it out and it's fine, then don't worry about it. My cat had really bad breath...I'm talking breath that made flowers wilt...and it turned out she had a rotting tooth. The vet had to pull it and her breath has greatly improved.
Reply:We don't bother brushing our cats teeth. We don't even smell it. Our dogs is the one who has the worse breath but I say it's normal for cats breathes to stink since they lick their butts. I won't worry about it. Just ingore it and don't smell their breathe.
Reply:my cat always had bad breath and it just got worse as he got older... if it bothers you i'm sure there's stuff at the store for it. like something it can chew on or something
Reply:Our cats have the same problem. We brush their teeth, but have you ever smelled their food? It's no wonder they have awful breath. LOL As long as your vet says no problem, I wouldn't worry about it. They do sell cat grass at pet smart. you grow it in a small container and the cats eat it. The theory is the chlorophyll in the grass helps clean their breath. I've used it with no real results, but the cats seem to enjoy it.
Reply:no theres nothing to be worried about.it may just be the kind of food your giving to him. you might want to try and give him different foods to see witch gives him the best breath.
Reply:GO FOR DRY FOOD........ANTI TARTAR,,,,,
Reply:It might be his cat food. Especially if he eats soft cat food with tuna in it. If that is the case then you may want to change to hard food. Another thing, they say that giving cats a piece of meat for them to chew on is good to because that helps clean their back teeth. Help it helps.
Reply:A lot of bad breath, human or animal, has to do with the food reactions in the stomach so if kittys teeth are okay it may have more to do with what he's eating. Try a different food or flavor their are also treats for cats and dogs that have mint and stuff in them to help with bad breath
Reply:Go with some dry food that is for bad breath or some kitty treats for bad breath
Reply:The Science Diet oral care has a bigger kibble make you cat chew more. It's softer and wont shatter like normal kibble, thus scrapping away tarter.

On any oral care food make sure it VOCA

veternian health council accepted. Otherwise you have no proof it's an oral care food. It could be any food packaged to say it's dental care.
Reply:Can you teach him to gargle some minty mouth wash?
Reply:try switching cat foods.
Reply:Try some breath treats for cats,and see if that helps,and maybe little bit of milk,just don't give to much milk,to much isn't good for them.
Reply:Maybe. Gingivitis is critical in cats. My cat has had gingivitis. But don't work yourself up. If your vet says don't worry, then, don't worry. Awful breath may not be anything more than a side effect of your kitty's gingivitis. I've taken 6 vet courses so TRUST ME!
Reply:I thought I was the only one that brushed my cats teeth! I'm glad to hear that you do! Anyway, if you feed your kitty canned food, that could be what you smell. You know how nasty that can smell!! I feed my cats dry food because hard food helps scrapes the tartar off their teeth. Also, pet stores do sell breath mints for cats!
Reply:I have a bigger cat with some gum problems and bad breath. I was brushing his teeth everyday for awhile and, while that helped a little, he didn't like it very much so it was hard to do. I found a spray at Petsmart that seems to work really well. It was right by the toothbrushes. It's suppossed to reduce plaque and tarter build up, help with bad breath, etc. It actually worked really well for my cat. His bad breath got MUCH better in just a couple of days!
Reply:Have your cat checked out by a Vet. It could gave a gum infection. It could be having problems with it's digestive system. A check up here would be worth it.

Why does my cat grab his siblings by the back of the neck with his teeth?!?

2010-05-21T18:44:00.000-07:00

I have a family of five cats: mom, dad, two boys and a girl. The parents are about 18 months and their kids are about 9 months.

One of the male kittens seems to be terrorizing everyone else by sneaking up on them and grabbing them by the neck, or sometimes deliberatley tackling them to grab them by the neck. He mainly does this with his brother (who also exhibits the same behavior with his siblings, but not nearly as much) and his sister, but he's tried, albiet unsuccessfully, to do it to his parents.

What's the deal? Is he he just playing or is this some kind of territorial/domination thing that cat's need to do?

Why does my cat grab his siblings by the back of the neck with his teeth?!?
Cuz he feels like hes the Jedi Master and the other cats are just jedi padawans.
Reply:Cause he doesn't have hands.
Reply:playing
Reply:he is making up for inadequacies in a lawless society.....this is his way of telling everyone that he wants to be the king of all kitties.....
Reply:I think this is common in all cats and its fun to watch.
Reply:thats what cats do...even lions...they run up on their prey and grab the back of the neck to bring them down...your cat is just playing
Reply:Because Yahoo sux and they r deleting accounts at random so get out while u still can !!! They r juz picking out and deleting to free a lot of space on their server. Find an alternate e-mail now !!! Dont say u werent warned !!
Reply:Yes, it's just a dominance thing. His mom picks him and his siblings up by the neck, that is where they learn the behavior. It's completely normal and he will probably do it the rest of his life while playing.
Reply:It is the fundamental society of their nature, much like other animals in the animal kingdom, male cats like to show their dominance over the others so they have a better chance at breeding with females.
Reply:that the way a cat carry their young, it is safe, no need to worry
Reply:They are trying to show who the Alpha kitten or the boss of the group. He wants to be the top of the pecking order.
Reply:Seems very normal to me......this is how they play. He just likes to play rougher and he is a busy kitty. He doesn't do this to his parents because they are a. bigger than he is and b. they are out of that "play like a kitten age" and he'll get smacked on the side of the head by them. Not much fun there!
Reply:the cat is suppose to do that that's how they carry each other places
Reply:It is quite natural, no need to worry. I don't know from where it came from but cats do have an instinct of sorts. When they are young their mother moves them that way, when they are older they try to do the same with their soblings. Even you, when you grab a cat by the neck, will see that the cat instantly relaxes in your hands and doesn't move.

They know it is natural even when rised by a human.
Reply:That's a domination thing, trying to apply discipline like mommy used to do.

Hey Do cats teeth fall out like normal humans?

2010-05-21T18:43:00.003-07:00

Well my cats tooth fell out and she dose bite things alot but i think its growing back! Plz help

ubuar xxxxxx

Hey Do cats teeth fall out like normal humans?
Cats have baby teeth just like us. Usually they fall out and grow back unnoticed. You are a very attentive mom your cat is lucky to have you..
Reply:no they could but in if the animal is very healthy no
Reply:if its a kitten yes
Reply:how old is your cat? if its still a kitten, then yes, its teeth will fall out and new ones come it, just like a baby's teeth

if its really old, you could possibly see some teeth loss, but they would not get new ones

other than that, healthy adult cats should not be losing any teeth, and if for any reason they do, they wont grow back
Reply:Well, I have had 2 cats since xmas 2006 and I did notice that they both did start losing their teeth around the same time. I did panic at first when I saw little teeth in the food bowl but they seemed fine and all the new, sharper adult teeth grew in with no problems. Try not to worry, your cat should be fine.
Reply:if its around 5 months old, this is perfectly normal. She lost her baby teeth and is growing her adult teeth. If she is over a year old, consult a vet.

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Why does my shitzu chatter his teeth when he smells something like cat litter or sniffs the cats bottom?

2010-05-21T18:43:00.002-07:00

He thinking, Woo, lord, that's some nasty p***

Why does my shitzu chatter his teeth when he smells something like cat litter or sniffs the cats bottom?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAH... oh.my.god. that is so funny!!!!!!! are you seriously asking that question??
Reply:shitzus are such funny little dogs... that's cute.

Tips on brushing cats teeth?

2010-05-21T18:43:00.001-07:00

I know cats need proper dental care, so I went out and got a kitty tooth brush and kitty tooth paste. My big siamese bit me, my ediam siaese clawed me and my Bengal hid behind the couch for 2 days afterward. Any tips on how to do this and stay in one piece?

Tips on brushing cats teeth?
Hi Casey...here's a video on how to brush a cat's teeth by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. It shows individual steps on how to get cats acclimated to having their teeth brushed so that everyone will be able to handle the experience.

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

Have a little patience and they'll look forward to having their teeth brushed.
Reply:Hi Casey...they love having their teeth brushed because of the treats they earn afterwards. Have a little patience and your kitties will too! Report It

Reply:How to brush your cat's teeth

Step 1 - Select an appropriate time

Find a quiet, convenient time when you and your cat are both relaxed.

Step 2 - Acquaint your cat with the process.

For the first few sessions don't even use a toothbrush. Hold your cat the same as when you are cuddling her. Gently stroke the outside of her cheeks with your finger. After she becomes comfortable with that, place a dab of toothpaste on your finger and let her taste it. We usually suggest starting with C.E.T. poultry flavored toothpaste, because pets like the taste.

Step 3 - Introduce the Toothbrush

Place a small amount of toothpaste on the brush. In a slow circular motion, brush one or two teeth and the adjoining gum line. The purpose of this step is to get your cat accustomed to the feel of the brush.

Step 4 - Begin Brushing

Over the next several days, gradually increase the number of teeth brushed. It is important to eventually brush the rear teeth where plaque and tartar have a greater tendency to accumulate. Go slowly and gently.. Stop brushing when you decide to stop, before your cat begins to fuss. If she learns to dislike the procedure and finds out that more fussing makes you stop quicker, then this brushing business is going to get harder, not easier.

Build up to about 30 seconds per side. Cats don't get much tartar on the inside surfaces of their teeth, so you only need to worry about the outside surfaces, especially the big teeth way in back.

Make tooth brushing a pleasurable experience

Proceed slowly and gently. Stop each session while it is still fun and praise your cat afterwards. She will soon start looking forward to tooth brushing and it will become a pleasant activity for both of you.

Good Luck.
Reply:You have to start with kittens. It's too hard to do adults.
Reply:i NEVER BRUSH MY CATS TEETH, DONT THINK ITS NECCESSARY
Reply:Sometimes brushing with a tooth brush does not work.

Here are a few tips.

Use poultry or fish flavored toothpaste.

Get a 'finger tip' brush- it literally sits on your finger tip.

Use that to pet your cats face and mouth several times before trying to pull back lips.

Let them taste the tooth paste.

Assuming they like it (the flavor) pull back lip and use the finger tip brush to rub their teeth.

Use treats- dental ones for rewards.

Add dental care diet tot heir food- or use it as a treat.

Not all cats will let you brush their teeth.....
Reply:My tip to you is give it up. I've never brushed my cat's teeth and they all lived long lives and were able to eat hard food until the end. As long as you give them hard food in addition or instead of soft food, it will help control the plague.

boots

My cat is a little over 1 year old and has lost his front teeth. How many times will adult teeth grow back ?

2010-05-21T18:43:00.000-07:00

He already lost his baby teeth. When his teeth grew in they were very crooked.

My cat is a little over 1 year old and has lost his front teeth. How many times will adult teeth grow back ?
like adult humans, when animals lose adult teeth, they do not grow back except very rarely. i'm sorry to say that , but it is true. i've had cats all my life and i have never known an adult cat to regrow teeth they lose, whether to fighting other cats, or due to lack of nutrition.
Reply:Usually animals are like humans, and only have one set of adult teeth.
Reply:He won't be getting any more teeth!! They get only 1 set of adult teeth.
Reply:only one set of teeth,sorry! :(

*hope your cat is ok!
Reply:Like a human, only one set of adult teeth per customer.
Reply:if he loses adult teeth they will not regrow. Just like humans, we get our baby teeth, we lose those and get our adult teeth, once we lose those that is it.

My cat will not let me open his mouth to check his teeth. How do you do it?

2010-05-21T18:42:00.003-07:00

I try to push both sides of his little jaws, but he won´t let me open his mouth to look at his teeth.

My cat will not let me open his mouth to check his teeth. How do you do it?
I let mine fall asleep in my arms while watching TV and then do it.
Reply:Cats are very sensitive when it comes to their ears, eyes, and mouth. I suggest letting a vet help you out.
Reply:they hate being forced to do something
Reply:Wow that is a shocker.... :p

well as you already know cats don't usually have the attitude of " i want to please my owner" , unlike certain breeds of dogs / dogs in general. with that in mind try to , or if you already know, find out what your cat WILL tolerate and work with that. As already stated cats hate to be forced to do anything, they are very independent creatures. maybe try to have the cat associate the teeth checking / brushing with a TREAT (as with a dog), open tis mouth forcefully but afterward give it a treat...etc. Try that until it lets you open its mouth to check / brush its teeth. or if it just does not like that deal with it. GL
Reply:Hi,

I have two cats with two totally different personalities, one is a gentle spirit and one is fighter and we have problems checking his teeth or even trying to give him deworming tablets. What we were advised by our vet and have tried that works is to hold the cats skin on the neck area, the area their mother would carry them when they were little kittens, and almost immediately they become docile, you will probably need an extra pair of hands for this so that one holds and one does the checking, there will be less resistance (not total believe me) and will be able to check him, though try and make it quick so that he doesnt get stressed. Hope it works for you too, coz if there is one thing I know, just like people not everything works for all cats :-) they are like people with fur :-) :-)
Reply:Place one hand over his head and use your thumb and index finger to get a hold of his mouth. Use your other hand to gently pull back and open his mouth. This should work, as the vets do it in this manner. If it doesn't, take him to the vet. No big deal.
Reply:My cat didn't let me open it's mouth either. No cat lets someone touch it's teeth, mouth, ears, moustache... they hate when someone touches them. When you touch it's tail for example it always licks the spot where you touched it. Kitties are very stubborn animals and they don't like when someone commands them. So when I had to open it's mouth to check what's wrong, I had to do it by force.. I didn't like it but that was the only way..

How do I stop a cat from pulling it's hair out with it's teeth? She doesn't do this in just one spot.

2010-05-21T18:42:00.002-07:00

Cat is not young or old. Have had both cats for 2 years. Playing and paying more attention to her does not make a difference.

How do I stop a cat from pulling it's hair out with it's teeth? She doesn't do this in just one spot.
It sounds like she either has a skin condition/irritation or that she is highly stressed. Either way, I would advise you to take her to the vet for a professional diagnosis. They will then be able to advise you on treatment or solutions. And in the meantime, just be very gentle with her and give her lots of praise and reassurance.
Reply:everytime your cat does it spray him/her with water...good luck
Reply:sry i cant really help but i have a suggestion, have you asked the vet?
Reply:Don't stop it. Shes just cleaning herself.
Reply:If it's just in one spot, she might have something itching her there. Take a look and see if she has a bite or perhaps a rash of some sort.

You might even want a vet to look at her and see what's going on with her skin.

Good luck!
Reply:if shes pulling it out with teeth..., try to poor a bit of lemon juice in her mouth every time she does it... but you dont wanna stop her from cleaning... hmmm
Reply:I've had cats do this (over-grooming), and it's usually an increase in noise, smells, activity in the house that makes them nervous----it's how they cope.

Stress for a cat in a household can just mean the furniture being in different places, or the schedules changing---they prefer everything to be very stable and quiet and predictable.

Both got over it just fine.
Reply:Is she balding herself? If she's not balding herself I wouldn't worry about it. If she is balding herself you definitely need to talk to your vet. Some cats will bald themselves because of skin problems or because of emotional stress. I had a cat that balded herself because she missed my brother when he went off to college.
Reply:VET_ASAP Can be stress induced-what is going on in your home?
Reply:All she is doing is un knotting her hair.

Shes cleaning herself, shes using her teeth as a comb.
Reply:If she hasn't been seen by a vet recently, then it's worth taking her for a check-up as there could be an underlying health problem such as parasites, allergies or even food intolerance.

If your vet can rule out health problems, then she may be doing it because she feels stressed. When a cat is feeling anxious, they use grooming as a comforting diversionary activity rather than facing up to the problem. You need to determine the source of the stress and either remove or alleviate it.

A Feliway plug-in may help as they emit an aroma that cats find soothing. Bach Flower Remedies can also be helpful in treating stress. The link below tells you which ones to use and how to administer them.

http://www.critterchat.net/bach.htm

EDIT: Boredom or frustration can cause an otherwise healthy cat to over-groom. How well do the two cats get along? Do they get on okay or is the other cat the more dominant one? Is there any possibility that she's being bullied? Have there been changes of any kind within your home that might have triggered this behaviour? Even minor things like new furniture or re-decorating can be a huge deal to a sensitive cat. Spend more time brushing her, so that she still benefits from the comfort of being groomed, without her getting over zealous doing it herself. Your vet may decide to fit her with an Elizabethan collar to help break the habit. The link below has lots of information that you might find helpful.

http://www.kittens-lair.net/cat-health/l...

The Celia Haddon Cat Problem Page has an article you may find helpful below on skin allergies in cats, together with a check list of 18 reasons why cats feel stressed or unhappy.

http://www.celiahaddon.co.uk/pet%20probl...

Hope you find a solution. Good luck.

What can you do to relieve a cat's pain due to bad teeth?

2010-05-21T18:42:00.001-07:00

Go to the vet, and have the cats teeth cleaned, and removed as necessary

What can you do to relieve a cat's pain due to bad teeth?
Take the kitty to the vet ASAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply:I'd try taking your cat to the vet. They can do a dental cleaning and give it some meds.
Reply:Have you taken it to the vet. They can pull painful and infected teeth.
Reply:Take them to the vet; they'll be able to give you better advice than any of the knuckleheads here....
Reply:Take it to the vet. Dental work is very important as infections can greatly affect the cats overall wellbeing, not to mention cats don't usually eat with sore mouths or teeth. Do not give it asprin! It could kill your cat!!

Call the vet at least and get an expert opinion. Nothing you do at home could possibly be better than getting your cat help from a proffessional
Reply:I have had 2 cts with a congenital periodontal problem (they have bad teeth).

The only thing you can do is to take them to the vet and have the teeth pulled. A half-mouth of teeth pulled can be done for between %26lt;$300 or %26gt;$1,000. I know because I got 2 opinions and found that vet fees vary widely.

The vet will give the cat antibiotics overnight, you bring the cat in the next day, operation performed, cat may stay 1 additional night. They come home and eat soft food the rest of their life.
Reply:I ask a question with your question(sorry)---how do you relieve your own selfs pain when you have a toothache.--How do you know your cat has a tooth problem??--treat the animal as you would treat yourself.
Reply:Your vet can clean her teeth, under anesthesia. It costs about $150.00. Our cat had hers done last Summer, and that was the price, but we have a cool vet. Until then, try the new indoor formula cat food, it has all the good stuff in it to help clean the tartar.

Ask your vet.
Reply:Once the cat has the disease you have to take it to the vet regularly for a deep cleaning... just like people. Once you have it, it doesn't go away. All you can do is take care of it regularly. After the cleaning, you can get special cat toothpaste and rub it on the gums (massage) and teeth yourself in between vet visits.
Reply:Take the cat to the vet and have a dental done. They will clean and remove teeth as necessary.

I had my cat done two weeks ago she is now eating pain free and happy again.
Reply:Your cat needs to see a vet asap. I had a Maine Coon who had bad teeth. Even with regular cleanings, they still deteriorated and my vet removed them. He charged me only $10 per tooth, plus anesthesia, pre-op tests and medicine. I think the first time I ended up paying $250.

If cost is a major factor for you, there are pet insurance plans available.

here are a few helpful links

http://www.pet-discount.com (They advertise as being the #1 Pet Insurance plan in the US)

http://www.petshealthplan.com

http://www.petplan.com

http://www.petcareinsurance.com
Reply:take your cat to the vet, my cat wasn't eating properly and loosing weight because of painful teeth, she had 5 removed and has put on so much weight now the vet says she must go on a diet - we were at the vet yesterday and she is now 1.5kg overweight!
Reply:ask your vet..

fabric boots

My 5-6 month old cat lost 3 of it's teeth is this normal?

2010-05-21T18:42:00.000-07:00

yes, kittens have deciduous teeth just like humans. They begin to lose them at about 3-5 months old. so this is normal

My 5-6 month old cat lost 3 of it's teeth is this normal?
Yes, cats have baby teeth just like humans.
Reply:no, i dont think so. i think you should give it a some more food with vitamins, becuase this probably means that her gums are loose.
Reply:Totally normal. Cats lose their baby teeth and get in adult teeth.
Reply:I've had cats all my life and I've never had one lose teeth before. You should call your vet and ask.
Reply:yes , baby teeth coming out
Reply:yeah it is normal.
Reply:this normal , it is only the baby teeth falling out to let adult teeth come in
Reply:yes they teeth like babies
Reply:Perfectly normal, Cats have baby teeth just like we do. If you are lucky, you can find them in their chew toys. My sister keeps the baby teeth and the tooth fairy leaves her kitties special treats, like a new collar or a toy. But then, my sister's crazy...
Reply:no its not normal take it to the doctor.
Reply:Those were baby teeth. Look again, you'll see new ones coming in.
Reply:It's definitely worth a quick phone call to the vet. They'll be able to tell you if your kitten needs to be seen, or if it's normal.

How can i make my cat stop bitting me with her teeth?

2010-05-21T18:41:00.003-07:00

Some training is required.

Cats don't understand time-outs. Water spraying is not good either. Tapping on the nose is a good suggestions. Also hissing at the cat, saying a firm and simple "No1", and putting her away from you.

You MUST be very consistent with this, otherwise it could be interpreted as a kind of game. Let her know you are serious and she cannot continue to enjoy your company until she stops.

How can i make my cat stop bitting me with her teeth?
if she is young like a kitten that means she wants u to pet her if shes not u have to teach her not to by just simply tapping her on her head thats all
Reply:I had the same problem....I just kept biting him back. (gently, but so he could feel it)
Reply:take her teeth out?
Reply:Sorry, but how else could she bite but with her teeth??
Reply:It may be that your cat is looking for you to play a hunt and chase game with it. You should try a toy that will satisfy this need, like a mouse on a string.
Reply:figure out a punishment that works for you and stick with it...the cat will associate biting with that punishment and learn....try rubbing vinegar on her lips...I know my cat hates it and it's harmless
Reply:SHOOT YOUR CAT WITH A WATER GUN WHEN SHE BIT YOU SHE WILL LEARN SOONER OR LATER
Reply:No sh!t? she bit with her teeth? Man, i had never heard of a cat doing that. J/K.lol. Well my cat does that all the time idk why im just petting her then she grabs my hand and bites it , it hurts like hell.maybe a spray bottle
Reply:filed fangs? felinocide? or food?
Reply:I wish I knew....I have one who wants to nibble on me all the time, and it isn't that she wants to be petted. If you pet her, she just swivels her head around and nibbles the hand that's doing the petting. While we're at it, I've got one that will lick you to death. I'm thinking of changing her name to Odie. That water pistol thing doesn't work for me. It just backfires and makes the cat hate me.
Reply:my cat used to bite very badly. My mother in law has 2-3 stiches from his bite.

the time passed by and he is not in the mood for biting anymore. I dont want to jinx it:))
Reply:It could be if ur petting him and he bites u then he wants u to stop petting him...If he is biting u for no reason then you should talk to the vet...Maybe he doesnt have enough play time with you or doesnt have toys to play with....i would say if ur playing with him and he bites say NO! and then try to show a toy and redirect his focus there...Hope it helps...goodluck!
Reply:Get her a chew toy. Or tell her no. Or train her to not bit.

