"Your Kitty Has A Toothache"

Factual Questions
1

This is what my vet told me when I took my Himalayan-Persian Susie to him for her shots today. My question is: How does he know? She has no bad odor from her mouth, and she doesn’t lie around crying for no reason. He quoted me 120.00 dollars for teeth-cleaning and I told him I would get back to him.

About the only thing I have noticed is that at odd times she will make little “gnashing” sounds with her mouth. But she’s been doing that since kittenhood.

So what do the Doper cat-people think?

Thanks

Quasi

2

Sounds fishy.

Is it a vet you trust?

Has it stopped eating (or slowed substantially?) Is it hiding on you?

3

No to both those questions, bemse.
In fact she’s getting quite chubby and as far as hiding, that has never been a problem.

Just as an experiment, I just used a Q-tip and put a little gentle pressure on her front teeth, but she didn’t cry out.

I have trusted the vet till now. He’s been my vet for 4 years, ever since she was born.
Thanks

Q

4

Well, if it were me and I was suspecious (as it sounds you are) try taking her to another vet.

Paying for a second opinion is cheaper than paying for dental work on the little feline. :slight_smile:

5

Indeed-cats CAN have bad teeth. It’s very common.

One thing-get very good dry food-Hill’s Science Diet is a good one.

You can also get oral cleansing solutions and kitty tooth paste.

My Noel has a genetic gum condition-it’s like her gums are allergic to her teeth. She’s had quite a few pulled, and she’s only going to be five on the 22nd.

Fluffy had to have a few pulled about six months before she died.

Definitely-cats can and do have toothaches, just like humans.

However, 120 dollars sounds ridiculous. It could be she just has some plaque.

6

I just had my cats teeth cleaned 2 weeks ago. I agree it can happen. There is a difference from needing a cleaning though and having a “tooth-ache”.

:slight_smile: