# "Your Kitty Has A Toothache" **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [October 3, 2001, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-kitty-has-a-toothache/85098 "2001-10-03T01:46:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2001, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-kitty-has-a-toothache/85098/1 "2001-10-03T01:46:46Z")
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 ---
**Author:** ![bernse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a9a28c/32.png) [@bernse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bernse)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2001, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-kitty-has-a-toothache/85098/2 "2001-10-03T01:51:35Z")
Sounds fishy. Is it a vet you trust? Has it stopped eating (or slowed substantially?) Is it hiding on you? ---
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2001, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-kitty-has-a-toothache/85098/3 "2001-10-03T02:01:56Z")
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 ---
**Author:** ![bernse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a9a28c/32.png) [@bernse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bernse)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2001, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-kitty-has-a-toothache/85098/4 "2001-10-03T02:17:50Z")
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. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2001, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-kitty-has-a-toothache/85098/5 "2001-10-03T02:25:23Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![bernse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a9a28c/32.png) [@bernse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bernse)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2001, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-kitty-has-a-toothache/85098/6 "2001-10-03T02:42:21Z")
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”. 🙂