Do you clip your cat's claws and brush its teeth?

2010-05-21T18:41:00.002-07:00

Wow, lot of different opinions on this one. Yes, you can clip your cat's claws. They keep their claws trimmed naturally when they claw on things. But unless you want your furniture ripped apart, an indoor cat doesn't have a lot to do this on without a scratching post. So it's a good idea to get one.

You can get special animal clippers and you can trim them yourself. Be warned they generally won't like it and you may have to restain them. (And they don't like being restained either. But if you practice and get good at this, you can do it in a short time and then let them go.) Be careful of the quick. (Or however that's spelled.) That's the blood you will see, and yes it will hurt if you hit it. If you don't, it doesn't hurt anymore than you trimming your nails. When nails are allowed to grow long, they can get very sharp and the quick will go out further towards the end. So starting out you may have to trim just a tiny bit off. Once the quick starts moving back, you can trim further. If you are totally uncomfortable with doing this or feel you are doing a bad job or hurting your cat, then do as suggested and use a groomer. This is something that's very dependent on comfort level. If you're comfortable and know how to do it, no reason you can't. (Those groomers are just people who learned how, after all.)

As for brushing teeth, I don't do it. No one in nature brushes a cat's teeth for them. They clean their teeth by pulling muscle apart and chewing bones. Dry food, contrary to popular belief, does not imitate this and clean teeth. You can give them something like RAW turkey necks to chew on. Cats do just end up with dental problems, regardless of dry food or dental diet foods or snacks or anything. You have to face that you may have to get dentals later in their life, because bad teeth cause all kinds of nasty problems. So have their teeth checked regularly. You can brush their teeth if you like, but they may need a dental eventually anyway. Cats don't particular like it, so I just get dentals when needed and leave it at that.

Do you clip your cat's claws and brush its teeth?
don't have a cat, but I bruch my dogs teeth!
Reply:I clip my cats' claws (sometimes) but I don't brush their teeth! That's what the hard biscuits are for...
Reply:no
Reply:dont be stupid
Reply:No i dont, thats what going out is all about.

Besides, you wouldnt wanna put your hands near my cats mouth, he'd have it off, lol
Reply:I clip my cats claws but i don't brush it's teeth
Reply:i clip all seven of the family's cats claws i am hated by my sisters adult cats but thankfully not the kitten (i hand raised them). i don't brush their teeth they get treats that do this including raw chicken breast once a week. dry food doesn't clean teeth as well as what natural foods do ie raw meat but my lot have got good dental health and their breath doesn' smell. i could not hold my cats long enough to brush teeth it is bad enough doing claws but it is worth the fight in the long run.

* edit* DO NOT declaw your cat it is senseless mutilation and inhumane. it is also illegal in the uk thank the lord.
Reply:it is very important tocut your cats nails so they don't ruin your furniture and not to be scratched as far as the brushing of the teeth very important you don't want your cat to get dieases in their mouths and not to get plaque on their teeth the vet bills are unreal .
Reply:I personally used to have cats in and out of my life, but when i had them I never clipped there nails even once nor brushed there teeth for them because in there instincts they know that they have to do it somehow or else they will hurt them selves Thats why they claw a things, its there way of cutting there nails.
Reply:I have clipped my inside cats claws. But she hates it...and I hate it because its really hard and if you cut the cuticle it WILL be painful. The best thing is to get them a scratch pole... they will keep them short and you won't have to clip them.. or... take them to a groomer and pay $5... then its done.(and the cat still loves you cause you didn't do it)
Reply:no
Reply:OMG i have never heard anything so ridiculous.

I'M GUESSING THAT ALL THE PEOPLE THAT THINK IT'S STRANGE NOT TO CUT A CATS CLAWS LIVE IN AMERICA, IN ENGLAND I HAVE NEVER EVER HEARD OF ANYONE DOING THIS BECAUSE MOST CATS GO OUTSIDE AND WEAR THEIR CLAWS DOWN NATRUALLY
Reply:WHAT ARE PPL TALKING ABOUT THEY DONT CLIP THEIR CATS CLAWS? IF YOU DONT CLIP YOUR CATS CLAWS THEY WILL OVERGROW BACK INTO THEIR PAWPADS!!!! DUH! AND IF YOU DON'T WANT TO DO IT THEN I SUGGEST YOU TAKE THEM INTO A GROOMER SO THEY CAN DO IT, ITS LIKE 4 BUCKS! WOULD YOU LIKE TO B HELPLESS AND JUST LET SOMEONE NOT CUT YOUR NAILS??? AND I DO BRUSH MY CATS TEETH, BUT THAT IS JUST BECAUSE I LOVE HER, AND I HER BREATH SMELLS BETTER....I MEAN I WOULDN'T WANT TO NOT BRUSH MY TEETH......
Reply:I clip my cat's claws because when they get too long, they tend to get caught in fabrics, and if the cat can't retract enough to get loose, it ends up twisting a toe or even the whole paw. Keeping them trimmed helps to avoid all that. Not to mention that sometimes they to that thing where they shift from paw to paw. When they have overgrown claws, it hurts when they try to cuddle.

I don't clean my cat's teeth, mainly because cats are touchy about that sort of thing, and usually don't allow it.
Reply:You only clip the front claws but don't cut too far in or you'll hit the nerve in the nail. That would hurt and might kill them. And you don't have to brush their teeth. They have special dental food. The vet I think also brushes their teeth.
Reply:No ! what would I look like trying to brush my cats teeth ? lol - thats really funny.

And seriously, I dont think your supposed to cut their claws either..
Reply:clip the claws, but don't brush their teeth.
Reply:I've never tried to brush my cat's teeth. I used to clip her claws regularly (she likes to knead and tends to draw blood) but I clipped too close one day and now she won't let me. Very unfortunate since her long claws now snag on my skin and clothes regularly. :(
Reply:Yes to both. The claws need to be clipped to keep them from getting to long, and impeding the cat from walking properly. I also clip them, because if they are too long, I could accidently get scratched. Brushing teeth is a must. I do it almost everyday.
Reply:I take my cat to the vet to have his nails clipped. We have a groomer here, but I'm not sure how well they do. I haven't talked to anyone that has taken their pets there so just to be on the safe side, I take him to the vet. I have considered brushing his teeth, but I'm still looking into it.
Reply:I'm with Hollie20 on this one. In Britain, we don't cut our cat's claws. We let our cats use scratching posts and trees outside which keeps the claws healthy. We train them not to scratch our furniture and put colour matching 'throws'/covers on our sofas so that the furniture isn't ruined. And we rarely have a problem with them getting their claws caught because they learn how to retract them.

If someone doesn't want their cat to behave in the way that a cat should, they shouldn't have one. It's totally cruel to declaw and unnecessary to cut the claws. Let cats be cats.
Reply:I do trim the front nails - I don't do the back because....I don't feel like it.

I don't brush their teeth. I really really really meant to and I rrr tried...but I failed. I hang my head in shame.

But I do give them chicken necks which I figure is just as good if not better.
Reply:uhh i cant slip my cats claws cuz my cats declawed and no, i dont do that
Reply:NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! dont clip ur cat's claws cuz that might hurt it! If u need to get rid of his claws, get the declawed at the vet! Also, i sometimes brush my cat's teeth if it stinks but its not normal.

Why does my cat make clicking noises with its teeth and salivate when it is just resting?

2010-05-21T18:41:00.001-07:00

It is not asleep, and it is not watching anything out the window. It's almost like a seizure, but nothing else moves except its little mouth. Is it sick? It is a kitten.

Why does my cat make clicking noises with its teeth and salivate when it is just resting?
My cat did this, he was cleaning his tongue against his teeth. After grooming he had hair stuck in his tongue, so he would making this clicking noise while dislodging the hair from his tongue.

Still, I think you should take your cat to the vet.
Reply:You might be safest to ask a vet.
Reply:your cat may just be dreaming, my cats and dogs do that, my cat coffee would drool sooo much. just imagine what they are dreaming about, finally catching that mouse or squirrel?
Reply:His jaw might be a bit messed up and he can't close his mouth the right way. See a vet.
Reply:take it to a vet to be sure its okay. It might just be it clashes its teeth like some people do, maybe its just normal.
Reply:It sounds like seizure activity to me. I'm not a vet but I've got 7 cats and a dog. Does he stare off into space? Twitching is normal if they're sleeping but awake, you have a problem. Get the little guy to the Vet.

children boots

Why does my cat grab a blanket with her teeth and then need the blanket with her front paws?

2010-05-21T18:41:00.000-07:00

Kneading, also called "making biscuits," is a reflex left over from your cat's infancy. When she was a baby, she kneaded her mother's tummy to stimulate the flow of milk. Adult cats often make biscuits whenever they feel content and secure.

Why does my cat grab a blanket with her teeth and then need the blanket with her front paws?
My cat does this too and purrs real loud at the same time, I'm wondering if they are horny!??
Reply:Kittens knead to get milk from their mothers. I think it is more that, although a male cat will bite the female's neck when mating, but there is no kneading going on. (maybe needing, but not kneading)
Reply:She's going through the motions of nursing. Maybe stopped nursing to soon. Could also be something traumatic happened when young. (If she's an adult now). Both really can be true.
Reply:The last cat that I had did that... but not just on blankets, any material.. even if you were wearing it... It was more like she was sucking on it. We wondered if it was because she was weaned early. Kindof equated her sucking on material %26amp; kneading at it, as to a child sucking on their thumb or a paci.

This might not be the reason that they do it, but it seems logical.
Reply:She just loves You, And wants your attention, NOW! NOW! Not tomorrow! Cats "own" you, Remember! We do not "OWN" them! Good luck!
Reply:is that not the sweetest thing in the world? my kittens do that too and its so cute. like everyone has told you, its because this is what they did to get milk from their mothers. its like a flashback. its so sweet!
Reply:Some cats do that. The kneeding of the blanket can mean she's in her happy place. It's a sign of affection if she kneeds your skin. That could hurt a bit, but she doesn't mean to. They usually purr while kneeding.

Cat medication? is .9ml amoxicill the right dosage for an 8 lb. cat two times a day? 4 teeth were extracted.?

2010-05-21T18:40:00.002-07:00

Yes. It is usually 1cc per 10 pounds, or .1cc per pound. So she is getting maybe .1cc more than her weight which is normal....you need to account for some loss when giving oral liquid.

Cat medication? is .9ml amoxicill the right dosage for an 8 lb. cat two times a day? 4 teeth were extracted.?
how can you know this is the right dosage when there is no mention of strength....

how many mg/ml is there.... Report It

Why does my cat pull my hair with his teeth?

2010-05-21T18:40:00.001-07:00

Is he just grooming me?

Why does my cat pull my hair with his teeth?
Using the teeth is a type of grooming technique, most used to get rid of knots, mats, or [cough] parasites. But he could also be trying to play with you. It moves, thus it is toy.
Reply:he just wants to play with you
Reply:My cat did that to me when she was a kitten. I don't think she was grooming me, as there was no licking involved. Just strange cat behaviour, I think.
Reply:the cat is probably playing with you
Reply:probably. unless he's trying to eat it. then he may have a belly ache. but cats tend to show affection by grooming that's why you'll see one cat cleaning another cat.
Reply:yes
Reply:My cat does that sometimes.. I am truly convinced that the reason why is that she wants attention. when I pet her and rub her tummy, she does to sleep
Reply:both grooming u and agrovating you so you can play with the cat
Reply:Maybe he's flossing his teeth, playing with your hair or just likes the way it feels in his mouth.

Hope this helps.
Reply:Yup - that he is - grooming you. Enjoy his obvious affection and regard for you. Cats are very discriminating on who and what they groom. :)
Reply:yes he thinks your dirty lol its so cute tho huh mine does it when i have gel in my hair
Reply:my cat did the same thing he is just grooming you and playing with you

thank you
Reply:he is grroming you. and sometimes playing with you. and thinking you are his mother/mate--that is a good thing.

My cat has a sore mouth after teeth extraction a week ago. He spent 3 days in hospital on a drip.?

2010-05-21T18:40:00.000-07:00

We can't give him his medicine and he is not eating like he used to. Have tried a diffuser to calm him but I'm worried that his mouth is infected. The vet is an hour away. His sister died three weeks ago and he also misses her. She was 17 and he is 11. Does it take this long?

My cat has a sore mouth after teeth extraction a week ago. He spent 3 days in hospital on a drip.?
Okay, medicine....is it pill or liquid? If it is a pill, you can just "pill him." Which isn't all that hard. Simply scruff him, tilting his head upward, with your left hand. With your thumb and middle fingers, hold his mouth open, place the pill in the back of his throat, as far as you can, then rub his neck downward, to force him to swallow. If you miss the first time, he may allow a second try, if not, wait a bit and try again. If this doesn't work, you can pick up a pill gun at your local pet store, and if you need help using it, contact me. You can do the same for a liquid, scruff and put dropper to back of throat. Food. Are you feeding him wet or dry food? Usually following an extraction, it is recommended that you feed wet food only for at least a week, sometimes longer. Even if its junk food, like Friskies, its something in his system, if not, you could try putting some cooked chicken in a chopper, see if he'll eat that. Usually cats spring back within a week, following tooth extraction, some cats take longer. The mourning may also be a factor, he's upset and not concentrating on himself. I'd recommend that you call your vet and explain the situation, they'll advise you as to whether or not you should come in. In the meantime, give kitty lots of love and snuggles, he's mourning. Good luck.
Reply:You need to take him to the vet-even if it is an hour away. He is obviously in a lot of pain and he will get really weak if he doesn't eat.
Reply:I would definitely call your vet to make sure about your kitty. Why can't you give him his medicine? Wont he take it? We have found that liquid meds work better than pills for our cats. I would not wait on this. He sounds like he needs medical attention right away. Good luck!
Reply:I'd call the vet and find out what he/she thinks before I take the trip back to the vet. His mouth may be infected and they will be able to tell you what to look for.

To make a cat take a pill, which is no simple feat stick the pill in the back of the cat's mouth and then blow in his face. This has helped me get pills down mine.
Reply:The mouth is the dirtiest place in both human and especially in animals. You should return him to the vet. Distance should not be a problem when it comes to a loved one. Let the vet decide. The cat needs to eat and drink to heal. After mouth surgery for people takes awhile to heal...if you stopped eating because you had a lot of pain...they'd place you on an i.v. Your pet needs medical help.
Reply:It depends on the immunity of the cat. Just like human, our healing process defer. Some cats heal faster than others, the best way to help him is show him love and affection, he needs it now more than ever. He needs time to start eating like he used to, be patient and watch him closely. Make sure he likes the vet.

My cat is 2yrs old and her 2 small bottom teeth have fallen out is this normal? what shall i do?

2010-05-21T18:39:00.003-07:00

they were very small, were they her baby teeth? will she be in pain? as she is still able to eat.

My cat is 2yrs old and her 2 small bottom teeth have fallen out is this normal? what shall i do?
I guess they could be baby teeth, but it seems doubtful, however I do have a friend who is 18 with still baby teeth, so it is entirely possible. If the cat has a healthy diet and is a healthy weight, I wouldn't be alarmed, probably baby teeth like you suspect.
Reply:Cats usually lose their baby teeth around 11 to 30 weeks old. The permanent set of teeth is fully in place around 6 months. While it could be possible that your cat had a few baby teeth remaining that fell out, you may want to take a look at her teeth and gums. If everything looks ok, I wouldn't worry about it. However, if her gums are red or there is a great amount of tartar build up, she could be having dental problems and you will have to have her checked by your vet.

Have you ever opened a cat food pouch (or dog food) with your teeth and wound up with a mouth full?

2010-05-21T18:39:00.002-07:00

Or even a taste?

I have never done this but I usually have to open the little packets of ketchup or dressing with my teeth (not very classy I know). Just got wondering if anyone has done the same (without thinking about it) with pet food with bad consequences. I'm really sorry for you if you have (eewwww)

Have you ever opened a cat food pouch (or dog food) with your teeth and wound up with a mouth full?
yes I was taken a semester in a vet's hospital and I endedtry to feed 23 cats and dogs at feeding time and I tried to hurry as fast as possible, I ended up having tuna, chicken, lambwith rice for lunch. I feel your pain, don't worry the food is cooked .
Reply:Nope...can't say I have.

My kids eat dry food.

But, I did taste it once

on a dare. It wasn't nasty...

and not that big of a deal

How many teeth does a dog and cat put together have??

2010-05-21T18:39:00.001-07:00

I dunno, I've never seen a dog and cat put together.

How many teeth does a dog and cat put together have??
about 60 ish
Reply:alot :]
Reply:what kind of question is that ?????/
Reply:... why?
Reply:It depends on the breed and the age, quite a few i would say,
Reply:thirtyzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...
Reply:An adult dog should have 42 teeth and an adult cat should have 30 teeth (providing neither the cat or the dog had any teeth removed or fell out).

A cat and dog have 72 teeth altogether.

baby shoes

Has anyone ever had a bad experience when having their cats teeth professionally cleaned?

2010-05-21T18:39:00.000-07:00

Has anyone ever had a bad experience having their cats teeth professionally cleaned? Besides the risk of anesthia, did anyone have anything go wrong during or after the process?

Has anyone ever had a bad experience when having their cats teeth professionally cleaned?
My cats are all in their teens and have their teeth cleaned regularly when the vet deems it necessary. Even my 22 year old cat had her teeth cleaned six months before she died. The vet was extra special careful with her. She went in early in the morning and had fluids administered before undergoing the anesthesia around noon. She didn't have any problems and was wide awake and alert almost as soon as the gas was discontinued.
Reply:NO NOTHING WENT WRONG
Reply:No, Pumpkin did fine. And I think he even feels better. I adopted him from a "no kill" shelter. They found him in a cage on a puppy mill farm they raided. Owner said he'd been in the cage for 2 years. He's a strawberry blonde persian and quite handsome. His eyes are the most beautiful golden color, and his purr is to die for. I'm so glad I got him. Having their teeth cleaned is important to the overall health, just like humans. You can purchase liquid tarter fighter at the pet store and also finger brushes to help keep them clean afterwards. Good Luck!
Reply:One of my cats had a problem with the anesthesia once. He was extremely lethargic and out-of-it for about two days after the procedure. He was fine after that, and the vet made a note not to use injectable preanesthetic on him because it affected him so strongly - now he just gets gas anesthesia for dentals.

Every other dental my cats have been through turned out fine, though they have had to have some teeth pulled on various occasions, poor guys.
Reply:no
Reply:When our cat %26amp; dog were young, it was OK. But when our dog was older, we had a bad experience and we should not have done it. We didn't wait for the lab tests to come back, because it had been OK in the past. I was WRONG.

Here comes the bad part..........

Her organs shut down and she went into a coma and eventually had to be put down.

Now, we brush our cats' teeth ourselves. They're not thrilled about it, but everyone survives. :-)

And there ARE vets that will do no-sedation teeth cleaning. I found one on the internet once, for my boss, and they even came to her house!

But I do appreciate a pet "owner" for caring to take care of their pet's health in any way.
Reply:its better for cats to have their teeth cleaned. not taking care of your cats teeth can lead to other serious problems. its rare that something will go wrong.

Can you clean you clean cats teeth with human toothpaste?

2010-05-21T18:38:00.003-07:00

my cats teeth are getting yellow and i need to clean them ,I was wondering if you can do that with toothpaste we use or do i have to buy him pet kind.

Can you clean you clean cats teeth with human toothpaste?
Hi Nikki...human toothpaste is considered very toxic to cats so ideally you can purchase flavoured enzymatic toothpaste from most pet stores that is safe to use. Here's an example of one excellent product: http://www.sitstay.com/cgi-bin/sdisp.cgi...

Here's a video by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine on how to successfully brush cats teeth:http://www.felinevideos.vet.cornell.edu/...
Reply:NO NO NO!!! Try something from a petstore which is specially formulated for cats...silly!
Reply:They have food available for cats that will help clean the teeth and can whiten them. These are mostly available at real pet stores.
Reply:NO! Dogs and cats can't have human toothpaste! You get sick if you swallow it yourself, a cat or dog will get really sick.

You have to use a pet toothpaste if you use toothpaste on them. But you can also wrap some gauze around a finger and just brush the side teeth with that, it makes it easier to do on some animals.
Reply:u need to buy the pet kind because there teeth are built up diferently than that, my vet gave me the toothpaste and gave me and idea to mix a lil baking pwder into cat food very lil and the teeth with stregthen and whiten! well good luck!
Reply:For my dog I use a liquid oral care that I add to her water. They make it for cats also. I got mine at Pets Mart they have a few different types of oral care products.
Reply:NO! Pet toothpaste please!
Reply:no, because people toothpaste is not meant to be swallowed, and just imagine what would happen if your cat swallowed a mouthful. I brush my dogs teeth with special dog flavor toothpaste and I know they have some cat stuff out there too.
Reply:No it can be poisonous! Cats don't know how to spit it out like us!
Reply:no, no no no!! human toothpaste can seriously harm a cats teeth. but dont let this stop you from keeping your cat orally healthy, just go to your nearest pet store and buy some cat toothpaste, problem solved!
Reply:No, I would not do that. Ask the vet to recommend something for cats.
Reply:no, the flouride can harm or kill them. try petco or your vet for special toothpaste made just for them. and if you have used your toothpaste on them, take them to the vet just incase.
Reply:I would use human toothpaste sure get that stuff from china that's not safe for people.What the world need's is one less cat or 50 or more
Reply:buy pet toothpaste
Reply:Hi Nikki, Seattle has the best answer. I was going to send you to that video about getting your cats used to the tooth brushing routine.

