You can treat kidney failure in cats to extend a cat’s life, but, unfortunately, a time will come when you have to let your cat go.. $250 for a examination my dentist charged $60. Age; Sometimes, older cats lose their appetite and have to be persuaded to eat. A cat may reach a point where he no longer attempts to eat and he becomes thin and loses condition. An infected tooth can abcess and cause considerable pain so that the cat will stop eating - a very serious thing. Drooling and pawing at the mouth may be other signs of a tooth issue. Being alive and eating wet foods in a loving home for the next 15 years is a better quality of life than being dead. She is eating and drinking normally and there is no sign of bleeding or infection. I'm a disabled vet in I do not have the money to take her to get an extraction done. Not eating, not drinking, barely moving. My cat, approx. He may also refuse to drink and become dehydrated. Thanks for the reply. regardless of the original cause of loss of appetite after 2 days of not eating a cat can get hepatic lipidosis, a liver condition that causes further loss of appetite and often requires serious int3ervention lkike syrinbge feeding or tube feeding until the cat recovers. If your cat suddenly stops eating and begins to lose weight, but seems otherwise healthy, it could be something as simple as a sore tooth causing the problem. While a cat not eating can be a sign of an underlying health issue, it’s also pretty darn unhealthy for your cat to not be eating, period; that in itself can grow into a bigger problem. A cat with an ear infection or other ear problem will shake its head and paw at its ears. If your cat has stopped eating, is over 7 years of age, or is displaying other symptoms of kidney disease, see your vet as soon as possible. The list of potential causes for cats not eating is long and diverse and includes kidney disease, cat flu, diabetes, fever, hyperthyroidism and pancreatitis. Some cats, especially if they suffer from a tooth ache or gum problems may refuse to eat. She doesn't seem to be in any pain. #2 – Toothache. A cat is not a disposable item you kill and get a new one when it has medical problems. Cats can't come right out and tell you when their mouths are hurting, but the signs might be there: bad breath, drooling or even a matted coat when grooming becomes too painful. Lack of Appetite. Infections, pancreatitis, kidney failure, cancer, and intestinal problems can all cause a cat to stop eating. Learn more about why your cat might not be eating and ways to help … If you know your cat has bad teeth, you may want to take a better look to see just how bad the situation is. If you’ve been feeding your cat dry food, check the container as it … * The cat … Her breath has been pretty bad for a while and dental chews aren't helping. Less serious medical issues like a toothache can also be to blame. If your cat suddenly stops eating, the list of reasons why is long. The cat may be very hungry and will attempt to eat but drops the food when he gets it in his mouth. Treatment. My 7 year old cat has a tooth ache and is barely eating or drinking. Check what you feed them. For instance, Rotman warns, “Overweight cats who stop eating can develop liver disease that, if left untreated, can be fatal.” The medical reasons for your cat not eating range from the very serious – kidney failure, parasites, pancreatitis, intestinal problems – to something as simple as a toothache. Yes, I've definitely had cats off their food due to a bad tooth, and I have a foster cat at the vets tonight on fluids due to not eating because of a tooth infection. Alternatively, it could even be as simple as an unclean cat bowl, or a change of environment making her feel unsettled. Once you see that your cat is not eating during its usual feeding time, you can immediately ask your vet for help. I am worried about her being in pain. A cat in pain will not eat as much as usual. Any pathologic condition of mouth (soreness, stomatitis, gingivitis, a toothache can also make your kitten anorexic. He’s currently under my bed trying to rest and every time he moves he gives a low growl like he’s in pain. However, loss of appetite is also associated with fever. Mouth ulcers or severe gingivitis can also contribute to the problem. Being a responsible owner, this is your duty to diagnose the actual cause of anorexia in your kitten. Our cat will not eat or drink and she is lethargic. ; A discharge may be present in the ears, and in severe cases, visible on the fur outside and around the ears.   You may see hair loss or scabs around the face, ears, and neck of your pet as a result of scratching at its ears. Dental disease is one of the most common, if not the most common, health issue that occurs in cats. They may find moist food easier and more comfortable to chew. She is usually very sweet but has been growling every now and then at me because of the pain. Recent vaccination – if your cat loses his appetite shortly after a routine vaccination, he may be having a reaction to the shots. A simple toothache can even cause the cat to stop eating. I have been warming tuna and the water and she atleast is eating a little. On the other end of the “scary spectrum,” sore teeth may cause a cat to stop eating, resulting in weight loss. For fewer toothaches and more adoptable felines, shelters should learn to recognize the signs of dental problems and develop a plan for proper veterinary treatment. If your cat’s change in appetite follows a recent vaccination, he … I do hope your boy gets better as well as mine. Our felines can