We had a cat that got really sick a few months ago. It started with what looked like an infection in her mouth, almost like her mouth was rotting. Then she quit eating and got really skinny. The vet said it looked like a tumor and that she was old and nothing could be done. We eventually had to have her put down. Now my other cat is getting the same thing. I dont think its conicidence that two old cats would get the same thing in a matter of months. Any ideas of what this is?
2007-05-02 10:50:36 · 5 answers · asked by sea_sher 5 in Pets ➔ Cats
It's possible that both cat's were exposed to an infectious disease - such as Leukemia or FIV. Both can result in mouth ulcers and infections. It's also possible that both happened to have genetic mouth/teeth problems, though unlikely. If your cats go outside, and are not vaccinated for Leukemia or FIV, it's very likely they could have contracted them. Speak to your vet further, and if they won't do anything, you can always consult another vet.
Normally, I don't disagree with Chalice, but in this instances - sorry. Neither wet or dry food are responsible for the condition of their teeth/mouth. That is a fallacy brought about by the misguided belief that dry food keeps teeth cleaner. It may help somewhat, but since it doesn't stay in contact with the teeth long enough before being swallowed, the effect is minimal at best. And since wet food provides much better nutrition for cats anyway - less carbs, more animal protein, proper water intake - the benefit of wet food out weights any minuscule possible benefit of dry. My female cat was on dry food only for the first two years I had her and despite that, had two dental cleanings and had many teeth extracted.
2007-05-02 11:25:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it probably is a coincidence, as dental problems in cats, particularly older ones, are extremely common. I would think the only factor linking these two would be their shared diet - was it canned? Not good for teeth!
Take this cat to the vet. It would be a rather gigantic coincidence if it too had a tumour - it's more likely to just need some serious dental work.
Sorry you lost your other cat. Doesn't mean you're going to lose this one too tho, but go to the vet asap to give her the best chance!
Chalice
2007-05-02 17:56:14 · answer #2 · answered by Chalice 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would maybe try another vet. One of my cats got sores in her mouth and had to be put on antibiotics. They told me it was a herpes virus. It went away with the antibiotics, but I was told that it could come back at any time. Is there any chance that both cats could have gotten into something with poison in it? I would be checking that out also. Something is causing these sores.
2007-05-02 18:02:23 · answer #3 · answered by bonnie g 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many of the feline upper respiratory viruses cause mouth ulcers. And no vaccine is 100% effective. There are different strains of these viruses, just as there are in flu for humans. Have your cat checked for Calici or Herpes. Could be Chlamidia, but that one is quite rare. They are contagious from cat to cat only.
2007-05-02 18:12:36 · answer #4 · answered by Susan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My parents cats both got tumors in the same location. Maybe there needs to be a study to see if environment results in certain cancers in cats.
2007-05-02 17:57:18 · answer #5 · answered by Cheeks 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