If you want just a simple reason why you shouldn't use human toothpaste on your cat, just put some toothpaste on your finger and offer it to kitty for a sniff test. I have never owned a cat that didn't 1) want to know what I was doing when I was brushing my teeth. And 2) that didn't wince and pull away when they got a sniff of that minty stuff.

Anyway... here's the bigger issue. If your cat's teeth are showing plaque build up, or if kitty has bad breath. There's no amount of scrubbing you can do yourself to fix the problem. Your vet should take a look. They can clean things and do any dental work (tooth extraction.) This can be very expensive ($200) since they have to anesthetize your cat to do it.

Do you clean your cats teeth?

2010-05-21T18:38:00.002-07:00

Our vet actually gagged when she smelled our cats breath %26amp; asked if we brushed her teeth. We dont. (are you kidding? I can barely clean their ears!)

Do you clean your cats teeth?
we never cleaned our cats teeth now he is 17 and has no teeth because decay made them all fall out! you should brush your cats tteeth
Reply:if u want 2
Reply:We never had problems with teeth when using just a dry food. We have a sickly kitty that can't eat dry food at this time. Vet is going to teach me how to clean her teeth once we are past all this medication and she will be cleaning tarter off when we get her spayed. But, I don't plan to be cleaning the other kitties teeth. Too many kitties (they weren't adoptable due to mange, so we kept 'em all).
Reply:I had to take my Jazz to the vet to have his teeth clean because there is no way he let me do it, and cleaning his ears is a task too.
Reply:They have special "treats" for cats now that are tartar control...if your cat has a lot of buildup in her mouth you should probably take her to a professional to get them done....and what kind of food does she eat? she is more prone to tooth decay and general problems in the mouth with a wet food...feed her dry food.
Reply:you don't have to. but i would... its not an easy job.
Reply:call other vets and see if they will brush your cats teeth or try calling the local groomers
Reply:We wipe our cats teeth with soft gauze 1-2 times a week. The vet can show you how to do it.
Reply:i have a cat who is 8 nearly 9 years old... and we brush his teeth every month..

you need just an ordinary toothbrush, but whatever you do, dont use toothpaste!!!!

if you dont use toothpaste then the teeth will become much more stronger, and they wont fall out

asp

Can I help my cat when she's losing her baby teeth?

2010-05-21T18:38:00.001-07:00

My cat is about 6 months, and she just lost one of her front incisors while we were playing. Since she bit me when it came out, I noticed she is bleeding a little bit. Is there anything that I can do for her ... she doesn't appear to be in pain, but she's a little freaked out and I can't tell if the bleeding is going to be awhile. Any help would be great, thank you advance.

Can I help my cat when she's losing her baby teeth?
ignore the above poster, cats do in fact have baby teeth.

Most kittens lose their teeth while feeding, and swallow them, so you never actually see them lose them, but playing rough does it as well. Unless there is a large amount of blood that won't clot, don't worry about it. If the cat seems to be in pain, starts acting strange, or the bleeding doesn't stop, contact your vet.

If you are worried about it, you can open up it's mouth and take a look as well, make sure it wasn't a broken tooth, or see if it cut the inside of it's mouth. in most cases vet care isn't necessary though, kitties at that age are pretty resilient :p
Reply:as my grandma would say, use a dab of rum.
Reply:take her to a vet, he will know what to do :) there is an online vet: http://www.purinaone.com/online_vet.asp
Reply:VET?!
Reply:Nope - don't need to do a thing for kitty. In fact, if you look you'll probably see her adult incisor coming in. Cute! She'll be just fine.
Reply:Well, golly darn. Didn't know they had the things.

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?...
Reply:I agree with pink_tink
Reply:cats lose their baby teeth and its usually uneventful. The bleeding should stop in a few minutes. In the meantime spend some quiet time together and be calm and play gently. Feed canned food a day or 2 to rest the area. Check it for redness. Its going to be fine.
Reply:It doesn't really bother them that much. I've had four cats and barely ever noticed they were loosing their baby teeth until I'd find them on the floor. It might bleed a little, that's natural. It might have freaked her out because she was playing and only fell out because she bit down on you. Most will fall out naturally or while she's eating. if their is a lot of blood see a vet but otherwise she should be fine. Maybe leave her a few toys she likes to chew on. Try sticking one in the frig so it is cold for her to bite on. I don't suggest canned food like the person above me because once they try it a lot of cats will never want dry food again and wet food is a big pain.
Reply:i have never heard of cat or a dog losing their teeth take the kitty to the vet
Reply:All kittens have baby teeth and usually start losing them between 3 and 6 months of age. Relax - tt's a normal part of kittenhood. She's probably "a little freaked out" because you are. The bleeding should be minimal. It shouldn't slow her down one bit and feeding her usual food is fine.

Like previous posters have commented, you usually don't even know it's happened!
Reply:i was the same way but it is normal. My would get my cats straws (like 100) when I would go to fast food places for free and they love to chew on them. Try that it will be nice for her to have plus put some ice in her water bowl it will numb her gums.

Cats are very good at hiding pain. Even if their hurt its hard for us to ever know just bc they dont show it. But this is normal all cats go through it, they are ok. You may notice her sleeping a lot. When they teeth they sleep A LOT. That is really what helps the pain and new growing.

ANd their called milking teeth same thing as baby teeth and yes THEy do have them for the person who said they dont and yes they do come out and their adult teeth grow in. DOnt go to the vet its normal, lol.
Reply:Check the bottom of their food bowls. I have found several baby teeth there. I kept them as a kid, and even got the tooth fairy to leave me a quarter and my kitty a new toy.

Your kitty is fine and think of this as a few extra days of one less tooth mark embedded in your skin. Soon she will have all new teeth to chew on you with.
Reply:I get nervous, too, but the cat is fine. Since they don't usually fall out in such a dramatic way, you and kitty must have been startled.

I tend to run to the vet- simply because they have the best info. This is easier if you have a reasonable vet who doesn't overcharge (like mine). But you may not want to make a separate trip, so next time you go for an exam write down all your questions so you're prepared and have a discussion about how kitty will develop and what you need to do. So cute! Good luck.
Reply:ummmmmmm.... cats dont have baby teeth!

or at least mine never did

maybe it just fell off from playing too hard

What if my cat eats one of her teeth?

2010-05-21T18:38:00.000-07:00

One of my kittens lost one of her teeth, and I found it. Of course, in losing that tooth that was the signal she could be spayed, but when I mentioned it to my vet, she said it was unusual to find a tooth, as they usually swallow it, probably recapturing the calcium.

What if my cat eats one of her teeth?
normal. nothing will happen.. if she appears weird, bring her to a vet immediately.
Reply:why would she eat her teeth lol?! most of the time it would just pass straight through her like if you ever swallowed a tooth when you were little but if shes acting strangely get her checked at the vets just in case!
Reply:Nothing. Happens all the time, it's where a lot of cat's and dog's baby teeth go. They are digestible.

Chalice
Reply:She will just poop it out, no need to worry.

Does anyone else have a cat/kitten with two canine teeth on the top?My kitten does.He is 4 months old.?

2010-05-17T21:01:00.002-07:00

He's growing in his adult teeth and his baby teeth have not fallen out yet. They will though and your kitty will only have 2 upper canines.

Also... cats don't needs shots to kill tapeworm. They need a pill called Drontal from the vet. I hope you were just mistaken.

Does anyone else have a cat/kitten with two canine teeth on the top?My kitten does.He is 4 months old.?
He's got his baby teeth and permanent teeth in at the same time. If the baby teeth don't fall out on their own soon then you need to have the vet pull them.
Reply:The extra canines are retained baby teeth. If he doesn't lose them in the next month take him to the vet and get them removed. I had to do that for one of my females. If they're left in it can affect their bite and eating.
Reply:He should be loosing his baby teeth right about this time, what you see is his old teeth and the new adult teeth coming in. Give it a week, there'll only be one on each side.
Reply:I have a cat who when he was that age, his adult canine teeth came in and the baby ones didn't fall out right away. By 6 months he was ok. I hear that sometimes they have to remove the baby teeth, but most often they do fall out on their own. Keep an eye on it and ask the vet. He could fix this while doing the neuter-if he isn't neutered already.
Reply:A couple people have anwsered your question, the adult teeth are coming in and the babies haven't fallen out. If you haven't had him neutered yet, have the vet take them out at that time. It happen a lot in puppies %26amp; kittens. If you have already have the surgery, you need to take him back %26amp; have them pulled. :)
Reply:Definitely take him to the vet. My youngest cat had this problem. When I called the vet, they said over the phone that they'll usually fall out by themselves, but I'm very protective of my animals, and I didn't want him to be uncomfortable, so I took him to the vet anyway. Well, they told me it was good that I did, because his baby teeth weren't even loose, so they probably would have never fallen out on their own.

It was a simple surgery, and I was able to take him home the same day.
Reply:Every pet is diffrent. It is not a problem. If you get to worried call a vet and ask.

How come this cat loves to put her teeth throu and put lots of little holes in her cloth play house.?

2010-05-17T21:01:00.001-07:00

I guess it;s a cat thing.I have a cat named beans as she;s full of beans and she;ll chew on anything; wood; wire;sheets ,She has even chewed Thur 3 telephone wires.I thought rats were the only animals to chew; but there are a few cats that love to do it als,,,,Lots of luck and enjoy your little friend,

How come this cat loves to put her teeth throu and put lots of little holes in her cloth play house.?
Is it cardboard inside? Cats love to pop their teeth through cardboard- not really sure why, just another kitty thing I guess.

flip flops

Is your cat clean? everywhere?? and the teeth???

2010-05-17T21:01:00.000-07:00

http://www.screensavershot.com/animals/c...

Is your cat clean? everywhere?? and the teeth???
my cat likes to roll in the dirt in my driveway. Then she likes to drink the toilet water, and lick herself.

Then she likes to catch bugs, and eat those too. Sometimes the bugs make her throw up.

So yeah, probably not.
Reply:yes aswel behind the ears
Reply:yes she sure is mr bush
Reply:My cat is sooooo clean that he is spotless......so spotless that he cannot even be seen.

It's almost like there isn't even a cat around.
Reply:Cats Suck....Dogs Rock N Yea My Dog's So Clean Everywhere....
Reply:I voted for you!!!

And no, the filthy thing stinks.
Reply:Yep, even sliced mine open and gave its spleen a good wipe down.
Reply:That picture is CUTE! But I don't have a cat........
Reply:Yeah, she licks her own bottom, so she's dead clean!
Reply:my cat even licks its choclate starfish (_!_) so yes its clean.
Reply:yes they are
Reply:Awww that’s so cute…na my cat has smelly breath that’s her way of getting noticed :D
Reply:Yes thats why i call her fluzzy. "really"
Reply:Toothpaste for cats - kittydent maybe?

Cats teeth?

2010-05-17T21:00:00.003-07:00

Is it possible for 2 cats that are the same age for one to lose it's baby teeth a few months before the other one or are they defenitly not the same age then? By the way they are both supposedly 6 and a half months.

Cats teeth?
Yeh its perfectly normal, they are the same age, they just have different growth rates. You could have two twin babies, one could have a loose tooth and be brave enough to tug on it and fall out, another could be very painful for the baby and it waits a while until even touching the tooth again. They are still the same age. :)

Did cat need to brushing their teeth? if yes, what do I have to do or buy?

2010-05-17T21:00:00.002-07:00

It is a good idea to regularly brush your cat's teeth.

In the wild, cats' teeth are cleaned by eating the muscle meat and bones of their prey. Domestic cats, unless they are fed a raw diet, don't get that benefit.

DRY FOOD DOESN'T CLEAN THE TEETH. Nor will so-called "dental treats" since they're just crunchy bits as well.

There are alternatives to brushing, but nothing is as good. There are supplements you can add to the water or to the food, and there are even products you can get from your vet, I think it's called Oravet, that you rub on their gums once a week.

Another alternative is to feed chicken necks. I've started doing this.

But brushing (outside of a whole prey diet) is the very best.

Or you can do absolutely nothing and hope for the best. But at some point your cat will need a cleaning, and that COSTS. Prices vary, but I've heard fees between $200 and $1,000 depending on what needs to be done.

Did cat need to brushing their teeth? if yes, what do I have to do or buy?
no..just buy regular cat food..nothing what you eat..ex.chicken...
Reply:Not usually, in the wild cats would be eating fresh prey, in which the bones would clean their teeth. Just feed your cat dry cat food every second meal and give it raw chicken with bones to help keep the cats teeth healthy and clean
Reply:Cats don't need their teeth brushed. However, cats do get tarter build up on their teeth which can lead to tooth loss, gingivitus, and other dental problems. You should get a teeth cleaning from a vet every so often.
Reply:No, if they want their teeth brushed, make them do it themselves like they do out in the wild.

My cat has only a couple teeth and i'm wondering if?

2010-05-17T21:00:00.001-07:00

it's bad for her cause see i adopted her,she was hit by a car as a kitten,her jaw was wired shut and she 's completely deaf,so no

one wanted her so i adopted her,she's a sweet heart,now she cant chew hard food though,she just swollows it,is that bad for her? I mix the dry with wet food,but she needs to eat hard food.She's 3 yrs old now.

My cat has only a couple teeth and i'm wondering if?
If she's happy and your happy I don't see any problem. I glad to see your heart is so big that you gave her a home despite her limits.You are awesome.
Reply:Is there a medical reason that she needs to eat kibble? Cats, especially with only a few teeth are usually fed only canned. It contains all the nutrients that your cat needs. If it's a soft stool problem, stay away from fish and liver, feeding mostly turkey, chicken and beef on occasion. Swallowing the kibble whole is not the best for digestive comfort. I have raised cats on only canned food, they were healthy and lived long active lives. Good luck. I

It's wonderful that you took this cat into your home.
Reply:Cats that have zero teeth have no problem with dry kibble. Even cats who have all their teeth more often than not simply swallow most of the dry kibble and break apart actually fewer pieces than you might expect. Most dry kibble is not as hard as you might think. There are some semi-moist varieties that are quite soft if you are concerned. But if there are no problems with what you are feeding now, there is no reason to be concerned.

If you are mixing wet with dry, you cannot let it stand for more than an hour or so, or it will spoil.
Reply:most cats with all their teeth don't chew kibble. It is one of the reasons (just one) that it is a myth that dry food is good for a cat's dental health.

While I don't advocate feeding dry food (more on that in a bit) there is nothing wrong with her eating it that way.

However, I stopped feeding dry food a while ago when I did research on feline nutrition for my diabetic cat. More and more studies are showing that dry food isn't that nutritious, and people are starting to equate it to McDonald's food for humans. It works, but there is so much better.

http://www.catinfo.org is a site run by a vet. She explains it very well..

men dress shoes

My cat is 2 years old and her teeth are falling out? What do you think it is?

2010-05-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

2 front teeth on the bottom and one front tooth on the top.

My cat is 2 years old and her teeth are falling out? What do you think it is?
Two years old is young for gum disease, but it does happen. You need to take her to the vet for an exam and a dental cleaning... now. (My Siamese needed his first dental at the age of 3, and he had to have a couple of extractions. He was on a dry food diet at the time.)

If you're feeding dry food, you may want to consider switching to a high-quality canned food. (Dry food is NOT "better for their teeth".)
Reply:I am not a veterinarian (not yet anyways) I have heard of cat's teeth falling out because of Kitty Lukimina, You need to see a vet asap! Other symptoms can be weight loss and being lethargic.
Reply:You should take her to the vet as soon as possible. That is definately not normal.
Reply:omfg... SHES GROWING UP YOU IMBACILE!!! DIDN'T YOUR TEETH FALL OUT?
Reply:Quite possibly gum disease. Take kitty to the vet and find out what the problem is. Does she have bad breath, too? What food have you been giving her? Feeding a cat on only tinned, wet stuff is not good for them - they need a hard kibble to crunch, raw chicken wings (NEVER give a cat or dog cooked bones), or such like so that they can keep their teeth healthy.
Reply:I am no expert on dental problems in cats. Have you tried to examine her gums and teeth? I know that could be hard to do with a cat! Normally the adults do not just start losing teeth.

I really would suggest a trip to her vet. It could be a gum disease or underlying medical cause. Her teeth should not be in too bad shape at age 2, especially if she has a dry food diet to help clean them. Has her breath odor changed that might indicate infection/gum disease??

Don't risk it. See a vet.
Reply:could be a variety of things - illness or advanced gum disease. take it to a vet if you haven't already - don't wait for it to lose more teeth.
Reply:feed it soft science diet food and see a vet asap
Reply:You're asking this online instead of going to the vet?

Cat tooth problem!?

2010-05-17T20:59:00.003-07:00

my cat spottedleaf lost a tooth should i leave it and wait till the new tooth comes in or should i just go to the vet??

Cat tooth problem!?
Is this a kitten we're talking about or an adult cat?

In the absence of an answer to that question, yes, if it is a kitten losing deciduous teeth is normal and no you do not need to take your cat to the vet.

If your cat is an adult, the LEAST of your worries is jagged edge of a partially lost tooth. What you need to be concerned about is oral infection, decay, and disease that caused it to fall out in the first place. In this case, YES, please see your vet asap, and put aside a few bucks to have the rest of the teeth cleaned, evaluated, and removed properly if necessary.
Reply:faithE-i'm SO sorry!

I was gonna pick you as best answer but i waited too long and i couldnt do it-SORRY! Report It

Reply:Kittens loose their baby teeth, but an adult cat over a year old won't be having another set of teeth coming in if they loose a tooth.

If the tooth was broken out, the vet would need to see that all the root came out so there's no infection. If it snapped off, they'll have to go get the extra pieces.
Reply:Losing a tooth can happen... usually its only an issue if the tooth is still partially in the mouth but broken- because the sharp edges can cut a pets mouth. The vet wont be able to grow your cat a new tooth, but they can at least take a look and make sure the hole left in the mouth doesnt get infected.
Reply:If your cat is a kitten, she will grow a new one and she has just lost her baby tooth.

If your cat is an adult, she has lost one of her adult teeth and this will not grow back. It would be a good idea to take her to the vet to ensure the entire tooth has come out rather than part of it to ensure she does not wind up with an infection in her gums.
Reply:Kittens lose baby teeth just like we do, but if you're concerned, call the vet and talk to them before you waste the money. If it's an older cat, then by all means, call right away.
Reply:Hello.

First, I love the name of your cat. Warriors fan, are you? :)

Secondly, is this a kitten who lost a baby tooth? If so, don't worry about it. The loose all their baby teeth just like a child.

If this is an older cat who has lost an adult tooth, then it won't grow back. But there has to be a reason for it falling out.

Injuries are an obvious reason. i.e. the tooth was cracked and fell out, or broke out.

Another reason is periodontal disease. Teeth become infected and gums inflammed. Teeth often abscess and can fall out as well.

The problem with adult teeth falling out is that oftentimes the entire root doesn't come out with it. This leads to further problems as bits of root (these teeth have large root systems) stay in the socket and can rot causing further infections and pain.

If this is an adult cat that has lost a tooth, I'd take it to the vet. If you still have the tooth, it'd be good to save it and take it with you as well, in a little baggie. That way the vet can see if the entire root/roots have come out with it.

Also, the vet will be able to check the rest of the teeth to see if they have issues, and address the reason/reasons why this tooth fell out in the first place.

I hope this has helped some. Again, I love the name of your cat! Perhaps Firestar may be encountered some day too. :)

Sneezing cat...could it be her teeth again?

2010-05-17T20:59:00.002-07:00

i am not sure about the cold but you definitely have to take her to the vets you never know what could be happening if only they could talk :(

Sneezing cat...could it be her teeth again?
Cats do get colds but you should still take her to be checked out just in case it is the teeth. i have a 5month old kitten and when he was 9 weeks old he showed roughly the same symptons he was rushed to the vet and nearly died as he was so young and so poorly he had gotten dihidrated as the breeder hadnt weened him properly but as you've had her a while this is very unlikely to be the case! good luck x
Reply:Yeah, of course. My cat gets a cold at least 2 times a year, and she's vaccinated and all. It's normal, unless it lasts more than 5 days.

Cat scratched me with its teeth no cut but it that bad??

2010-05-17T20:59:00.001-07:00

i have no cut just kinda reddish is it bad or will i be ok??

Cat scratched me with its teeth no cut but it that bad??
just keep an eye on it, you should be fine, clean it with peroxide a few times a day and use triple antibiotic ointment on it
Reply:You'll be okay
Reply:Yes you will be fine me cats scratch me all the time
Reply:Hope your cat's has had it's shots? Suggest you clean your wound by washing w/soap %26amp; water, then swab w/alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, if you have it. Put on some antibiotic cream or similiar. It should be better, watch out for signs of infection, k?
Reply:yeah u'll be fine - u should see my scratches and cuts from where my kittens attack whilst I'm sleeping1
Reply:No worries, gee, I've been scratched, bitten, mauled and none worse for wear.

Still here!
Reply:youll b fine! just clean it up good and you will b fine! dont get so nervious nelly!!
Reply:It just gets red and swells up slightly because white blood cells rush to the area to combat anything from the outside that could get into your bloodstream through the cut. The redness will go away when the cut completely heals up, but it wouldn't hurt to keep it clean.
Reply:If you do not know the cat and it is a stray it could be a rabies carrier. Take no chances and ask your family Dr. what to do.
Reply:I think you will be fine mine scratch me all the time. Just wash it with soap and warm water then maybe put antibiotics on it.
Reply:I would try and find out if it is the neighbor's cat, and if so is it vaccinated? If it is a stray, I would try and catch it in a humane trap and have it observed for 10 days (I believe this is the length of time to observe for Rabies).

