February is Pet Dental Health Month! One may think this applies more to dogs and rabbits, but it’s important for kitties, too. Cats are susceptible to quite a few different dental troubles, including lesions, cracked or broken teeth, ulcers, misalignments, abscesses, tooth resorption, and stomatitis, which is a very painful oral inflammation. Of course, Fluffy can’t tell you if her teeth hurt, so it’s crucial for you to watch for warning signs. A local Fayetteville, NC vet lists some of the key ones below.

Bad Breath

Fluffy may have tuna breath right after she eats, but overall, her breath shouldn’t be stinky. If your furball’s kisses could wilt catnip or kill mice by themselves, she may have dental issues.

Dribbling

If your feline friend is dribbling food out of her mouth, she may need her choppers looked at. This is another common indication of dental trouble in kitties.

Changes In Appetite

Cats are known for being rather finicky. However, there’s a huge difference between being picky about food and being uninterested in it. If Fluffy doesn’t approve of what you put in her bowl, she should yell at you until you take it back and replace it. A kitty that just isn’t eating at all may be sick.

Drooling

We usually associate drooling with dogs, and for a reason: it really isn’t normal for cats. Fluffy may dribble a bit in her sleep, but other than that, it should be considered a red flag.

Tartar Buildup

This is one of the more visible warning signs. If Fluffy has a lot of yellow-brown gunk on her teeth, her teeth need some attention.

Swelling

Swelling around the mouth or face should always be treated as a medical emergency. Infections near the brain have the potential to become deadly!

Behavioral Changes

Anything that is out of the ordinary for Fluffy can be a sign of dental trouble. These may include withdrawal, changes in vocalization, becoming more or less affectionate than usual, crankiness, and poor grooming.

Tips

Most, if not all, of the things we’ve listed above can be indicative of a variety of medical issues. Bring your furball to the vet right away if you notice any of these warning signs in your feline buddy. Please contact us, your local Fayetteville, NC animal clinic, for any questions about your kitty’s health or care. We’re here for you!