spend anywhere from 10-15% of their time grooming themselves. Dental problems are the most common disease that we see in cats. First I would like to know how you know your cat has a toothache and what plans you have to take care of the tooth. Toothache. Why is my cat not eating? Lack of healthy teeth and gums can lead to heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, stroke and even diabetes. A kitty who’s reluctant to eat her cat food could simply have a tummy ache that will pass or a serious medical condition.. Your vet can carry out a dental examination to confirm the problem. If your cat is not eating wet food anymore it could be sick or not interested in that brand anymore. Her back teeth on … You will need to support your cat in an upright position like this for 10 to 15 minutes after every meal to prevent aspiration pneumonia , which occurs when food is inhaled into the lungs. One thought on “ Cats and Toothache Vet Costs ” Louis Rutkowski says: September 24, 2019 at 1:33 am. The price gouging by Vets is a blight on the proffession. Vaccinations. She's not big on eating on the best of days - she just doesn't like food! Recent vaccination. Illness - If your cat is not eating, it may be the result of an illness. ; Dental surgery - unlike us, cats don’t sit still for dental treatment, so the only way to safely treat their mouths is under an anaesthetic. 11/12 yrs old had 7 teeth extracted 3 months ago. A few days ago she started eating some of the wet food again but trying to chew it and when doing so, is grinding her teeth. Just in the last couple weeks she’s been fussy about her food, chewing dry (rx) kibble but not wet food except to lick the juice. I for one definitely think a cat without teeth is living with a very different quality of life. I can not take her to the vet until saturday and she is in pain. * The cat may be reluctant to eat. 1. Dental problems, pain and internal obstructions may also result in your cat refusing to eat. Underlying Illness—Several ailments may cause your pet to lose their appetite altogether. Sometimes it could be a dental problem such as a simple toothache. Not ever cat owner/lover has the funds to pay for the Vets lease payments on there Audi or Range Rover. If a cat has a recent vaccination, loss of appetite can sometimes occur and should be mild and temporary. Log in to Reply. Whether or not you decide to euthanize your cat is always a personal decision. If your cat does not have a stomach tube placed and you are feeding it by hand, be sure to give it several small meals a day while it is sitting upright. I just brought a 14 year old cat into my home. This may also be a sign of the last stage of pregnancy, but if your cat is neutered or a male, this is clearly not the case. Other signs of tooth problems include drooling and pawing at the mouth. Other Possible Causes Cats may refuse to eat for a range reasons not directly related to their overall health, including: Hard to tell when she last ate as I leave free access to food when I'm at work. Bad breath is a common sign of dental issues, most of which are easily treated. I'll try to get her to eat something when I get home and call the vet if she doesn't oblige. The problem need not be serious, however, for a cat to stop eating as it normally would. Treatment for dental disease depends on the specific problem, but may include: Anti-inflammatories - to make your cat’s mouth more comfortable. You can also try these tips and tricks to entice your kitty to start eating. #3 – Hyperthyroidism. Her habits really haven't changed she still eat and seems to work more cuddle time. She's a difficult animal at times so might be uncooperative. Periodontal (gum) disease is the number one diagnosed problem in cats; by the age of three, 70% of cats have some form of periodontal disease. Related Post: Dry Cat Food. My cat's back teeth on the top right side seem to have hard, brown growths on them. A cat with a loose tooth, inflamed gums, dental abscess, sore or infected mouth can stop eating virtually overnight. Your cat’s teeth, and their care are vital in terms of keeping your cat healthy and preventing disease. A number of different conditions may be responsible, including infections, kidney failure, pancreatitis, intestinal problems, and cancer. They can lead to bad breath, swollen and bleeding gums, loose teeth, and oral pain, and difficulty eating. Why a Cat Would Stop Eating. Loss of appetite in cats, also known as anorexia, can be a sign of a serious underlying disease. ; Antibiotics - are sometimes (but not always) necessary to fight infection. Your cat could have toothache as a result of cavities, cracked teeth, wear and tear or even missing teeth that make eating difficult or painful. Dental Problems—If your cat is in pain with a toothache, they may not want to make it worse by eating. A tooth extraction may be all that’s needed to get your kitty back to their old self. 2. Cats use their mouth for grooming, hunting, and eating. So be sure to pay attention if your cat suddenly stops eating. A healthy oral cavity in cats is very important for their digestive health and quality of life. But it isn’t always serious -- something as simple as a toothache can make your cat stop eating. The vet had checked him over and saw he had serious dental disease. Cats are secretive by nature, and it can be difficult to tell if a cat is experiencing oral discomfort. Not eating is a serious matter in cats. Toothache; A cat not eating dry food could have a toothache and it may be painful to eat. 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