Since the wound isn't a puncture, and from the sound of it didn't draw blood your risk level is probably minimal, but still there was contact with the animal's saliva. I would be careful and go to the doctor if you start feeling ill.
Reply:you should be fine its probably red because the cat probably almost scratched you

Food

How many teeth dose an adult cat have?

2010-05-17T20:59:00.000-07:00

30 total. (4 canines, 12 incisors, 10 premolars, 4 molars)

here's a picture of them:

http://www.pawsonline.info/teeth.htm

How many teeth dose an adult cat have?
an adult cat should have about 30 teeth

My cat lost 2 of his "canine" teeth. Should I be worried?

2010-05-17T20:58:00.002-07:00

He is only about 7 to 8 months old, and eats both dry and wet food.

I recently found one of his teeth, and noticed he doesn't have canine's (also known as "fangs") on either side of his bottom jaw.

Should I be concerned or were they just baby teeth that will grow back?

And does this affect his ability to eat?

My cat lost 2 of his "canine" teeth. Should I be worried?
Baby teeth do have to come out for the new ones to grow in. Sometimes you can see the new tooth sliding in next to the old one, but usually they fall out unnoticed or even get swallowed by the kitten.

For baby teeth, it's normal. Once he has his adult teeth in, though, loosing one can be a warning that there's possibly mouth problems, his teeth should be checked every vet visit.

Even toothless cats can eat, don't worry.
Reply:You should take him to a vet to get a check up that doesn't happen normally!
Reply:Sounds like baby teeth, but that's a little old to lose them. Check with your vet.
Reply:just baby teeth, they'll grow back soon,

this probably will effect his ability to eat, id give him a little bit more wet food for now, but no concerns
Reply:No worries! Baby teeth...he may not eat as much dry food while teething but will be back to normal ASAP. Save the Vet bill.
Reply:It's not unusual for older cats to lose teeth, especially the small ones in the front. That's because they are not deeply rooted and can fall out. It's not at uncommon to see all those teeth missing in elderly cats. However, in the case of your cat, he is a bit old to be losing baby teeth. Could he be a bit younger than you think he is? That's because it sounds to me like he is losing those teeth because they are baby teeth and new ones are growing in.
Reply:if they don't start growing back then take him to a vet he's a baby so this will useally happen i wouldn't be to worried it's like humans when we lose one of our front teeth we usally lose the other sometime after
Reply:Cats normally loose baby teeth at around 3 months of age so it is abnormal for an 8 month old cat to loose teeth. When baby teeth are lost the adult teeth are visible pushing through so the cat does not appear to be without teeth. If your cat is 8 months old and has lost teeth then this is worrying and not normal. There is an autoimmune disease in cats which causes them to loose teeth and can develop into a generalised problem with the inside of the mouth including ulcers and difficulties eating. Cats have also been known to unexpectedly loose teeth when they have facial tumours growing in their jaws. You should seek veterinary advice.

What do you do when you're short on money and your cats teeth start to rot away?

2010-05-17T20:58:00.001-07:00

i recently was able to capture my cat, i gave her a bath, clipped her nails, and cleaned her ears and when i was getting to her teeth i realized one of her fangs was missing, her gum was swollen, and she wasn't eating as well, i am short on cash and believe me i am willing to do anything to get her to a vet ASAP, but i have to wait till the end of the week when the check comes in, or is there any other way to get her to a vet and pay back later? does banfield [[however u spell it, animal hospital in petsmarts]]have any programs to suit my situation?

What do you do when you're short on money and your cats teeth start to rot away?
Banfields does not have a program to suit your situation, but you can check out your local animal shelters. Here in Jacksonville, both our Humane Society and Animal Control provide low cost vet care to the financially disadvantaged.
Reply:Get her to the vet. Many will bill you later if you have been a good client in the past (if you don't pay the bill timely they won't give you the benefit next time so don't goof around and wait when they send the bill). Or use a credit card if you can. But your cat is hurting so don't wait.
Reply:Call around and describe what is wrong with your cat, ask if you can be put on a payment plan or defer payment. Your cat needs to be seen as soon as you can get her there so she doesn't lose wight from not eating.
Reply:If you do not have the money you borrow it, but you do not put off saving an animal which is your responsibility from pain.
Reply:Call your local humane society and ask if they have a list of vets or different groups who will help you work out some sort of payment plan. Many times the ASPCA will do it for free or very little cost.
Reply:Explain to them what you have said here. If necessary, go to a check-cashing place (where you can write a check, they give you cash, and hold your check until the time agreed on) to get money. Your kitty needs to have her mouth checked out and get antibiotics for the infection before it gets worse!!!

If you are established with a vet, he/she will likely set up a payment plan with you. Get your cat to the vet TODAY!!! In the meantime, give your kitty soft food from a can or pouch to eat.

Good luck!!
Reply:get her to a vet Or since your short on cash you can go to a local vet place and buy a kitty toothbrush and special cat toothpaste. my cat had really bad teeth but now their great since I started to use the toothbrush and toothpaste
Reply:OK, she needs treatment. It is a sad thing indeed that health care is so expensive. The teeth will fall off. I go for alternative medicine because I don't have the bucks or rather the bucks I had where taken away to blow missiles at people I don't even know, anyway, whether you go for alternative or regular, the bad condition has to be sorted. I don't know what to tell you. When I really need money it shows up. All the best.
Reply:Yea, she'll need to see the vet, and you need to be sure she eats (soft canned food until the problem is fixed?). We took in a cat that has seen some better days, and he now has NO teeth. They were removed in 3 separate operations. The cost was never too horrible. He had his main fangs removed in the first visit, and one was already gone so they cleaned out the socket so it wouldn't be red and swollen anymore. He's a tough cat... he must have been like that for a year or so. All the cats we have tolerate pain so well. Almost too well. Just wanted you to know that as long as you fix it as soon as you can, it 's not the end of the world for ms. kitty. They're tough. Just keep an eye on her.
Reply:you can call a vet and tell them what is going on they may let you pay on time good luck with your kitty

How safe is it for an 11 year old cat to have its teeth cleaned under anesthesia?

2010-05-17T20:58:00.000-07:00

As long as he/she is healthy otherwise most vets would clean the teeh under light anesthesia. The vet I work for would definitely recommend pre-anesthetic bloodwork before the procedue to make sure the liver and kidneys are functioning properly

How safe is it for an 11 year old cat to have its teeth cleaned under anesthesia?
Fairly safe. There are still risks, they may want to do an IV and/or a catheter, and they may not want to keep him under as long, but they do this regularly and usually without problems.

I commend you for taking care of your cat so well!
Reply:IT IS TOTALLY SAFE AND LESS STRESSFUL FOR THE ANIMAL. AS LONG AS YOU TRUST YOUR VET AND HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THEM, ANESTHESIA IS NOT BAD AND CAN ACTUALLY BE BETTER BECAUSE THE ANIMAL DOESN'T GET AS STRESSED OUT FROM THE PROCEDURE.
Reply:you should be safe but if you are a paranoid mum i'd recommend doing some pre-anesthetic blood work to check liver and kidney function so then your vet can plan accordingly :) i did a dental on my cat when he was 16. after doing bloodwork we realised his kidneys were slowing down so we had him on iv fluids and he pulled through just fine.
Reply:Once a cat reaches the age of 7, they should have a complete blood workup, called "geriatric profile". It's done every year when she gets her shots. My 16 y.o. is having dental work done, and the vet said it's fine, as long as the bloodwork is OK.
Reply:If your cat is otherwise healthy, it should be safe.

Some vets prefer to do blood work when working with older cats though, especially if they don't have Kitty's medical history on hand.
Reply:Your vet already should have told you he would do blood work up and exam, and whatever else is necessary. After that it should be OK. If not you need a new vet.

ladies dress shoes

What is the best way to clean your cats teeth.?

2010-05-17T20:57:00.003-07:00

My vet said my cat had too much tarter on his teeth...what is the best way to clan them? Thanks.

What is the best way to clean your cats teeth.?
Hi there...I thought I'd include a helpful website below that shows photos on how to brush your kitties teeth with step-by-step instructions as well. Be sure to use cat toothpaste (found at any pet store) and NOT human toothpaste. The human variety is very toxic to our pets.

How to Brush Your Cats Teeth

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/articl...
Reply:I use a toothbrush...no big deal...my cat likes it...good luck with yours.
Reply:TOOTH BRUSH, that's common sense!!!!
Reply:"Clan them"? "White teeth"?

Racist!
Reply:The easiest way to clean your cats teeth is to take it to the vet.
Reply:Make sure you use only pet toothpaste,wait till the cat is calm put some on your finger first massage around till the cat gets used to it,then brush the teeth,make sure you praise the cat %26amp;give it a treat when done.
Reply:There are special treats that clean their teeth
Reply:Being a licensed vet tech, I would say the best way to clean your cat's teeth would be to take it to the vet and have them do it. They will be able to get them totally clean for you and remove all the plaque and tatar. They have special tools, like your dentist does, to clean its teeth with. They also are able to apply flouride and other things when they are done to help reduce the speed at which the tartar builds up again. Once you have gotten that done, you can clean your cat's teeth by using a tooth brush (the finger brush works best) and pet tooth paste. This may take some time to get your cat used to it. Just progress slowly and persistantly. Start out with just the tooth paste on your finger or the brush and just letting the cat lick it off. When it's comfortable with that, you can move on to putting the brush in its mouth and so on. DO NOT move on to the next step until your cat is comfortable with the current one. If your cat wont let you brush its teeth or you don't want to get that close to its mouth, they also have flouride type stuff you can squirt in their mouth, treats that have special enzymes in them that will help reduce tartar, and this stuff you can put in their water. They also have special food made specifically to help reduce the speed at which tartar builds up on your pets teeth. None of these products will totally get rid of the tartar, but they will help slow down the build-up process. The only way to get rid of it, is to take it to the vet and have them clean them when it starts to build-up again. You can ask them if they think it's time to do them again at your cat's annual check up.
Reply:I would ask my vet or go to pet co where the pets go
Reply:Brushing, if kitty will allow it. Some will.

My vet once told me that she doesn't usually recommend that her clients brush their cats' teeth because of the danger of injury.

I said I didn't know you could injure a cat when brushing its teeth.

She said she didn't mean the cat...

Still, maybe your cat is one who would go along with it.

If not, dental treats have some value - if kitty will munch them. Some cats love 'em, but none of my cats had any interest in any of the many types I tried.

If all else fails, a dental proxy by a vet every couple years might be the best you can do. You should probably do that anyway...

Is it tru that u can clean cats' teeth w/baking soda?

2010-05-17T20:57:00.002-07:00

my cat's having problems w/her teeth so i wanna attempt to clean them (even though even the vet said it's impossible)

Is it tru that u can clean cats' teeth w/baking soda?
HI there...cats need cleaning enzymes in order to remove the tartar/plaque build-up on their teeth.

Consider purchasing a toothpaste made for cats (one brand is called Petrodex: http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/pet... ) which is very inexpensive and includes a toothbrush in the kit.

Here's an instructional video on how to brush cats teeth by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: http://www.felinevideos.vet.cornell.edu/...
Reply:Good luck, and pass the bandaids....
Reply:Give her a bone with some meat on it. That's the natural way for cats to clean their teeth. I'm with the first responder. You'll only succeed in getting hurt if you try to clean a cat's teeth.
Reply:i give mine dental treats
Reply:I don't know about that.....brushing is certainly good for them but I would stick with a meat flavored toothpaste if you use anything.

On second thought, I misread your question. The answer is no, you cannot replace the dental cleaning your vet can give. There is much you can do to prevent future problems, but if your cat's teeth need a cleaning, the vet needs to do it.
Reply:it would do the same amount of good as if you put baking soda on your own teeth. try Dental Fresh from Petsmart. you put a drop of the green liquid into her water bowl
Reply:No. Baking soda contains sodium and would be a health hazard. You can buy tooth paste formulated for animals, but good luck using it unless it's something you start when they are very young.

I have a 6 year old cat and noticed her teeth have yellowed and her gums are red I have always fed her dry foo

2010-05-17T20:57:00.001-07:00

She has gingivitis, infected gums, and you need to get her to a vet.

Left untreated, gingivitis will cause the loss of her teeth. Worse, the infection will eventually go systemic and could lead to fatal heart disease.

BTW, it's a myth that dry food is good for cats teeth. Cats don't have molars, so they don't chew like we do. When they bite into chunks of dry food with their pointed canines or sharp-edged pre-molars the bits shatter and they swallow the bits. They don't grind the bits into an abrasive paste like we would, since that would require flat-surfaced molars, and so dry food does almost nothing to help clean their teeth.

Dry food isn't good for cats anyway, at least not as a major portion of their diet. It's mostly grain, and cats are obligate carnivores. They lack the digestive enzymes required to digest grain and other plant proteins. All they can do is turn it into fat, then live off the fat as if they were starving. This can lead to all sorts of problems as they get older.

Check this out for information about properly feeding a cat:

http://www.catinfo.org

And get kitty to a vet pronto, while she still has her teeth and before those infected gums poison her heart!

I have a 6 year old cat and noticed her teeth have yellowed and her gums are red I have always fed her dry foo
Colgate works best for my Betsie
Reply:start feeding her canned cat food
Reply:maybe her teeth need to be cleaned!! (more often?)

red gums are a sign of stuff like gum disease.
Reply:its all about rogain!
Reply:Buy some cat toothpaste %26amp; a toothbrush. Otherwise, spend a hundred bucks on getting the teeth cleaned by your vet.
Reply:maybe she has gingivitis lol
Reply:Get your cat to the vet. Red gums are a sign of infection. An infection can lead to an abscess and serious trouble for the cat. Get the cat checked out now before it becomes a bigger and costlier issue than it already is. Good Luck!
Reply:She probably has a gum infection. Take her to a vet to have her checked out.
Reply:Take her to the Vet. She needs her teeth cleaned. Animals can get gum disease just like humans.
Reply:well feed her canned food and brush her teeth more often!!!
Reply:It sounds like you need to make a trip to the vets...It is hard to diagnose without the proper examinations and or tests.
Reply:Your cat needs a dental cleaning at your veterinarian. Even feeding your cat dry food (the best thing you can do for their dental health) can not completely save their oral health. Like humans, pets teeth will build up tarter and plaque. When enough tarter has built up, it will often cause gingavitis (the red gums on your cat indicate this). Gingivitis is an infection of the gums by bacteria-which is what tarter is. While you can treat this infection with an antibiotic like clavamox, it will come back immediately after you have finished antibiotics if your cat's teeth aren't cleaned. Also, tarter build up can lead to more serious oral health problems, and even to more serious health concerns. So, while its not an emergency, you should go to your vet and set up having your cat's teeth cleaned in the next month or so. Be prepared, dental cleaning for pets must be done under general anesthesia, so you will most likely spend $100-$200 or so.
Reply:Cats teeth like humans can get plaque, and gingivitis. The red gums are an indicator of gingivitis and the yellow is probably plaque. The only way to remove the plaque and start treating the gingivitis is through a dental cleaning. The cleaning requires general anesthetic. Some people will say they can do a cleaning without anesthetic but be cautious they are unable to clean below the gum line which is where gingivitis occurs.

Once the cleaning is performed you can start on routine care, teeth brushing 1-2 week and oral supplements like greenies for teeth and other products recommended by your veterinarian.
Reply:She has gingivitis, brush her teeth with specialized toothbrush and paste, not human it will make her sick. or have ur vet clean her teeth, and he could brush them for u too if u don't want to.
Reply:She probably has gum disease! Take her to the vet ASAP!
Reply:She's got an excessive build up of tartar, which is leading to gum disease. Get her to her vet, and make an appointment for her teeth to be cleaned. Most cats don't like having their teeth cleaned if it hadn't been cultivated in them since young. The teeth cleaning is done under general anaesthesia to prevent your cat from getting frightened and traumatised.

The vet should also be able to advise you on proper teeth and mouth care then, as well as advise you on how to care for her gum disease.

Also, you need to give your cat a more balanced diet. Dry food usually isn't enough. You need to give her enough nutrients for keeping her teeth and gums in tip top condition. You need to read the labels on the cat food properly to ensure she's getting what she needs.

Good luck.
Reply:take her to the vet to get her teeth cleaned

My 1.5 yr old indoor cat has really yellow teeth. So yellow it's almost scary. What could be the problem?

2010-05-17T20:57:00.000-07:00

I've noticed that some cats tend to have more build up on their teeth than others. My vet told me that one cause is a lot of moist cat food. If you feed more dry, sometimes this helps clean off the tartar. However, gum disease is a major cause of liver and kidney disease in cats, so since you have such a young cat, I would have the vet clean her teeth. They have to be given anesthesia to do it, but a young cat should be fine with it. This could prevent bigger problems down the line. Good luck.

My 1.5 yr old indoor cat has really yellow teeth. So yellow it's almost scary. What could be the problem?
You can go to the vet and get her checked out along w/her teeth cleaned. That will probably be your best bet if you are worried abt it.
Reply:I've never seen your cat, so I can't say w/ 100% certainty, but it sounds like tartar build up. Sounds like you need to bring her to the vet to have her teeth cleaned.
Reply:yum diseased
Reply:You can get kitty toothpaste. You should clean your cat's teeth and feed it hard food to help with cleaning. Most cats love tooth treats.
Reply:Cats, like humans, have tartar buildup on their teeth called plaque. An accumulation of plaque can lead to peridontal (gum) problems, and the eventual loss of teeth.

Plaque is a whitish-yellow deposit. Cats seem to accumulate plaque primarily on the exterior face of their upper teeth. Reddened gum lines can indicate irritation from plaque.

Some cats are more prone to plaque buildup than others. Some never need dental care, others need to have their teeth cleaned at regular intervals. Many vets encourage you to bring your cat in annually for teeth cleaning, using a general anesthetic. The cost, which can be considerable, and the risk of the anesthesia itself are both good incentives for doing some cat dental care at home.

If you must have the vet clean your cat's teeth, see if your vet is willing to try a mild sedative (rather than putting the cat under entirely) first when cleaning the teeth. If your cat is an older cat (5 years or more) and it must be put under, see if the vet will use a gas anesthesia rather than an injected form.

What you can do:

Brush your cat's teeth once a week. Use little cat toothbrushes, or soft child-size toothbrushes, and edible cat toothpaste (available at most vets or pet stores).

Cats often hate to have their teeth brushed, so you may have to use a bath towel straightjacket and a helper. If you are skilled and have a compliant cat, you can clean its teeth using the same type of tool the human dentist does.

Beauty

At what age does a kitten/cat lose their baby teeth?

2010-05-17T20:56:00.003-07:00

Kittens have 26 deciduous (baby) teeth. They are the incisors, canines, and premolars. The incisors first appear at 2 to 3 weeks of age followed by the canines at 3 to 4 weeks of age and the premolars around 5 to 6 weeks of age. The age when teeth start to appear can be influenced by breed, environment, nutrition, and season of the year. Kittens will start to lose their baby teeth when the permanent teeth begin to erupt, usually beginning around 3 to 4 months of age. By 7 months off age the cat's adult teeth are fully developed

At what age does a kitten/cat lose their baby teeth?
I don't think they do.
Reply:My kitten is 5 months old and has about 1/2 of her adult teeth now. They should be done at 6months.
Reply:They don't lose their teeth until they get really old.
Reply:they don't loose their teeth...until they grow old or they fight
Reply:mine is about 4 or 5 mths %26amp; her front small teeth came out %26amp; are growing back.
Reply:At around 4 months,they will start to lose the top and bottom front teeth,and by the time they are six months,they will have lost all of their teeth and gotten new ones.They get their canines ( fangs) last.
Reply:Kittens start to loose their teeth around 4-5 months of age. You might never notice. I happened to be around while my kittens were losing some of their baby teeth. When they start to move their jaw a lot, constantly licking, clicking then they have some loose tooths that are ready to come out.

Provide medium thickness straws (MickeyD's size, In-N-Out straws, nothing too skinny, boba straws work too) for the cat to chew on. They like that. Also they will chew / pierce into cardboard box edges.

What causes abrasion in a cat's gums or teeth?

2010-05-17T20:56:00.002-07:00

Your question is open to interpretation. My answer assumes you mean "irritation" and you are guessing that it comes from "abrasion" (such as might happen to people who brush their gums too hard with a tooth brush, or scratch their gums with a toothpick).

The most likely causes of irritated gums are gingivitis (an infection of the gums causing them to look irritated and bleed easily), or allergy or toxic reaction to eating something the cat shouldn't eat (some plants are toxic to cats).

Your vet can help you figure out what might be the problem and may recommend having the cat's teeth cleaned if gingivitis is the culprit.

Some things you can try on your own include changing the type of food you feed your cat. Cats who eat crunchy/hard cat food have cleaner teeth than those who eat moist or canned food. If you have house plants, check to see if they've been nibbled/eaten and if so, move them someplace inaccessible to your cat.

What causes abrasion in a cat's gums or teeth?
It could be a medical condition like Feline Leukemia or FIV. I would get her to a vet so she/he can be tested for both.

Would it hurt my cat to brush her teeth with human toothpaste? If so, how can I freshen her breath without $$?

2010-05-17T20:56:00.001-07:00

People tooth paste is not good for dogs or cats. It can make them sick. I understand you don't want to spend a lot of money so why don't you try going to the vet to see what they have to offer in their store. I use CET chews. My cats love them. Apparently they taste good and you can give them to the cat once a day or ever few days. There are also a variety of rinses you can use and there is also the stuff that you put in her water. Pet tooth paste doesn't cost that much. Keep in mind that you don't have to brush the inside of your cat's teeth like we do. Just brusth the out side and you don't have to brush them for as long as 2 minutes. A quick wipe is good.

You might want to get your cat's teeth looked at by a vet to determine if she has bad teeth. If she has bad teeth, no amount of brushing or rinsing is going to get rid of the bad breath. She will need a dental to help get rid of bad breath. Check with the vet to see if they offer discounts. February is usually dental month for vets and they usually have discounts at that time.

All of the above is information I learned while working for a vet in the last 10 years. Remember, if your cat has bad teeth, the only way to fix the bad breath is by doing a dental. The other stuff is mainly preventative.

