Anyone Know About Having Cats Teeth Removed?

Question

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!

Answer 1

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!)

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

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

Answer 4

Many cats just swallow dry food whole without chewing, even those who have had teeth extracted, but wet food is really a better diet for cats. Make sure she has fresh water available. On rare occasions, food particles get stuck in the wound and cause an infection. You can also try some cat milk (JustBorn or KMR) or liquid diet (Rebound) while she is recovering. Don't fuss with her too much during recovery. Extractions are very traumatic for many cats. Leave her alone in a warm and quiet place.

Answer 5

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.

Answer 6

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.

Answer 7

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.

Answer 8

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.

Answer 9

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.

Answer 10

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.