How Can I Tell If My Cat's Teeth Are Bothering Him?

Most people know how painful toothache can be, and will visit a dentist at the first twinge. Your cat can not tell you when its teeth are bothering him, and it is the duty of a responsible cat owner to monitor pets for signs of periodontal disease. Some signs are quite obvious and others are more subtle. Gum disease is very common in cats: according to Pawprints &Purrs, the majority of all adult cats over 2 years of age suffer from this to some degree.

Things You'll Need

  • Towel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Smell your cat's breath and check inside its mouth. Wrap the cat firmly in a towel with just its head out and ask a friend to hold it while you look in its mouth. Look for yellow, brown or black teeth, missing or broken teeth, gums that are swollen, red or bleeding, gums receding from the base of the teeth and bad breath. These are all signs that the cat has a dental problem and you should consult a veterinarian for treatment.

    • 2

      Observe the cat's behavior and watch for signs of drooling when eating. Look for subtle signs of teeth problems including chewing on the same side of the mouth all the time, declining crunchy treats, choosing softer foods, pawing or rubbing at its face and flinching if you stroke the side of the cat's head. Contact your vet and arrange a dental examination if you observe any of these behaviors.

    • 3

      Watch to be sure your cat is not vomiting up food up shortly after eating. This happens when cats don't chew the food because of painful teeth and are unable to digest it. Vomiting can indicate other problems such as worms, but combined with other symptoms it is a sign that the cat's teeth are bothering it.