Good luck!

Would it hurt my cat to brush her teeth with human toothpaste? If so, how can I freshen her breath without $$?
yeah it would hurt them.. but try a different cat food. maybe that will help
Reply:No because human toothpaste is not meant to be swallowed which what animals will do. Your cat probably needs a dental cleaning by a vet to truly get rid of the smell. It has to be done every few years. Without it, gum disease may cause tooth loss and a great deal of pain.
Reply:Your cat can't spit out human toothpaste, don't use it. Can you get a little finger type brush into her mouth? She may have tooth decay building up which leads to pain and problems with the gums. Call animal rescue groups, you should be able to get phone numbers from the vet. You will get great advice!
Reply:Don't do it, it will make your cat froth at the mouth something chronic, they'll hate it!!

You need to get her teeth checked by a vet. 95% of the time, bad breath is a sign of dental problems. Hope money isn't too much of a problem, because dental work isn't cheap - but if your cat needs it, he needs it!!

If the cat has dental problems, there isn't anything you can do at home to help. Measures like hard biscuits and brushing, or breath mints, are all preventative measures to STOP dental problems occuring, they're not cures. So go the vet - if your cat's teeth need work, obviously you have to get it sorted.

Chalice
Reply:You can try brushing with a wet toothbrush, no paste. However, cats with bad breath usually have some kind of other problem. I have a cat that used to have awful breath. He went to the vet and had two teeth removed. (It was $1.00 to remove each tooth but that doesn't include the office visit and other expenses!) He contined to have awful breath and began scratching himself on the side of his face. He was treated with antibiotics and sent home. It cleared up but happened again a few months later. Finally, he had to have surgery to have a cyst of some sort removed in that area. The bad breath was cured. It was an internal infection the whole time. Please take your baby to the vet for a check. If money is tight and you are willing to obtain credit, one place to check is carecredit.com. It is a credit card that can only be used for medical expenses and is accepted by a lot of people doctors as well as vets. Its a handy thing to have in case of emergencies too. Good Luck!
Reply:if your worried about your cats breath your to close to your cat way to often
Reply:You probly can use human toothpaste but dont use too much just use a lil bit ... So it dont harm the cat because i have use human toothpast on my dogs it did not hurt them

Why does my cat make show its teeth and make an odd looking bat/vampire face?

2010-05-17T20:56:00.000-07:00

That's something cats do called phlemming. They are tasting the air to find out more information. It's very common in all cats large and small. Here's a pic of a lion doing it: http://www.flickr.com/photos/at_large/58...

Why does my cat make show its teeth and make an odd looking bat/vampire face?
its a cat...

and something annoyed it

or maybe its stretching

are you goin to ask someting like

why does my cat have fur next?
Reply:Your question reminds me of a nature show I saw once -- the tiger would make this face when it smelled the marking/urine of another tiger. Could be a reaction to a scent??
Reply:Our cat does that when he his watching you through the other side of the window.
Reply:That happens when they smell something offensive. Thier noses are very sensitive and can pick up all kinds of scents that we cannot. My cats do the same thing.

dress shoes

Is there a humane way to blunt cats teeth just a little?

2010-05-17T20:55:00.003-07:00

Please don't answer saying "train your cat" or "that horrible" as i am not on about filing them or giving him a brick to chew on!! George my wonderful Bengal is 1 and a half years, his is trained not to bite, but he still catches us mostly by accident with his incredably sharp teeth, i know you can get soft paws for cats claws, i was just wondering if there is anything that would wear the teeth just a little, or make them slightly less sharp in any way, by the way he is an indoor cat so does not need them sharp for defence!

Is there a humane way to blunt cats teeth just a little?
You can take him to the vet and file them down..

some dry food should help too...
Reply:No, there isn't any way to blunt cats teeth some people use acid (wih protection) but i will hurt! So I won't suggest it.
Reply:Your cat needs his teeth to eat. Making them less sharp would be inhumane. Keep your hands away from his mouth.
Reply:Ask your vet. I am sure the simple thought alone he/she might think you are not cut out to be a pet owner.

You may not want to hear that is horrible but its down right cruel and I can't even believe you ask such a thing.

I mean that would be like saying... your parents asking if there was a humane way of removing your tongue because you swear sometimes, Yes you're trained not to, but you still do it on occassion. Therefor that warrants having your tongue removed so you can no longer talk.

Is that OK?

No of course not, so why would it be ok to do something as equally cruel to your cat?
Reply:Training - spend some time with him - let him know it is unacceptable. Cats are smarter than you think - I work for a vet that treats any exotic pet that can fit through the front door. We do file rabbits and gerbals teeth and we have pulled monkey's teeth out - but in my 30 years of experience I have never heard of messing with a kitty's mouth like you want to. If it is a problem, you might talk to your veterinarian and he could remove the teeth - if it means him having a home ...
Reply:cwstufff... You are an idiot! Complaining about someone is bad... but you don't even know WHAT you're talking about. Yeah she keeps a tiger in her house yes that's what she means obviously!!! A Bengal is a breed of cat you ninny!

Sorry but I think it would be cruel to blunt her teeth. Also I don't think there is a way... if there is please don't do it... its like making your teeth blunt, she mightn't be able to eat as well so I would suggest no. but sorry!
Reply:I thought a Bengal is a tiger, not a house cat.

If I'm correct, what are you doing with a Bengal tiger in your home? Keeping one captive is inhumane enough

Is getting a cats teeth cleaned really necessary?

2010-05-17T20:55:00.002-07:00

My vet says that my cat who is about 10 needs to have his teeth cleaned, but it costs a ton of money. Just wondering if others have had this done, or if people didn't and regretted it later.

Is getting a cats teeth cleaned really necessary?
oh my gosh yes they do need to have their teeth cleaned! Although cats can't get cavities, they can get infections of the gums , this can lead to tooth loss which will make eating painful as well as difficult. Infections of the roots can travel into the sinuses and effect their breathing. And it has been recently found ( in humans too) that gum disease can lead to heart problems. Do your sweet kitty a favor and get it's teeth cleaned, it is a quick and painless pocedure, and I'll bet it is the bloodwork that needs to be done to keep you "senior" kitty safe is a big part of the expense not the cleaning itself.
Reply:I had it done after he was a year old, I could see the plaque build up, after another year I did it again. I never ever had my dogs teeth cleaned and he lived to be 13yrs old and had all his teeth, I don't think I'll do it again unless really bad. I guess it does help but its expensive, I will continue to try and brush his teeth best I can.
Reply:Yes, it's like asking, "Is getting dentist checkups really necessary?" Cats can get toothaches, gum disease, and loose teeth (which they are not supposed to get) among many things. Also, it is best to do what your vet advises. However, after this teeth cleaning, just brush your cat's teeth every few days or so and take care of his teeth and gums.
Reply:no, I have 3 cats, 2 are 12 years old never had them cleaned they are fine, depends what they eat I suppose, stictly fancy feast cans ( 1 a week) and purina dry
Reply:Yes. You should start when thay are about 3 years old or sooner if they need it. It is recommended that you have their teeth cleaned yearly, just like humans. The cats mouth is the gateway to the body. Tarter build-up and infection of the gums and mouth can lead to other problems within the body! You should ask your vwterinarian about this if he or she did not go over it with you! Since your cat is older, I would strongly recommed, and i am sure your veterinarian has also, you have a blood test done before it is put under anesthesia! You want to make sure all of the organs are functioning properly so there is less of a risk. Have you asked your vet about no anesthesia dental? It is safer for older cats. It may also run you cheaper. The only thing is that the teeth are not cleaned as well. Reasons being, they are fully awake, Not 100% cooperative! At least the big chunks of tarter can be cracked away. Hope this helped.
Reply:YES! Pay close attention to what "GoldDigger" said... I couldn't have said it any better! For health reasons my friend, and if you LOVE your cat, it's worth every penny. And it sure makes their breath smell better too! :)

OH... and about a human not doing and regretting it? A friend of mine's grandmother actually died from lack of care to her teeth... bacterial infection which affected the heart. I didn't know her personally, but, I can almost bet that she regretted it.
Reply:yes, do take cats in for teeth cleaning, baterial infections can kill your pet and or make it suffer in later years in life resulting in more expensive treatments, like teeth pulled and other medical problems, also don't listen to ezdawd, he feeds his cat one can of fancy feast a week and the rest dry? How ingnoant, how would he like to eat strictly dry food? This can cause serious urinary and kidney problems. Must feed them at least 2 servings a day of canned food, and keep a bowl of dry to munch on and it helps their teeth too! I feed mine a half can twice daily, sometimes more, like if I am up late or I give them tender vittles and treats, they have cravings and desires too. And the love you get back, Oh my, a friend that will always love and care for youalways is what you have......
Reply:Yes cats need dental care just like you do.

Kitty will thank you :o)
Reply:A couple years ago I asked my vet about cleaning my cats teeth and he said it really wasn't necessary if there didn't appear to be a build up of tartar. He said whether a cat has build up or not is dependant on his genes. If your cat has build up I would take the time to clean them. There are special brushes out there you can do yourself. If he doesn't have a problem with build up you should be fine
Reply:as my cat gets older, her breath is gradually becoming stinky. it is best to lightly brush your cat's teeth sometimes to get rid of cat food breath and plaque. especially if you give him/her wet food. ask your vet for more info.

My 12-year-old cat just had 4 teeth (3 fangs) pulled today. How long will it be before he feels good again?

2010-05-17T20:55:00.001-07:00

Thank you for your help! I love him so much.

My 12-year-old cat just had 4 teeth (3 fangs) pulled today. How long will it be before he feels good again?
My 11 year old dog just had some teeth removed at the end of January. It's probably a little different in dogs and cats, but maybe the info will help you out a little :)

She was on mediation for 3 weeks. The vet told me to look for over-obsessive licking and panting as signs of pain in the gums. After about 2 weeks, it seemed as though she was feeling 100% better. Even though the poor gal only has a few teeth left, she's back to stealing the other dog's hard food.
Reply:You love him so much? im finding it very hard to figure out why anyone would love a cat....it just doesnt seem normal
Reply:He'll probably be acting fine by tomorrow or the next day. Did they give him anything for pain?
Reply:That all depends on your cat. He could be a wuss about it, or just get over it.
Reply:well, probably till his teeth grow back
Reply:Just a few days. Both of my 6 year old white cats had teeth removed (5 for one, 9 for the other), and they were back to normal - if not better, in no time!
Reply:Cats are tough!!

I can't say how long your cat will take to get back to normal, we never had to have any teeth pulled from any cats over the years, But we had a cat that had a fang fall out - it just fell out and she didn't miss a beat!

I don't think cats chew with there fangs, just follow your vets instructions and your kitty should be fine.
Reply:Make sure they also send you home with antibiotics!!!! Give him soft foods and water when he is fully recovered from the anesthesia, per the vets instructions. They may want you to wait until tomorrow to feed him.

What are general recommendations for cleaning cats teeth?

2010-05-17T20:55:00.000-07:00

4 YO indoor cat, the vet said she wants to do a detailed cleaning (w/anesthesia, and that there's at least 1 cavity. But she only briefly looked in the mouth. I had another cat have it done at 11 YO, but I would think 4 is kind of young to be showing gingivitis, etc. I almost think the vet just needs the cash, as harsh as that sounds. They talked me into a LOT of procedures for my other cat and ultimately said 'Oh he's fine'

Your suggestions about the teeth of the younger one? We just started brushing her teeth.

What are general recommendations for cleaning cats teeth?
Some cats have worse teeth than others, and some may need teeth cleaning every few years. Part of owning a cat is being prepared for such expenses.

Tooth-cleaning catfood does not work, it gets mushy when it goes into their mouth. You can get a little cat toothbrush and some enzymatic cat toothpaste, but that will only work on plaque (not tartar) and frankly, many cats will not put up with it.

Tartar is what your cat has, most likely, and once tartar forms, no crunchy food or tooth brushing will get it off. The accumulation of which can lead to irritation of the gums, leading to exposed tooth roots, and eventually possible loss of teeth, and gum infections.

If you think your vet is BSing you, take your cat to another vet. Just go for a checkup and mention that you want the vet to look at the teeth, but don't say why.

Please go forward with the removal of the tartar as soon as possible. I suspect your vet is correct - vets may insist on many extra procedures, some of which may not be ultra important, but a vet would not lie to you about such a condition. There are enough animals that your vet sees with serious conditions; he doesn't have to make them up.

For the record: BRUSHING THEIR TEETH AND FEEDING CRUNCHY CAT FOOD DOES NOT CONTROL TARTAR. Only a proper veterinary procedure can remove plaque.
Reply:you probably just need an enzyme toothpaste those work well and are generally recommended by vets they usually come in packs with a small toothbrush and a finger cap like what they use for babies. The toothpaste is usually flavoured too so they like it. Mine likes the malt-flavoured one and i use the finger cap without a problem.

alternating with wet and dry food helps with their teeth as well because too much wet food usually leads to dental problems.
Reply:IF YOU GIVE YOUR KITTY TREATS LIKE I DO IT'S BEST TO GIVE THEM THE CRUNCHY ONES AS OPPOSED TO THE DOFT ONES ALTHOUGH I DO TEND TO GIVE MINE THOSE ONCE IN AWHILE. tHE CRUNCHY ONES HAVE SOME WITH TARTAR CONTOL. BRUSHING IS ALSO A GOOD IDEA!! gOOD lUCK
Reply:It's not necessarily early to have problems with your teeth at that age. A lot depends on genetics and food and other things. A lot can be determined if you smell her breath. If it stinks, her teeth probably need to be taken better care of.

That your vet seems to be a bit overzealous when it comes to expensive treatment sounds a bit suspicious, though, and you might want to look into switching to another vet.

As for keeping her teeth clean, you can either brush them regularly with a cat-intended toothpaste (they even come in liver flavour O.o), and a special pet brush (how big your cat is determines how big a brush you can comfortably use on her). Other than that, there's a substance called "Plaque Off" that you pour a little of in her food (canned) every day, and one jar lasts approximately a year (if used for one cat). It keeps her teeth reasonably healthy, and also eliminates most of the bad breath. While this doesn't treat already formed tartar or plaque, it helps prevent it, and hopefully keeps your cat from having to go to the vet to take care of it (which isn't too nice for either your wallet or your cat).

Good luck =)
Reply:what kind food does the cat eat?? If she eats wet food maybe she just needs harder food to keep her teeth cleaner? We feed our cats dental treats also and have not had any problems with tarter.
Reply:Brushing her teeth will help, but if she's got a cavity, it needs to be taken care of.

Tartar, from what I understand from my dentist and from my vet, comes from the saliva glands. If they produce more of that something that creates tartar, you'll have to get your teeth (or your animals teeth) cleaned more. I get my teeth cleaned once a year, my husband gets his done every 6 months.

Keeping your pets mouth clean and disease free not only helps with bad breath, but gingivitis can lead to other problems too, like heart problems.

4 YO is young, but it's not a kitten. If you've never gotten his teeth cleaned professionally before, it's probably about the right time to do it. Brushing yourself isn't going to get the build up of tartar off, that will have to be done with the correct tools at the doctors office. Once they are cleaned and scaled, then brushing may help keep the tartar and gingivitis at bay.

Hope this helps.

Broken Teeth

Is something wrong with my cats teeth?

2010-05-17T20:54:00.003-07:00

my cat has something red on his back teeth. i would post a picture but i don't know how = D so, if you can help me out with that too. then i'll show you the picture so it's easier for you guys to help me with my cats teeth.

Is something wrong with my cats teeth?
It sounds like the gum may be infected and the swelling is over lapping the teeth. This is something a vet should see. Hope it all works out. All the best;~)
Reply:Take your cat to vet to make sure it;s not dental disease. Best of luck.
Reply:Cats need dry cat food to keep their teeth clean.
Reply:Take him to the vet and get it checked out. It could be periodontal disease - he may need antibiotics and/or a dental cleaning.
Reply:cats can have dental problems , especially if they eat food other than dry cat food

its very important...
Reply:a couple of the cats at the shelter I work at are actually allergic to their own saliva -- kinda like auto-immune. We've had all of their teeth removed and their gums have hardened. Now they're as happy as can be.

Check with your vet to have them looked at and schedule a dental cleaning.

My Abyssinian cat is loosing his teeth what can i do?

2010-05-17T20:54:00.002-07:00

Hi there...it's may likely be due to periodontal problems. Infection may still be remaining in the gum tissue and and should be examined by a vet to be treated with necessary medication such as antibiotics. Teeth cleaning may be considered if the other teeth are affected, however without being able to see your kitty only a vet can best determine if this is necessary.

Depending on the severity of possible infection it is best to arrange an appointment soon. Infection can lead to other health problems which goes without saying...take him to a vet as soon as you have made an appointment.

An alternative diet may be suggested to help your cat maintain his nutritional needs without further injuring him as well.

More information on tooth loss and infections:

Abyssinians: http://www.serve.com/BatonRouge/gingi.ht...

http://www.thepetprofessor.com/articles/...

http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/dental...

http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/dental...

http://www.winrosevet.com/Feline_Dental....

http://www.dentalvet.com/vets/cats/felin...

My Abyssinian cat is loosing his teeth what can i do?
how old is it?
Reply:ask your vet he might be able to set her up with false teeth
Reply:Take him to the vet.
Reply:go to a vet for the poor thing!
Reply:If it's a kitten , nothing. If it's not , see a vet.
Reply:if the cat is a kitten they grow adult teeth like us, ir it's an older cat it may have some medical promblems that are causing a calicum deficentcy. take your cat to the vet for treatment and a referral to a veterian dentist to find out what the cause of the problem is.
Reply:I also have had problems with my Aby's teeth, typical for this breed. We have had cleanings and extractions performed which involve sedation. My female had a "hypoxic moment" (lack of oxygen) during her sedation which left her temporarily blind.

We thought we would loose her but she bounced back after some oxygen therapy, and with a sweeter disposition :)

This is why I would recommend brushing rather than vet cleaning.
Reply:let me guess you haven't been brushing them! brush your cats teeth at least every week
Reply:If you got your cat from a breeder I would certainly consult them on the teeth issue. I have heard that it is a problem with that particular breed (who have so much else going for them).

A cat can do just fine without teeth. I would certainly use a canned meat diet or even a raw meat one using ground meat.

I do that for my cats and use a supplement powder to supply the calcium and a salmon oil capsule, one cap per pound of meat.

You can go to the Yahoo group Holisicat and get good information on feeding raw.

You have to be extra careful when using ground meat. I get my chicken and turkey from a small market where they grind only a few times a week and are scrupulous about cleaning the grinders. No packaged ground meat ever. I wouldn't even get it a Trader Joe's though I shop there for other things.

How long do cats teeth for?

2010-05-17T20:54:00.001-07:00

My cat is 16 months old, (male,domestic shorthair, neutured), and i was just curious as to when a cat stops having new teeth come through.he chews alot, and he has now stopped eating for 24 hours. otherwise he's fit and healthy, and he's not drinking any more than normal. can anyone shed some light on this?

How long do cats teeth for?
Cats do indeed have baby teeth—26 of them, in fact, to be exact—and they start to lose them when their permanent teeth begin to grow in at about three months of age.

I would be a little concerned if your cat is showing symptoms of teething at 16 months old, he should of definately have all his adult teeth by now.

Before you rush off to the vets, I would suggest taking a look at the health of your cats teeth and gums. I have written below advice on yours cats oral health.

So, ensuring that your cat is as free as possible from dental problems needs human intervention, which is where you, and your vet, come in.

If your pet has already got a build up of plaque and tartar then it will be wisest to have your vet make an oral inspection, clean and polish the teeth and give any other treatment necessary. Dental treatment for cats is usually not cheap, but cleaning your cat’s teeth regularly should mean that your cat will not need it that often.

The younger you start your cat on his or her teeth cleaning routine the better. Kittens are perhaps not the easiest of critters to manipulate but with care, and plenty of patience, your cat will soon accept her daily oral hygiene session.

Never cleaned cats teeth before? Your cat is older and never had her teeth cleaned? OK, both of you are going to have to get used to the routine.

How To Clean Your Cat’s Teeth.

Don’t assume that it is going to be a tough job and that your cat will never submit to having his teeth cleaned. Although some cats will put up some resistance at first, your cat may not if handled in the right way. And even the most stubborn of cats, if shown plenty of patience and a little cat psychology will become used to a daily teeth cleaning session.

First you need to get a cat toothbrush and pet toothpaste. Don’t use a toothbrush designed for humans on your cat’s teeth, they are much too harsh and not of the correct shape. Normal toothpaste is likely to give your cat an upset stomach if swallowed, and swallowed it will be, you can’t teach a cat to rinse. Pet toothbrushes and toothpaste is available from pet stores and possibly your vet.

For the first few days start by petting and stroking your cat. Put a small bead of the cat toothpaste, which conveniently comes in flavors that cats love (even tuna,) on the end of your finger and see if your cat will let you gently massage his teeth and gums. Don’t be too insistent if your cat resists try again the next day. Be encouraging, give plenty of praise and your cat should soon start to accept you gently rubbing his teeth.

Next, move on to getting your cat used to the feel of the brush (with a small amount of pet toothpaste) in his mouth. Again plenty of praise and perhaps reward him with a healthy treat.

When your cat is happy with the feel of the brush against his teeth you can try a little brushing. Don’t worry if you can’t get to all of her teeth yet and keep the session short, about 15 seconds. Gradually increase the brushing time to about 30 seconds and try to get more of your cats teeth cleaned.

It doesn’t really matter how long it takes to get to the stage where you are cleaning every tooth that your cat has, patience and persistence is the key.

Should you feel that there is no teeth or gum problems then I would definately suggest a visit to your vets to have him / her check that all is ok and that the cats chewing is not an early warning of a more serious problem.

I hope this helps. Good Luck
Reply:I have no idea. Maybe take him to the vet?? and get some information on this?

Why would you think cats don't need their teeth brushed?

2010-05-17T20:54:00.000-07:00

Some people think treats clean the teeth. Do treats clean your teeth? I highly doubt it. Our vet says to brush their teeth and use the pet toothbrushes and pet toothpaste and it'll save on future vet bills with decayed cat teeth. We had a dog with bad teeth and nothing is worse than that rotten pet mouth licky kiss.

Why would you think cats don't need their teeth brushed?
At our clinic, I do anywhere from 4-8 dental cleanings on cats each week. That's just me! Our other two technicians probably do the same number! These cleanings need to be done under general anesthesia and probably half the time, we end up pulling one or more teeth. Though anesthesia nowadays is very safe, there is still an inherent risk in any anesthetic procedure. Extending time between professional dental cleanings is not only better for the cat's teeth, but her overall health (and the owner's pocket book!) :-)

When I discharge a kitty after a dental cleaning, the first thing I always recommend is brushing the teeth. Kitties tend to be less cooperative about this than dogs, but for many, it can be done. We recommend brushing 2-3 times a week. The only time I would suggest NOT brushing, would be in cases where the owner/pet relationship suffers because of it. If kitty runs under the bed every time you approach her, it is just not worth it.

Another option for cats who won't tolerate brushing is a new product called OraVet. It is a barrier sealant that helps prevent plaque from sticking to the teeth. It only needs to be applied weekly. See http://www.oravet.us.merial.com/ I use it on my own kitties.

There are also diets on the market designed specifically to prevent tartar build-up on kitty teeth. A few examples are Hill's Prescription t/d and Science Diet Oral Care, Purina DH and Royal Canin Dental DD. My own kitties eat t/d and love it.

Most hard food on the market does nothing to maintain dental health in a cat. It is a myth that hard food (except those listed above) is better for the teeth than soft food. Most hard food crumbles into tiny pieces as soon as kitty bites into it. The only part of the tooth being scrubbed is the very tip! Adding soft food to your cat's diet will add much needed moisture. Kitties simply do not drink enough to make up for the lack of water in their diets if they are only fed hard food. In addition to t/d, my kitties split a can of Science Diet Adult canned each night.

Just an interesting fyi - kitties very rarely get cavities like humans and dogs. They have their own special brand of dental disease called an oral resorptive lesion (ORL or FORL). No one knows for sure what causes them, but they are thought to be immune-related. The body breaks down the tooth and can cause painful lesions. These are extremely common! Make sure your vet is doing a thorough dental exam each time kitty visits the clinic so these can be caught early.
Reply:Cats and Dogs do require brushing from time to time. I think that there is some confusion in the general public about this issue.

Cats and Dogs can benefit from occasional brushings, but overall the saliva of both cats and dogs does an excellent job of keeping the animals teeth healthy.

Occasional biscuits that are designed to clean the tarter from the animals teeth and generally are good for the animal.
Reply:I think people just get lazy because cats %26amp; dogs are a pain to hold while you brush their teeth. But I definitely agree with you, although their teeth take longer to rot than human teeth, they will eventually rot. %26amp; its gross.
Reply:Cats do need their teeth brushed, as they can build up tartar and develop gum disease just like humans. In severe cases, teeth may have to be removed, which could be detrimental to a cat's being able to eat regular cat food, or defend itself outdoors. We take our cat into the vet to have his teeth cleaned about twice a year--his "kitty" insurance covers it!
Reply:both cats and dogs to require that you brush their teeth or get them cleaned or else when they get older their teeth will start to fall out
Reply:Cats don't need their teeth brushed. Of course your vet would say so - look how much more you have contributed to the economy by buying extra cat stuff like the brushes and paste! Dogs are a different story entirely....

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My cat is loosing her teeth what can i do to help?

2010-05-17T20:53:00.002-07:00

You don't say how old she is. Is she losing them because she is old? Have you spoken to a vet about it?

I just realized that my cat has lost all his front teeth. He's also about to turn 16. The vet said this is normal, that I should just feed him more wet food so he doesn't have trouble eating. If your cat is losing them due to age, there isn't much you can do about it. If it's diet or disease related, you need to talk to your vet about it.

My cat is loosing her teeth what can i do to help?
Unless she is a kitten losing her baby teeth, take her to a vet and get her gum disease treated.
Reply:If she is a kitten she is just losing her baby teeth. If she is an adult take her to the vet because she may have an oral disease.
Reply:take her to veterenary
Reply:Take her to the Vet
Reply:Take her to the vet as soon as possible! Your vet will know what to do and will help her.
Reply:so you never lost your baby teeth?

My cat has hardly any teeth and drools, what should I do?

2010-05-17T20:53:00.001-07:00

ps--------------she is an old gal!!

My cat has hardly any teeth and drools, what should I do?
Actually, most animals with dental problems adapt just fine.

There is nothing that you really have to do unless it seems like she is in pain. I know a poodle that has no teeth, and still eats hard kibble.

She is going to drool because there is nothing to hold the saliva in her mouth.

Love her up and tell her how much she means to you.
Reply:Maybe she has down syndrome
Reply:might sound mean maybe its time to put her to sleep
Reply:get her some kitty dentures and a bib!
Reply:and probably you'd do the same thing if you were as old as your cat and had no teeth.
Reply:get her a denture?
Reply:Put her on a soft diet and wipe off her chin when she drools. I don't know....try a bib !! If she doesn't have any other health problems, that's pretty good for an old gal.
Reply:i love cats but when its time to put them too sleep i dont wast time.
Reply:Get that sucker some dentures and a bib ................
Reply:Have you taken her to the vet? If she has dental problems, she could be in a great deal of pain. The vet can pull any more of her teeth that are bad, clean the ones that are good, and make sure she has no other health problems.

Drooling is a sign of bad teeth, but most old cats drool to one degree or another. As long as she's otherwise healthy, and eating well, there isn't any need to do anything. Canned food might be easier for her to eat than hard, if she seems to be having trouble with the dry stuff.

Basically, you just have to live with the drool, she can't help it. Enjoy her and love her for however much quality time she has left. Good luck!

boots

My cat was flossing her teeth and asked me if there was a salt flavored floss out there; any suggestions?

2010-05-17T20:53:00.000-07:00

no...tell her that they have mint and cinnamon flavors but that's about it, sorry. at least she's practicing good hygiene.

My cat was flossing her teeth and asked me if there was a salt flavored floss out there; any suggestions?
I suggest you get an agent for your talking cat.
Reply:your cats very clever no theres no salt flavoured ones that i know of.
Reply:Therapy
Reply:Don't do so many hallucinogens
Reply:tell your cat i don't think so.

also, ask her if she can teach my cat to talk?
Reply:Your cat flosses and talks....forget about buying floss ...YOUR RICH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply:tell it to try the fish flavor i can highly recommend it
Reply:NOT FUNNY

.........NEXT QUESTION
Reply:I hope you called local newspapers to alert that your cat was talking! She could be a money maker!
Reply:umm.. there might be but a couple of things.. cats can't floss or talk, but it yours does then good job! [might wanna get a check-up though]
Reply:Wow, I'm jealous. I thought my cat was amazing because she gives herself bathes in the sink.
Reply:I would love to meet your cat. She sounds like a very interesting and entertaining soul. Relay to her that I have no knowledge of salt flavored floss but a dentist or specialty pet store may know.
Reply:if you cat could floss her teeth and talk why would she want salt falvored floss? by the way thanks for the points
Reply:There is no purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrfect answer for this one.
Reply:u obviously have a lot of extra points lying around to be asking cat questions like this
Reply:okay I've barely got on here today and I see your bald head everywhere? my suggestion is do us all a favor and let your cat go!!!
Reply:My suggestion is either you are dreaming that or your losing your mind,(if you haven't already lost it!) OH AND WHEN IM NOT LOOKING MY CAT'S A FARIY GOD MOTHER CAT! SHE GRANTS YOUR WISH WHEN YOU FEED HER THE MAGIC T-BONE!

-^.^-
Reply:Quick, call the media....
Reply:Get your talking cat on tv

Do young cats teeth fall out?

2010-05-17T20:52:00.003-07:00

I have a cat and when he was chewing on my finger i noticed that his teeth were loose. like three for four together were loose in one big clump. is that normal? what should we do for the cat?

Do young cats teeth fall out?
After a few months the baby teeth fall out and are replaced by adult teeth.
Reply:cats lose there baby teeth just like us. no prob.
Reply:Yes, young cats do loose their baby teeth. I just went through this about 2 months ago with my 2 kittens. Anywhere between about 4 and 7 months old is about average. I panicked when i found the first ones. We just cleaned up any that we found on the floor and tried to not play too roughly...like tug-o-war kinda activities for a while. Good luck
Reply:you mean the lil ones in the middle yeah it's normal if you can save them with my cat not sure when they fell off or if they swallowed them
Reply:How old is the kitten?

It's completely normal for kittens' teeth to fall out. Usually you won't even know because they swallow them.

Hope this helps!
Reply:A kittens teeth will fall out %26amp; be replaced by

perment adult teeth.
Reply:This happened to me but I called the vet freaked out. Luckily I have a friendly vet office because they were so nice and giggled and told me it was just baby teeth. Also said that was probably why he was chewing on everything in sight. Good Luck!
Reply:yeah they do, my cats baby teeth fell out after they were a couple of

months old... i still have both of my cats first baby teeth %26gt;.%26lt;
Reply:yes they do as it's adult teeth come in, the baby teeth will push out...

My little cat has lost 3 teeth in like about 15 days apart then 2 days apart and he keeps bitting everything ?

2010-05-17T20:52:00.002-07:00

how old is the cat? it may be baby teeth, but if you have an adult cat then its probably tooth decay/loss. What did it bite to loose teeth? You can check your cats mouth by pulling up one side of its mouth and checking to see if the gums are red or swollen if so the cat needs to go to the vet as it could cause a more serious health problem. Cats with tooth decay can have problems with their heart, liver and lungs.

My little cat has lost 3 teeth in like about 15 days apart then 2 days apart and he keeps bitting everything ?
How old is your cat? Cats shed their baby teeth at about 5 1/2 to 6 months of age so this could be normal.

If it is an older cat it may be due to severe dental disease and you will need to consult with your vet.
Reply:It is probably teething. This is normal.

Can having a cats teeth cleaned cause there throat to become infected from the breathing tube?

2010-05-17T20:52:00.001-07:00

I had my cat's teeth cleaned about a month ago. She seemed fine until 2 weeks later she kept swallowing a lot. I gave her hair ball medicine and it seemed to go away. Now she's doing it again. She keeps swallowing and some of the time her throat sounds hoarse. Her nose is running too.

I took her to the vet today and they did an x-ray to make sure she doesn't have anything caught in her throat. The x-ray looked fine she said but she said there tonsils can become infected. But that they are so far back they can't see them by just looking in there mouth. She gave me antibiotics for my kitty but said if it doesn't get better to bring her back and they'll look down her throat with some sort of scope type thing.

So have any of you had this problem after having your cats teeth cleaned. She's 8 years old and has never been like this before. All I can think is her throat got really irritated and possible infected from something to do with that.

Can having a cats teeth cleaned cause there throat to become infected from the breathing tube?
It's possible it's from the tube, it can be difficult to intubate a cat. If the person doing it was in too much of a hurry or wasn't paying attention, they may have scratched the tonsils. Also, if they didn't deflate the cuff when the tube was pulled from her throat, it could stress the tonsils or vocal cords as well.
Reply:All of my six cats have had regular (yearly) cleanings and I have never had a problem.

I am glad you will follow through with the vet.
Reply:I've never had that specific problem, but I know that of all the animals out there you can own as pets, cats and rabbits are the two most prone to infection. The tube may have scraped the inside of her throat and gotten it infected. Just keep a good eye on her and keep giving her the antibiotics. If this doesn't help, take her to the vet. I would also suggest watching what she eats and make sure she's not getting into anything bad. On top of that, make sure she's not getting into the insulation in the house. I had a cat that got permanent lung damage from crawling around in insulation which involved regular sneezing/coughing. Good luck.
Reply:It could be possible for the throat to have become severely irritated. It usually does take 2 weeks for a cat to get sick. Your cat could've gotten sick from another cat in the clinic, from something else in the clinic, or from some other factor.

If your cat did get sick from the clinic then it was good that you did something about it so that it won't happen to other cats. If it wasn't from the clinic then it could be a reaction to having had her teeth clean but not because of the clinic itself.

I would go with the vet said and take your cat back if she doesn't get better.

fabric boots

How much does cat tooth extraction cost?

2010-05-17T20:52:00.000-07:00

my roommate's cat had surgery today. they noticed she had 2 rotten teeth. one they were able to get out easily, the other was still in there. they called me while the cat was still under for permission to remove the tooth. i was unable to reach my roommate, so i made the decision to follow the vet's advice. how much more did i just add to his bill?

How much does cat tooth extraction cost?
Actually, you may have saved him money because his cat would have to have to tooth removed anyway. That would have costed him another visit, anesthesia %26amp; recovery. This way it was done all at once w/ everything else. Plus it was less stressful for the cat, it only had to be put under once.
Reply:Probably not much. The big part of the bill is the anesthesia. I am guessing maybe only another $20.
Reply:Your roommate cares about the cat or she/he would not have it at the vet in the first place. Rotten teeth can cause illness or even death in a cat. The tooth needed to come out! So you saved your roommate money because they did not have to take the cat back for a second trip.
Reply:This really depends on the vet. But if the vet was already in there, it probably added less than $100. If the tooth needed to come out, it was well worth it to tell them to do it. Those teeth can become infected and can cause major health problems in the cat. Taking the tooth out may cost a bit extra but can save hundreds of dollars in vet bills later on. I don't know exactly how much a tooth extraction costs, but I know a full dental with extraction for $300 is not unheard of. There is a base cost involved for anesthesia, equipment, etc but once they're in there additions are less costly. I wouldn't worry about it too much.
Reply:There is absolutely NO way of telling - vet practices all work in different ways, and prices vary hugely! If it was my practice though, we would not charge any extra for one more tooth.

I suggest you call the vet if you want to know the answer to this question, and ask what the bill is! I would think your friend would've said yes too - no point refusing necessary treatment if the cat is already under for that very thing.

Chalice
Reply:My cat just had dental surgery.

I was given an estimate ahead of time, and was told that every "easy" extraction would be about $40, and every "difficult" extraction would be about $70. But I live in an expensive area, so it might be a little cheaper where you are.

I signed a form telling them they could do whatever was necessary to his teeth--but then again, his surgery was entirely dental. (They wound up removing his 3 remaining fangs, which were all considered easy extractions.)

You did the right thing. If the tooth wasn't removed, chances are the cat would have eventually had to go through surgery again to remove it, or he could get very sick. In the long run, you probably saved your friend money. At the very least, he should have made sure that the vet could get in contact with him during his pet's surgery.
Reply:My kitty had 4 teeth pulled last month. It only cost $120, but I think the vet gave me a good deal. My friend had 1 extraction done on her cat last year and it cost her $150. It doesn't matter how much it costs really, if it was making the kitty miserable then it had to be done. If it hadn't gotten that bad yet, it would have. You know how bad tooth pain is, you don't want your kitty to suffer. That is the responsibility you take on as a pet owner.

Alot of veterinarian's will let you make payment arrangements. Ask if your vet will.
Reply:You should of just saved yourself some money and pulled it yourself. Vice Grips or Pliers work very well.
Reply:I had a tooth removed on one of ours, for the proceedure it was $150 which included pre-operative, post operative, anesthetic, removal, machine use, payment per staff, etc.

Tips on brushing cats teeth? what products do you like?

2010-05-17T20:51:00.003-07:00

i feed my cats a holistic raw food diet based on human grade meat. i feed them raw meaty bones to clean their teeth (which does work great) but i feel that i may want to brush as well. does anyone know of any holistic cat tooth paste? what type of brush do you recommend?

Tips on brushing cats teeth? what products do you like?
I don't use any tooth paste because it just makes a mess and then the cat gets upset and won't clean herself. Buy a really small toothbrush at the pet store and just hold the cat in your lap and push it into his/her mouth. If you think the bones are doing a pretty good job, I'd stick to that because it's hard to start an adult cat on a tooth brushing regime. Ask your vet if the teeth look alright or if brushing would be a big help.
Reply:YES
Reply:you arent supposed to brush animal teeth
Reply:Pounce, its not holistic i dont think. but my cats breath smells like cookies after

and their teeth were always perfect and white
Reply:You wanna brush your cat's teeth?!? Jeez, I reckon I've heard it all now!!

Don't tell me; you're American, aren't you?!?

Oh and if you're feeding bones to your cat (or dog) just be very careful that the bones don't splinter.
Reply:i just buy dental bites for mine
Reply:Watch those claws. I once sandpappered a bobcat's butt in a phone booth. Wasn't pretty.
Reply:I found this website and I think it may have what you are looking for

http://search.onlynaturalpet.com/search....
Reply:There are many toothpastes available for cats, but don't know if they are holistic. Just never use human toothpaste - cats will swallow it and it is not good for them. They sell many different brushes, sometimes it is a matter of what your cat prefers. I have heard that the best method is to use those slip on finger covers. Then you apply the paste to it and gently use your finger, then dispose of it.
Reply:no idea

Is having a cats teeth cleaned really necessary? Aside from decay or gum disease.?

2010-05-17T20:51:00.002-07:00

I love my cat and everyhing it just seems silly and unnecessary and have been told different things suah as cats have enzyes to keep their teeth clean aside from their sweat. 300 bucks for a teeth cleaning is just absurd.

Is having a cats teeth cleaned really necessary? Aside from decay or gum disease.?
Sometimes veterinary fees depend on where you live. Major metropolitan areas are more expensive for everything. You might want to call around and price the procedure with different vets. If there is a veterinary school near you, they do a lot of good stuff for animals for a very small fee. The work is done by veterinarians to demonstrate the technique to students. Sometimes the more experienced students will be allowed to actively participate, but always with the licensed vet right there. Actually, that is what goes on with people who have surgery in large teaching hospitals too. The residents sometimes do the surgery under the supervision of the surgeon.

Look for clinics, income adjusted veterinary services available through some shelters. $300.00 seems like an awful of money, unless your cat needs some extensive dental work, like extractions, root canals, etc.
Reply:yah it is absurd. I have only had one cat that has need to get her teeth clean, and that is because she had some weird breathing disease (we called is asthma) which gave her really bad breathe.

Besides that I my family has taken in a lot of cats and that was the only one that we have ever had to get its teeth cleaned.
Reply:Cats can get plaque build up on their teeth. That is what causes cavities and gum disease. A yearly dental check is a must to keep cats healthy. Gum disease can actually cause heart problems in cats. It is not that much money and your cat will be healthier longer.
Reply:IF that were true, cats would not have tooth and gum disease. I work at a cat shelter and at least 65% of the cats we take in need their teeth cleaned before going up for adoption. About half of those need at least one tooth extracted.

300 does sound excessive, but that does not mean it is not something that does not need to be done!!!!!!!!!!!!

You would be suprised how awful the teeth can be even if they do not look that bad!! And if there is infection and decay in the mouth long enough, the cat can suffer heart and kidney failure from it!!
Reply:Totally agree with you. I have kept many cats for years (30 years) and I have 6 now and there is no way I would put any of my cats through an anaesetic just to get their teeth cleaned! Ridiculous.

Unnecessary. The only time I'd ever consider dental work would be if they had something wrong in the first place. (Which none of mine ever have)

I

It's wrong, wrong wrong.

Oooh I feel better now after my little outburst!
Reply:if kitty has any infections in his gums, then his health will fail. how old is kitty?? a vet i liked in long beach told me that my kitty might need it by age 12 if tartar kept growing. i switched her to dry food--best quality--no fillers--and she was fine, never needed thi tooth cleaning. the reason it is so spensive is the anesthetic--try sticking your finger in kitty's mouth--no likee--so they are sleeping when their teeth are cleaned.

your vet should be honest with you--his interests should be in the kitty's best intetests--ask him. see what hesays. if he says before age 12, i would ask why he thinks that--if it sounds real--ask if dry food would make any difference--go from there.

i am not all for going out blindly and doing just what any vet or md tells me--i look for other oopinions that might agree more with my thoughts on the subject. good luck...... if it is necessary, and kitty really really needs it, seek second opinion always.
Reply:if the cat has a gum infection(foul breath is a sign) or tartar along the gumline,the bacteria from the inflamed,unclean gums can travel down the throat,and lodge in their favorite place-the heart valves.these bacteria will cause a problem called cardiomyopathy.i adopted a stray cat who had never had her teeth cleaned.unfortunately,the damage was done.after 2 and a half years on heart pills,she died.the vet estimated her age as 9.considering my other cats,whom ive had since they were kittens,are now age 15 and 17,u can see proper care extends life.HUMANS,take note-clean ur own teeth regularly as well-see dentist every 6 months-according to recent findings by the ama,the same problem can affect humans with gum disease and improper oral care-namely,disease/destruction of the heart valves invaded by oral bacteria,also,hardening of the arteries caused by constant inflammation from bad teeth/gums.
Reply:The same bacteria that cause tartar and plaque build-up in a kitty can also cause heart disease. I do agree that $300 is a high price tag, so shop around. But get it done.
Reply:$300 does sound a bit high; I'd do some shopping around.

But I'd certainly do it. I have three kitties, and they get their little pointy teeth cleaned yearly; years ago, the vet showed me how the tartar had built up around Obie Two's gumline, and how inflamed it was. Since then, I've given my beloved kitties the dental care they need (whether they like it or not...and, they don't).
Reply:In the past 37 years we've had 3 cats(one for 20 years) and we have NEVER had their teeth cleaned because the price is, as you say, absurd.
Reply:It probably isn't necessary unless your cat has an obvious tartar build-up problem which your vet can give you an opinion on at your cat's annual check-up.
Reply:Yes, it's necessary %26amp; you can help by doing simple, cheaper actions at home.

There is toothpaste %26amp; brushes just for cats. You can also rub their gums gently with a moistened piece of gauze.

Feeding your cat more dry food than moist is healthier. I also buy cat treats especially for their teeth.

Luck to you %26amp; your cat!
Reply:Lyn and Tigger are right. Bacteria and plaque(containg bacteria) are shed into the cat's body and can damage heart, liver or kidneys.

The fourteen year old cat I just took into my home had the worst looking mouth conditions I have ever seen in a cat. The vet and I decided to wait a week for him to get settled in my home before doing a "dental". He was here only 36 hours and I realized he was hardly eating at all (he had all the food he was used to from the boarding facility he had been in for six months). So we did a dental for him the next Monday on an emergency basis. One tooth had a horrible abcess and had to be pulled. If he had not gotten to me by then he could have been severly damaged with infection spreading throughout his body, problems caused by not being able to eat, etc. The owner who had a vet check for him before the boarding had been told he was in great need of having his teeth attended to.

So it is not a cosmetic thing with an older cat and can be crucial to their continuing in good health for the rest of their lives. All commercial cat foods, wet and dry, are not good for cats' teeth and the cats need to have their mouths checked by the vet at their annual exam. It is expensive - some of my cats need it every year, some only every two years. It's around $165 here and that is mostly the cost of the gas anesthesia. I live in the San Francisco area and our cost of living (including vet care) is one of the highest in the nation. $300 seems excessive to me.

Anyone Know About Having Cats Teeth Removed?

2010-05-17T20:51:00.001-07:00

I am curious if you have had or know about having a cats teeth removed. I have a 12 year old cat who has very bad dental disease and the vet recommended having her teeth removed. She is strictly an indoor cat. Would this be a bad thing to do? Will it be hard for her to eat? I have read that they adapt well, but I am just not sure. I want her to live another 12 years (at least!) so I am trying to make the right decision! Thanks!

Anyone Know About Having Cats Teeth Removed?
I have a cat that is 5 years old and has horrible gum disease, and has been on all kinds of medications to try and deal with it. Seven months ago we had all his (remaining) teeth pulled.

It has helped a lot!! His gums are no longer inflammed like they were, and now he cannot get any more infected teeth.

He eats Science Diet dry, because he can still eat the little round pellets quite well. He gets a little canned daily also, but otherwise has adapted very well.

If your vet thinks it can help, go for it!!!!!!

(the fact that the breath is TONS better is a big plus also!)
Reply:Dental disease can be very painful for your cat. She'll adapt just fine. She'll still be able to eat canned cat food not matter how few teeth she has.
Reply:what happened to the classic string / doorknob / pull move? But seriously, shouldn't the vet remove the teeth?
Reply:If your vet is recomending it I would go with what he says. I found a kitten outside and took him to the vet he had a severe tooth infection, the tooth was removed but the damage was already done. The infection went to the brain and the kitten died.

I would never wish this upon anyone and I hope you consider getting any of the diseased teeth removed. A Cat can live on very wet mushy food for the rest of its life as long as you put in the effort. I wish you the best f luck
Reply:Hi,

At his age the teeth should come out very easy. But because of his age I would highly recommend having his blood work done first especially for his kidneys. He could have another 7 years or more so removing them now is wise. Keep a good eye on the inside of his back legs afterwards, that’s where he gets the hookups so you want to watch out for swelling. You most likely will need to feed him wet food for the rest of his left. That good for him at his age anyway, easier to digest.
Reply:Your cat will do fine, if not better without teeth. Dental disease can be very painful, and she will find it easier to eat her food without the pain. I had a 14 year old persian who had no teeth left, and she continued to eat dry food even though she was given the choice to eat soft canned food. She was very finnicky, but maintained a healthy appetite and weight up until she passed away in her sleep.
Reply:I am a pre-vet student and have been working as a veterinarian tech for a few yeasr as well and this type ofsistutaion is not that uncommon espically in cases where the owner hadn't provided the cat with adquate dental care to begin with. Just like humans animals espically dogs and cats need to see the vte for atleast yearly cleanings. Gingivitis iis one of the most commons affects of teeth problems in cats. It starts out slowly, with minor inflammation of the gum line itself. The inflammation slowly spreads deeper into the gums, attacking the tissues that support the teeth. In some cases, such as your cat may have; advanced gingivitis can lead to loose teeth and inflamed pockets around the teeth. As the gum line recedes, the nerve roots of the teeth are exposed, leading to increased pain sensitivity when eating. Without intervention, gingivitis can even eat away at the bone underneath the teeth.

Thi smay be the case as to why your vet decided it would be best for you cat to have her'his teeth pulled. It is more painful for her/him to keep them. As for eating I have seen may cats with hardky any teeth who do just fine...they will adapt.
Reply:Vet med clinic is the best place to approach for proper advise. Like humans, they have their own hospital and specialized doctors to look after their sicknesses.
Reply:Pets with calculus build up on their teeth are prone to gingivitis just like we are, as well as other health issues that arise because of them. Removing her teeth is not a bad thing to do, it's just as if we had a bad tooth, yes, it will probably be alittle bit uncomfortable for a few days, but, we will soon feel better, just like she will. She will get used to eating without her missing teeth. Once her teeth are clean (they clean animal teeth just like humans, dental scaling and polishing) however, as I am sure your vet explained the procedure is done under anesthesia. If you have any concerns, with regard to the anesthesia, the actual procedure or bloodwork prior to the anesthesia, discuss them with your vet, I am sure he/she will be very happy to talk to you about any concerns you may have. Good Luck.
Reply:I have a 20-year-old cat with no teeth. Over time, most have had to be removed because we were constantly fighting gingivitis and other problems. I was going in every month or month and a half and we'd get antibiotic and steroid shots. The vet felt it would be rougher on him to keep doing the shots and recommended removing the last of his teeth.

My cat is a much happier cat now, and he does eat. I give him Whiskas pouches, and also make sure there is a little dry food there, too. He does at times choose to eat the dry food. Also, there is a product that was recommended to me here called Nutrical that you can give your cat.

If you trust your vet, go ahead and have this done. Your cat will be better off to be out of pain.
Reply:I have two cats who had serious dental problems; we ended up having to have all their teeth past their canines pulled. Still, both eat dry food and are perfectly healthy. Cats are very independent creatures, it's difficult to give them a challenge they can't overcome :)
Reply:I have had a cat that is 13 yrs old and he has had his top fanes pulled about 4 yrs. ago. It was done in help of sinus trouble. They go up in the sinus cavity, like us humans. So, being he had the problem so very bad, that is why it was done. It helped some, but will still be an ongoing problem. He has no trouble eating, being that was your question , I figure. Good luck and let me know how it does.
Reply:Cats and dogs do just fine losing teeth. If your vet thinks this is the only way then I would go with what he/she says

children boots

Is it normal for my cat to have four canine teeth on the top?

2010-05-17T20:51:00.000-07:00

My kitten Zeus, I just recently noticed has two sets of canines coming down on top. Where normally the top canine teeth come down there is an extra canine coming down. The bottom canines are completely normal though. He eats fine and it doesn't seem to be bothering him. Is this a normal thing to be happening?

Just in case I didn't get all this described normally, Zeus has a total of four top canines (two on each side) and the normal ones are fine.

Is it normal for my cat to have four canine teeth on the top?
I had this problem with my cat when he was kitten. He ended up with 8 canines at one point, he had his baby ones still and his adult ones where coming in. I would assume his baby teeth just have not fallen out yet, if they do not fall out over the next few months I would have the vet check him. But as long as he is not in pain or having trouble with food and water it probably fine.

My cat chewed on the dog one day and one his baby canines was in the dogs skin when I got home. Poor dog!
Reply:Yeah the dog was alright though I felt bad. Poor thing, having a cat chew on her! Report It

Reply:It isn't normal, but I am thinking that his adult teeth just need to finish growing in. Once they do, he should lose the others. If not, talk to a vet and see if they need pulled.
Reply:It sounds like Zeus has some retained baby teeth, which is nothing to worry about. Watch them, and if they don't come out you can have them removed when he is neutered.
Reply:Are they baby teeth?
Reply:How old is the kitten?

His top milk teeth may not have fallen out when his adult teeth came in. They may still fall out on their own, or they my need a little help from the vet.
Reply:No you should take the cats to the vet
Reply:His adult teeth are coming in and his baby teeth haven't fallen out yet. Totally normal and nothing to worry about.
Reply:If he's a kitten, those are the adult teeth coming in. Look again in two weeks and there will only be two top fangs there. Most kittens swallow the baby teeth they loose, so you won't find thm on the floor.
Reply:That would be "feline" Canine refers to dogs

Do cats teeth grow back?!?

2010-05-17T20:50:00.003-07:00

MY CAT GOT HURT LAST NIGHT AND SHE BROKE HER ARM AND LOST SUM TEETH.. WE ARE TAKING HER TO THE VET BUT DO THERE TEETH GORW BACK

Do cats teeth grow back?!?
not adult teeth.
Reply:No
Reply:if they were her adult teeth, which i assume they are, no
Reply:depends its the same as with humans, they have 2 sets of teeth, if she is very young she will get a new set of teeth, if she got them already there won't be a third set of teeth for her, so she will remain toothless.
Reply:No, I'm afraid not. I hope your cat gets better!
Reply:No her teeth will not grow back unless it was baby teeth that she lost.
Reply:no... they will not grow back.... my cat lost two front teeth when he broke his jaw 2 years ago and to this day he doesn't have those teeth
Reply:No, just like ours, when they are gone, they are gone
Reply:Yes,. teeth grow back,.. i remember my pet cat having a fight with other cats he lost his 3 front teeth and had severe bleeding on the mouth,.. it grow back after a couple of weeks,.. but it aint the same because his teeth are not well patterned,.. it was super disarrenge stuff,.. but at least he had his teeth back,.. so that he could chew,.. that's important./

Your supposed to brush your cats teeth?

2010-05-17T20:50:00.002-07:00

I have had my cat for 7 years (sense she was a month old) and the other day at work me and a co-worker were talking and i asked why her arms were scrached (i honestly thought maybe a dispute between her and her bf because i know her and her bf have been haveing problems) and she said she got them brushing her cats teeth, i was like wtf!?!?! and i thought she was kidding. I honestly never knew you were suppost to brush your cats teeth...How should you do it? and how often? I looked at my cats teeth when i got home that night and they looked white and healthy (no cracks, werent yellow, and her gums werent inflamed)

Your supposed to brush your cats teeth?
LOL - yes, you should brush your cat's teeth.

In the wild, cats' teeth are cleaned naturally by their diet of muscle meat which they have to rip and shred through and bones.

Domestic cats who are fed a whole prey diet (raw meat, bones and organs) are likely to be in excellent dental health as well, as are those on other diets who are given chicken necks to chew on. Chicken necks are well known as a method for cleaning teeth naturally.

The rest of us SHOULD brush our cats' teeth, but many don't. I'm ashamed to say I'm one of them - I've just failed to do it.

That's the very best thing (outside of the whole prey diet/chicken neck thing) for your cat's teeth. Failing that, there are other things you can do but they won't be as effective.

There are various products which you can add to your cat's food or water (C.E.T. Dental makes very good ones, and Wysong has a powdered product called Dentatreat). There are dental treats as well (C.E.T. Dental). There's an homeopathic remedy (I think that's what it is) that claims to soften tartar (fragaria which I am currently trying on myself). The only dental treat out there that may actually provide some benefit is from C.E.T. Dental. That's because they have a chewy/crunchy outside that the cats must shred.

The one thing that doesn't clean cat teeth is dry food. Never has, never will. Nor will those crunchy treats - for one thing they're sure to have sugar in them. And we all know how good sugar is for the teeth!

And sometimes it's luck of the draw - like humans, some cats are more prone to tartar than others.
Reply:vets can have them cleaned-i do it to my dogs.
Reply:I can't possibly imagine brushing my cat's teeth. It would probably take three people to hold him down long enough to do it! I think it's something you would have to start when they are kittens so they are used to it.
Reply:reminds me of a paper I read once about giving a cat a worm pill, I've never heard of brushing a cats teeth, but they do have bad breath! I would look into getting one of those bee keeper outfits before attempting that! Do it CAREFULLY!!!!!!
Reply:It is not nessesary to brush your cat's teeth. I had my cat for many years and it's teeth is still white and healthy.
Reply:Are you serious??? Your coworker is a freak. Dry cat food (and dog food for that matter) is designed to clean their teeth. As they bite into the hard food the food scraps away the plaque.
Reply:when I get my cat to the vet for a check up, he checks teh cat's teeth, and he sometimes cleans them, after giving the cat tranquilliser (but this must be done by a vet). There are products to brush teh teeth of cats and dogs, but if you don't want your arms to look like your co-worker's, better ask the vet to have a look next time you meet.
Reply:yea, hard food does that. Maybe she feeds her cat soft food so she has to or something?
Reply:Your friend is doing the right thing by brushing her cat's teeth. You suppose to with baking soda. You can also take them to the Vet to get their check-ups to make sure that everything is OK.Cats will scratch and go crazy because I know mines get hairballs and when I put the medicine on their paws, they won't stay still. Well I wish you and your cat the best of luck.
Reply:In theory, this is a great thing to do to maintain your cat's dental health. In practice, however... :-)

Hard food should help with keeping the tartar off, but some cats are just predisposed to having more buildup than others (just like humans). If you would attempt to brush, they sell little cat toothbrushes and animal-safe toothpaste at pet stores. Don't use human toothpaste, the fluoride is bad for them to swallow.

Get your cat used to the toothpaste by letting her taste some off your finger. My cats love the taste of the stuff. Getting her used to a brush takes a little while, start by letter her sniff it and rub her face on it. Then do just what you did to look at her teeth, and do a quick swipe of one side with the brush. Don't try to do the whole mouth at first. Just repeat the process, give her lots of affection while you're doing it, treats if she's a treat-y kind of girl, and do your best.

Yearly check-ups at the vet are the best way to make sure nothing's going on in your cat's mouth. I personally have seen many a cat with severe dental disease (I mean really nasty, ulcers in the mouth, exposed roots, the works) who's owner only brought them to the doctor because they suddenly stopped eating. Ya think? By that time, it's a major problem (and a major expense).
Reply:I don't think you have to brush your cat's teeth, but it's a good idea to. You should start out when they are kittens and start by putting gauze on your finger and rubbing in on their teeth, then slowling moving to using a cat toothbrush and toothpaste that you can buy in the store especially for cats. If you want/need to brush an older cat's teeth you might want to inlist the help of at least one friend to restrain the cat!

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My cat bunny has six teeth missing .home loving cat does anybody know why?

2010-05-17T20:50:00.001-07:00

I don't quite understand your grammar.

Tooth loss in cats is much more commonly associated with gingivitis and periodontal disease, where inflammation and infection of the gum tissue causes loosening and retraction of the gum tissue around the tooth, which eventually leads to tooth loss. Sticky, sugary foods can contribute to the development of gingivitis and periodontal disease. In general, a premium-quality dry or canned food would be best.

My cat bunny has six teeth missing .home loving cat does anybody know why?
lol
Reply:Maybe they fell out or the cat got hurt. Maybe while playing with a toy someone yanked it out of it's mouth and ripped out some teeth. I don't know???
Reply:it depends on his/her age.

teeth fall out over time, especially on dogs/cats due to chewing animal bones

like humans do if they dont see a dentist, which i doubt your cat does.

as long as she can eat comfortably and easily i wouldnt worry.

if your that concerned see a vet
Reply:It has probably been wrenching them out itself in protest at being called 'Bunny'!

I only hope it was named by a small child. Bunny, indeed!
Reply:Look for a bulldog with a cat tooth necklace.
Reply:this is a mixture of old age and dental problems. as cats do not brush there teeth, there teeth are more susceptible to falling out. she could probably be due a trip to the vets to have her teeth checked. often gingivitis and periodontal disease are contributing factors. have a look at her gums above her teeth if this is red/inflamed or sore looking she should have her teeth checked.

don't worry about her losing some teeth, cats cope well with no teeth and as they do not chew there food its not too important. the amount of cats Ive seen with no teeth and still eat biscuits its amazing how they adjust.

obviously we want her to keep her teeth so good dental health is imperative. some cats go off there food if there mouths are sore, so get her checked just in case.

qualified veterinary nurse UK
Reply:Cat's teeth fall out all the time- usually for the same reasons ours do- bad oral hygiene or injury. My very old cat had to have all his teeth out recently due to abscess and bone erosion. I spent a fortune on special post op food for him, which he decided he didn't want and started eating the dog's kibble- all this within 24 hours of him being home! So don't worry too much- if the cat also has bad breath then get it looked at to rule out anything serious and then just let it get on with it.

How should I clean my cats teeth without hurting him?

2010-05-17T20:50:00.000-07:00

I know there is cat food especially made for cats to have cleaner teeth. But most of that food doesn't really help. Is there any kind of teeth-cleaning cat food that you prefer? Or is there any other way I can remove plaque from my cat's teeth?

How should I clean my cats teeth without hurting him?
Here are some tips to help you brush your cat's teeth. First some background. Adult cats have 30 teeth, these are comprised of 12 incisors, 4 canines, 10 premolars and 4 molars. Cats teeth were made to tear into raw meat. This chopping of food cleansed the teeth. Because domestic cats usually eat commercially prepared foods, most never have the opportunity to slice up large, tough food objects. As a result their teeth suffer from the accumulation of tartar. The steps involved in getting your cat to accept tooth brushing are similar to the gradual process involved in introducing nail clipping. Here's how you can start.

~ Familiarize kitty. Before you bring in the toothbrush, your cat must be comfortable sitting on your lap while his mouth and lip areas are massaged (be sure you do not poke the sensitive gums with your fingernails).

~ Next, place a dab of cat-toothpaste on your finger and let kitty taste it.

~ The next day place a small amount of cat-toothpaste on a normal toothbrush or the specially designed finger brushes

~The next day, brush one or two teeth in a circular motion. Start with the canines (fangs) and those teeth just behind them. Be sure to brush the adjoining gum line.

~ Increase the number of teeth you brush every couple of days.You need to eventually brush the rear teeth where plaque and tartar accumulate.

~ Stop brushing when you decide to stop, not when kitty wants to stop! If kitty figures out that fussing makes you stop quicker, it will lead to a downward spiral where little brushing is done.

~ Brush for 30 seconds on the outside surfaces. Because cats do not get much tartar on the inside surfaces you do not need to focus there.

~ Stop each session and be sure to praise kitty. A little treat may help out here.
Reply:jack hammer works well.
Reply:Hi there...ideally, the best way to keep cats teeth clean is to brush regularly. Here's an instructional video on how to brush cats teeth by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine for Feline Health: http://www.felinevideos.vet.cornell.edu/...
Reply:They should be fine w/o you doing that. Whiskas has treats that clean cat's teeth. My cats love 'em.

http://www.petplanet.co.uk/product.asp?d...
Reply:Best to let a vet do it occasionally ... once I thought I was doing it OK and also using special food and when the cat who was not that old went for a check up her gums were all red and she had to get a lot of teeth pulled ... I felt terrible. I think it is worth it to have the vet check and give recommendations ... some cats need more care for plaque than others.
Reply:burn off the plaque with a butane lighter or a minitorch.... u can get one at the local vet if you r lucky
Reply:My dog hates having her teeth cleaned. I would put pet toothpaste on a finger brush. The brush covers 1/2 of your finger with little rubber bristles to brush the cats teeth and massage to gums. Give it a try! You have got nothing to lose. Paticake
Reply:If ur cat and u have a good relashonship then u should just pick up a tooth brush! no animal likes having their teeth cleaned but if u give her lots of love, she'll come through. If u would really rather not do that I would ask the local petco people wut to do. They have good advice and r not afraid to down a bad product.
Reply:There are hard treats that can be given to them on a daily basis to help remove tartar (same as we humans get) you can even get toothpaste. The best way to remove tartar from your cats teeth is to have your veterinarian do it and unless your cat really freaks out they will not have to be anaesthetized. They won't be happy but it is the most full-proof method, and at the most you only have to have this done once or twice a year.
Reply:Go to the vet and ask about this:

Larger pet stores should sell a finger brush. It's kind of like a 'finger puppet' that you put on your finger, and massage the cat's teeth and gums. They're made of some sort of soft rubber.

You don't want to actually use any kind of brush on a cats teeth since they're smaller, and therefore, thinner, than our teeth. A brush could scratch their teeth and / or gums.

Instead, use the finger brush, wet it with water, and get them used to you massaging their teeth and gums (this is a LOT easier if you teach them as a kitten.) If this doesn't solve the problem, they have cat toothpaste. You're much better off getting this at the vet.
Reply:the best way to do that is to see a vet. they get really down their and can clean and see if their is a problem but u should be able to buy a pet toothbrush at any vet clinic. dont use a regular one
Reply:Q. Should I have my cats teeth cleaned?

Elaine Wexler-Mitchell, D.V.M., says: Cats need a healthy mouth to survive because their eating, drinking, and grooming depends upon it. Dental health is influenced by genetics, diet, and home care. Preventive home care options include tooth brushing, oral rinses and wipes, and specially formulated treats and diets, but more serious conditions such as gingivitis require a visit to your veterinarian. Early signs of gingivitis include mouth odor and a red, raised line at the tooth-gum line. Without proper care, plaque and tartar build on the teeth and bacteria lodge within these substances, which damages the gums. Left untreated, tooth erosion, root infection, and penetration of bacteria into the sinuses or blood stream occur. Studies show that bad teeth are a source of infection that impacts other organs such as the kidneys, especially in geriatric cats.

To ensure a more serious condition does not occur, your cats mouth needs to be examined at least annually by a veterinarian. During this exam your cats gums, teeth, and tongue are evaluated for problems. If gingivitis, plaque, or tartar buildup is evident, the best treatment is a professional cleaning by your veterinarian. This process involves probing and evaluating each tooth, hand scaling, ultrasonic scaling, polishing, and a fluoride treatment while your cat is under general anesthesia. Although some cats may allow superficial scaling of their teeth, anesthesia is needed for a thorough procedure that uses sharp instruments under and around the gums. Diseased teeth are usually extracted. Some cats need annual or semiannual dental cleaning, while others require the procedure only once once or twice in a lifetime.

http://www.catchannel.com/vetlibrary/art...

Some cats have worse teeth than others, and some may need teeth cleaning every few years. Part of owning a cat is being prepared for such expenses.

Tooth-cleaning catfood does not work, it gets mushy when it goes into their mouth. You can get a little cat toothbrush and some enzymatic cat toothpaste, but that will only work on plaque and frankly, many cats will not put up with it.

Tartar is what your cat has, most likely, and once tartar forms, no crunchy food or tooth brushing will get it off. The accumulation of which can lead to irritation of the gums, leading to exposed tooth roots, and eventually possible loss of teeth, and gum infections.

BRUSHING THEIR TEETH AND FEEDING CRUNCHY CAT FOOD DOES NOT CONTROL TARTAR. Only a proper veterinary procedure can remove plaque.

Getting cats teeth cleaned cost?

2010-05-17T20:49:00.001-07:00

My 10 year old cat is due for a teeth cleaning and her vet said that it will cost between $600-$1200 depending on if she needs extractions, extra xrays etc. This seems like it is very expensive so I am curious how much other people have paid for this. Obviously I don't want to risk her health just to save a few bucks but I also don't want to just jump in and do it there simply because it is her regular vet if they are overcharging.

Getting cats teeth cleaned cost?
I'm not sure what country you are in, but in Australia, were I work as a vet nurse, I can tell you that the starting cost of a dental is around $400. Yes, there are many contributing factors to the cost, xrays can easily add $200 to it = $600 you were quoted. As you say, each vet practice may charge slightly differently, but thats a ball park figure. Also, if they want to put the cat on IV fluids during the dental or take teath out or run blood test prior to the procedure or have the cat on a course of antibiotics after the dental, that will all be extra. It is very difficult to make comparisons on vet quotes unless you know EXACTLY what they have quoted you for. Get a print out quote so you know and take it to another vet so you can compare oranges with oranges, if you get my meaning. Thats often a mistake people make when comparing prices. Also, be aware, for a vet to quote accurately it involves examining the patient, which means you would have to pay another consult fee somewhere else to get a proper quote. An over the phone quote from another vet might sound like a good price but it may not include all those other things you will end up needind that I mentioned above.

Hope this helps
Reply:yah i used to work at a vet clinic and the price normally ranged from $400-800.... it is really expensive because of anesthetics, time, equipment... but it is worth it if you love your cat...healthy teeth and gums are important...
Reply:Wow that is alot..I have two cats and yes you do love them.. But that really sounds really high..
Reply:My cat is 2 years old and he got his teeth cleaned just last year. The total was $226 and some change. He had bloodwork done before the surgery, then the cleaning and they also extracted 4 teeth. This total included antibiotics and pain medication.

The estimate your vet gave you seems quite high. I would call around to other offices and simply ask for an estimate.

Good luck!
Reply:I work at a vet clinic and that sounds like a pretty accurate estimate for a feline dental. Although if you do shop around for better prices, make sure that you compare based on the services that are being offered. For example, one clinic may cost $1200 but this includes ultrasonic cleaning, fluoride treatment, x-rays, safety precautions such a IV fluid and post-operative overnight-care. On the other hand the cheaper clinic charging $600 will only do a basic cleaning with a hand scaler.
Reply:Whoa!!! I think my vet charges about $160. I highly recommend that you try PetzLife gel before paying for a cleaning. It's %26lt;$25, and it totally worked with my cat. It could save you a fortune, and you wouldn't have to anesthetize your cat.

http://www.petzlife.com/

http://www.petmountain.com/product/denta...
Reply:Don't know where you are, but that is super high charging!

Here in W. Canada, it's about $200 for teeth cleaning and depending on complications of extractions about $75 per tooth removal if necessary.

X-Ray if needed about $75 and blood work should be taken on a cat that age 1st, around $125 for full panel.

Hope you do get a quote from another reputable vet.

Gd. luck.
Reply:Holy god, that's way too much. Get a second and a third and maybe even a fourth opinion. Frankly, you'd be better off just getting a tube of cat toothpaste and brushing her teeth yourself.
Reply:I paid about 250-300 for a simple cleaning with no anesthesia for mine and I thought that was too high. your cat must need some extra work or maybe they need to put her to sleep, that would add a lot to the cost
Reply:why have them cleaned give them crunchies out 17 yr old tom cat has always had crunchies to clean his teeth so it wont stress him out snyway you should look after your cats teeth better
Reply:Tooth care for cats can be very expensive, but you have to remember the cat has anesthetic and needs extra personnel to watch the cat. My vet wanted to give kitty a fluoride treatment but I decided that was a bit much. Mine is an older girl and I know she's going to lose some teeth. The extractions are figured on a per minute per tooth basis, so that can get expensive quickly. I was sorry to see my kitty with a toothache so she's having her teeth cleaned at the same time she is spayed so she will only need to go under once. My cat is a retired purebred breeding cat about 12 years old and is in otherwise fine shape. The estimate for the spaying and drugs and work on her teeth is about $1,000 and could be more depending on her teeth. I'm glad I had some money put aside and I hope none of my other cats is in need of vet care very soon. The vet talked about how I would have to brush her teeth after she was well again, but I can't see her allowing me to do that. I think if I had started messing with her teeth when she was a kitten she'd tolerate it better now. I guess we'll just do the best we can under the circumstances.

Brushing cats' teeth?

2010-05-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

how do you brush cats' teeth? because i did it a few years ago on my cat and he almost died from the anesthesia so i'm wondering how can i brush his teeth?

Brushing cats' teeth?
Hi Tammie...here's an instructional video on how to brush cats teeth by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: http://www.felinevideos.vet.cornell.edu/...
Reply:you can get little like pills or like mints that clean your cat's teeth and like freshen their breath so you don't have to brush them. You could probably find them at like any large pet store
Reply:You gave your cat anesthesia at home to brush his teeth?

You should have started brushing his teeth as a kitten to get him use to it. You may have a problem with it now. And please don't give him any more anesthesia at home, take him to the vet for that.
Reply:There are a number of products on the market. I have posted a link to a variety of products, and within that link are more details on feline dental care. Also, using things like C.E.T. Chews (available at vet offices) will aid in keeping your cats teeth clean.
Reply:You really dont have to brush your cats teeth but you can give them cat breath mints that take care of their teeth. They whiten their theeth and freshen their breath.
Reply:You don't need to really brush them....get a cat tooth paste (CET makes a good one). Put some on your finger and rub it along the teeth and gums (should be alot easier than actually getting a brush in there!) The cats tongue will help aid in distributing the paste and removing some plaque...do this twice a day week. Also, feed dry food or give hard treats to help aid in removing plaque as well.

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My cat is grinding his teeth and turning his head sharply to one side, what should I do???

2010-05-15T05:58:00.002-07:00

He started doing this a day or two ago, but it seems to be increasing in frequency. It almost looks as though something is stuck in his mouth, but when I open his jaw I don't see anything. He also growls and refuses to be touched while it happens. Tooth pain, maybe?? I am thinking I should be taking him to the vet, but any advice before then would be appreciated.

My cat is grinding his teeth and turning his head sharply to one side, what should I do???
Sounds like he has a fish bone stuck in his mouth that is getting festered and causing him pain.

If not that then he has an infected tooth causing him pain.

Another possible cause is he has gotten bitten by something like a spider or wasp in his mouth.

Whatever it is sounds like a trip to the VET is in order for him.
Reply:Get him to the vet ASAP! Cats don't show severe illnesses until it's too late. Sadly, I know this from firsthand experience.
Reply:Well to me it sounds like a seizure. I recommend taking him to the vet asap to make sure. It may be nothing at all, but you should get it checked out just in case. I hope he gets better!
Reply:Sounds like he might have ear-mites or could have a bad tooth. I had a cat that act like that and she had fluid in the ear just like a bad cold. So I would look in the ear if he will let you. If not taake him to the vet.
Reply:I agree with Tia it sounds like a seizure. PLEASE get your cat to the vet ASAP it could be serious!

Do cats teeth sometimes grow too long?

2010-05-15T05:58:00.001-07:00

My cats teeth (one on each side) seem to be too long. They seem to go down over her lower lip. She can still eat dry cat food and it doesn't seem to bother her. I want to take her to the vet but everyone laughs at me saying the vet is not a dentist and can't do anything about it. Has anyone's cat had a similar problem?

Do cats teeth sometimes grow too long?
My cat is like that too! I don't think there is anything wrong with it, don't worry about it. I am sure its just something genetic where the canine teeth are longer, I searched it online a while ago and found that some cats just have longer canine teeth that others.

If its not bothering her, it shouldn't be bothering you! :D
Reply:Only if it is a sabre toothed moggy!
Reply:Cat's upper canine teeth do slightly run over their lower lip. Sometimes the cat covers them, and sometimes if they just hissed or bit at something, they are still 'barred.' It could be possible, however, I'm not sure if it's really that they're "too long." If they are, by chance, you can definately take the cat to the vet. They DO do dentist work (as they clean teeth and such) so the people laughing at you are ignorant. If it's not bothering your cat, though, I wouldn't spend the money to grind them down if there's no reason other than the "look."
Reply:whattttttttt
Reply:she wants to kill people

Brushing Cats Teeth?

2010-05-15T05:58:00.000-07:00

I was shopping for my cat online and there was the dental care products and how to brush her teeth, should i start to brush her teach cause i dont right now and the vet tells he teeth are good. She's 1 year old. And at what age to u suppose to brush a cat's teeth?

Brushing Cats Teeth?
yes start brushing them as soon as you can will make life easier for you later on.

http://www.felinevideos.vet.cornell.edu/...
Reply:i would brush the cats teeth. to get the cat use to it before you use the toothbrush, just keep touching her mouth and opening it to get her used to you going in her mouth.
Reply:I wouldn't because you will be fighting a cat and you could get scratched and bit.
Reply:There are a couple of varying opinions when it comes to brushing cat's teeth. If you start doing it when they are very small it's usually not a problem but older cats tend to resent the intrusion.

There is an oral hygiene gel (which my vet recommended to me) that requires no brushing and is probably less stressful than administering hairball remedy. It's called Logic oral gel if you want to give it a try.

Also leaving dry food where they can get it when they want it was another suggestion from the vet.

Relief really as I have 13 cats and didn't want to take up a martial art at the moment !
Reply:The sooner you get them used to it the better. I would recommend a finger brush, they are much easier to use.
Reply:here are some reasons for brushing your cat’s teeth:

* Brushing cats' teeth regularly can extend their lifespan.

“Periodontal disease is a serious condition that causes gingivitis, loss of teeth, pain in the mouth and possibly even serious infections in the internal organs,” said David Steele, a veterinarian with Advanced Animal Care in Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Preventing periodontal disease by brushing a pet’s teeth regularly can reduce the occurrence of these conditions and increase a pet’s lifespan.

* Brushing cats’ teeth helps eliminate bad breath, which is often caused by pet dental or periodontal disease, and brushing your cat’s teeth regularly can help prevent and correct this.

* Brushing your cat’s teeth at home reduces the chance your cat will have to be anesthetized to have its teeth cleaned. Not only is there a slight health risk in having a cat anesthetized for a complete cleaning by your vet, but the procedures can be costly as well.

“By brushing your pet’s teeth on a daily basis, we may be able to help reduce and perhaps even eliminate the need for having your pet anesthetized by your veterinarian for a more thorough cleaning,” Steele said.

* Brushing your cat’s teeth equals bonding. Though at first a cat may seem uncomfortable and you may feel awkward with brushing, it is possible that they will grow to enjoy the additional time spent with the owner.

* It’s relatively easy.

“While to some folks brushing your cat’s teeth may be a daunting task, it doesn’t really need to be,”
Reply:You should start brushing as soon as you can; I would imagine this means as soon as possible after a cat is weaned and at least somewhat used to humans.

The sooner you get them used to it, the better!
Reply:My cat's 5 and I just started doing it. Start ASAP on your cat. I hold her from behind when she is on her scratchy post and use a cat toothbrush and cat toothpaste. I gently pull her lips apart and zip zip zip I use a circular motion on her teeth really fast and it's all over before she can growl. She is getting used to it and she has an attitude.

Clean cats, teeth and all?

2010-05-15T05:57:00.002-07:00

As I'm getting a new cat in a month. another concern of mine is dental hygiene. My grandma's cats have gross smelling breath and teeth from improper care. So what are the best cleaning methods?Also, is it really nessisary to bathe a cat(indoor cat)? tips on a clean litter box area?

Clean cats, teeth and all?
No, you don't need to bathe cats. They are self-cleaning like ovens.

If you can brush or wipe your cat's teeth, that's great. However if you can't there are other things you can do.

Give them raw chicken necks to chew on. That's what I do. This is how nature intended them to keep their teeth clean. After all, Mother Nature doesn't brush their teeth, nor do their mothers!

Look into supplements to add to the water or the food. C.E.T. Dental makes one, as does Wysong. There's also a product called PlaqueOff.

The one thing that won't help is dry food. It will not clean their teeth. Not even the cleverly marketed "dental" foods they're now making. Save your money!
Reply:Get a good quality (Science Diet, Iams, etc.) DRY cat food, that will keep the teeth and breath in good shape. We give ours a little bit of Fancy Feast Can food just as a treat now and then.

You don't have to bathe an indoor cat, they are very good at keeping themselves clean.

Get a good cat litter, tidy cat multiple cats is good. Get a big empty coffee can with a good lid. Put it next to the litter box.

Every night, scoop out the lumps and clumps, put them in the coffee can and keep the lid on tight. When it gets full, throw it in the trash and start a new one.
Reply:I have had indoor and outdoor cats. The indoor cats do tend to shed more so I would recommend brushing, but not bathing. Cats are very clean and they have special oils in their fur that shouldn't be washed out.

As far as teeth, keep an eye on the teeth and when they start getting stains or build-up, the vet will clean them. The vet sedates the cat so it doesn't struggle while having them cleaned. The litter box should never have much odor if you scoop every day. Use a dust-free scoopable cat littler and there are little mats you can buy to cut down on tracking the litter out of the box.

Also, I have a female Siamese that cannot eat dry food with artificial coloring. That can tend to give them urinary problems. I feed my indoor cat a dry food for indoor cats that is free of by-products and artificial coloring. They both eat it and the Siamese also eats some canned food.

This is a lot of info, but cats are so easy to have and so clean, except for hair and so nice to keep inside. There is also hairball remedy that I would recommend getting from the vet.

I hope this helped with your new cat.

I love cats and always like to see them get a good home.
Reply:Feed your cat a high quality food like Science Diet - it is good for your cat in general, not just its teeth.

No, you do not clean a cat - they hate water! Cats are self-cleaning.

Get a litter box with a hood or cover on it. That way when the cat buries its "treasure" it won't kick litter on the floor outside the litter box. Clean the litter box out daily!!

Cats are really pretty easy pets to own.
Reply:Regular play with the cat with chew toys(to an extent) will help with their teeth, also there are products on the market now for that. Dry cat food does prevent tooth problems....not helps with existing ones, but helps to prevent it. That is the difference. You definitely do want to feed it dry food. You do not have to bathe an indoor cat, however, I always bathed mine that were indoors. They did not like it at first, just like a dog, but they got used to it, and then you had to fight them for the tub. Place a mat in front of the litter box to catch what the cat tracks out of it. Also, get the scoopable and scoop it daily as the other answerer suggested. One other thing that we did was kept fake nails on ours to keep him from scratching things in the house. Most cats will learn not to, but we did this anyway since we had very small children at the time. It is called soft paws, and they are acrylic nails that glue and slide over the cats nails. They even come in colors. We used red and green for him during Christmas time.
Reply:Dry cat food, Greenies treats are good too for keeping teeth clean.

They also make toothbrushes for cats. If you start when they are young enough, it won't be a big deal. And, naturally, veterinary dental care.

No, it isn't really necessary to bathe a cat - he is indoor, so he will bathe himself/herself. I give my cat a bath on very rare occasions, but I mean very rarely. Baths will dry your cats skin out, and give them problems.

I have a rug under my cats box - if you get one with a cover, it helps keep the litter in the box vs. on the floor. Cats will kick it around. Scoop it daily - or you can get a Litter Maid that will automatically scoop after the cat has done his/her business.

Congrats on your pending new addition!

asp

Does Your Cat Rip Paper with his Teeth?

2010-05-15T05:57:00.001-07:00

Our cat will rip anything paper, sheets of paper, shopping bags, even the computer paper in the package. He also likes to chase paper crumpled into a ball and he carries a toy foam football around. He's also very nosey, but funny.

Does Your Cat Rip Paper with his Teeth?
yes most cats rip up paper,.a mother cat will make a nest to have her kittens on out of ripped up paper they all like to chase a crumpled ball of paper i tie a ball of paper to a remote controlled car and my cats chase it round the yard
Reply:Yes, mine makes confetti out of the Sunday paper. For some reason it's only the Sunday issue. Cellophane from packages is another curiosity for her.
Reply:Yes, my cat rips paper...he seems to particularily enjoy ripping receipts...so have to be careful about leaving the bags on the floor when I first come home...first thing he does is start stepping on the bags with one foot to see whats in them...gets a little miffed when I say " I didnt buy you anything" haha
Reply:My cat rips 'em, but no paper involved.

Pull my paw.
Reply:Hi there...one of my cats has been designated as the official replacement in place of the professional paper shredder! ;-)

He also likes to play fetch and other unique games with various toys, but then both my cats have an advantage since I'm a professional animal trainer as well. They're both toilet trained %26amp; can flush as well!
Reply:my moms cat does that. they have to hide bills because of her. they really don't need a shredder. at tax time she ripped up something important...opps
Reply:Yep, mine too. I've got to keep paper towels in the closet because she shreds them! If it makes a noise, she'll shred it.
Reply:yep
Reply:My cat like only paper towels and soft wallpaper. I thought that she learned that from rats during her hard childhood, during cold winter, when she was left in street homeless by somebody. But I read other answers and started to doubt about this version.
Reply:Yes- my youngest kitten especially loves paper and plastic bags......but usually when she wants attention, like if I'm not home much. Tends to be a statement- "Mum give me attention!!!"
Reply:My cat eats toilet roll, kitchen roll and paper. And he has a chronic problem with sitting on whatever you're reading.

Do you brush your cats teeth or take it to the vet for teeth cleaning?

2010-05-15T05:57:00.000-07:00

do you brush your cats teeth or take it to the vet for teeth cleaning and is ti safe to get a cats teeth cleaned at a vet i am scared to but my cat under anesthetics what rae the chances of her not waking up?also does she have to stay overnite?

thanks

Do you brush your cats teeth or take it to the vet for teeth cleaning?
Do both.

It is safe as long as to proper precautions have been made.

You vet should do preanesthetic bloodwork to make sure all of your cat's organs are functioning normally and can handle the anesthesia. Rarely are there any complications with a routine dental cleaning under anesthesia. The benfits of doing it under anesthsia is that they can get the teeth really clean, even underneath the gum line.

Many times with a healthy cat that just needs their teeth clean and has no rotting teeth that need to be removed, they will just use gas anesthsia. This is just the inhaled anesthesia. It is safe, quick and they wake up very quickly and aren't groggy afterwards.

Most of the time the animals will go home the same day. The only time they might stay overnite is if the dentals are done late in the day right before closing and they want the pet to stay and watch them recover. But that rarely happens. Ask to come in first thing in the morning and ask for them to clean her teeth in the morning too.

If you have ANY questions, your vet should be happy to answer them all. Any vet that doesn't want to answer even the simplest question about the way they do dentals, their monitoring equipment, where they clean the teeth %26amp; how, even show you their back office and where everything takes place, is not the vet vet to go to. Never go to a vet that has something to hide or has a dirty office.

Where I work, we are always happy to have any client look at our back office and where we do everything.
Reply:My cats teeth are cleaned and scaled once a year (usually) at the vet office.

All my cats are now in their "teens" and my cat who lived to be 22+ had her teeth cleaned every year till she passed away.

Vets should do a pre-anesthesia blood panel to check on the cat's organ health. My vets use gas anesthesia and the cats are not under very long and recovering almost as soon as the anesthesia mask is removed.

When my cats go in for their annual exam the vet always checks the teeth and if they need a cleaning they get it.
Reply:None of my cats have had to stay over night. The vet will do bloodwork on your cat to make sure it is healthy enough to be put under for the cleaning. Bad teeth can lead to all sorts of health problems such as heart failure. It's very important for their teeth to be kept clean and in good shape.
Reply:well u can always get the food thats good with cats teeth like with plaque and everything and every year or so take to the vets
Reply:If you try to brush your cats teeth I hope you have a really good insurance policy and a BIG supply of bandaids.

Let the vet do it. It will be much less stressful on your cat, not to mention a lot less painful for you.

Good luck.
Reply:you can do it but you have to use cat toothpaste and toothbrush but before you do this call your vet to see if she/he says what to do either come to her/he or u do it
Reply:As long as you go to a repuatable vet then you should have no problem with your cat getting put under for the cleaning...

I couldn't have it done to my cat ONLY because he was 20 years old the last time he went to the vet...

Before that I used a finger brush and chicken flavored toothpaste.

If you want to do it at home then take a pillow case, cut the corner off, stick your cat in the sack, and brush like that... Then he can't get away...
Reply:I try to brush them with a tiny toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste for cats that supposedly is a yummy malt flavor, but I mostly get a whining squirming cat with malty toothpaste all over his face.

No biting though, hes a good boy. ^^

I have not gotten the teeth cleaning for a cat before- but I did not trust my previous vet.

If your vet is a good critter doctor, I'd go with their recommendation.
Reply:I apply PetzLife gel to my cat's teeth, but I don't actually brush them. My cat has not had a scaling yet (she is about 3 years old).
Reply:I give my cats raw chicken necks every other day.

I buy them in the supermarket or butcher 2 kilos at a time, repackage them at home into plastic bags with 4 necks and freeze them all. Then every other day I grab a plastic bag in the morning and thaw it, by the time I come home from work and call my 2 cats ("chicken necks"), they are nearly knocking me over with excitement.

Chewing on the bones is cleaning their teeth naturally, they get a good supply of calcium and it is much cheaper (and more pleasant for the cats) than the vet (or brushing).

I do always make sure I am there when they eat them, just in case a bone sticks in their throat. I have been feeding them the necks for 10+ years and it has never happened, but you know - just in case....The vet is in total agreement with my solution (other than that he misses out on income).