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4 Signs Of Dental Issues In Your Cat

You may not have thought about dental care for your cat, but your cat's teeth are very important and the care and health of your cat's teeth are an important part of your feline's overall health. If your cat's teeth are not healthy and go untreated, it can result in other health issues for your cat. If you haven't had your cat's teeth cleaned in a while, or you've never had it done at all, it's time to make an appointment with your veterinarian to have this done. Read on for a few signs of feline dental issues you may not know to look out for but should, as well as other dental care tips for your fuzzy pal.

1. Drooling

Cats can drool, sure, but if it's becoming excessive, it may be due to your cat's teeth. If your cat is experiencing pain in his teeth or has gingivitis or some other type of dental issue, it can result in drooling. If you spot a lot of drool coming from your cat's mouth, take him to the veterinarian for an exam and checkup of his teeth. 

2. Irritability

Cats can sometimes be cranky, but if you notice your cat is more irritable than normal, is acting differently towards you or aggressive towards anyone and this is out of the norm, take your cat to the veterinarian for an exam. The irritability or mood change could be due to a tooth or gum issue. Your cat may become aggressive as a way to hide the issue, or due to being in pain.

3. Swelling/Redness

If you do see that your cat's teeth or gums are swollen or red, or your cat appears to paw at his face a lot, it may be a dental problem. The redness and swelling could indicate an infection and the pawing may be due to being in extreme pain. It's best to have your cat checked out by your veterinarian before the infection becomes a much larger issue for your feline.

4. Poor Appetite

A poor appetite usually indicates an issue with any animal, but you may not be aware that it could also be due to a dental issue as well. Your cat may not be able to eat his normal kibble because of tooth pain. You can try to wet the food to soften it a bit and see if this helps in the meantime, but be sure to take your cat in for a checkup as well to have his teeth or other issue treated.

If you notice any of these signs in your cat, take him to the cat dentist. If you don't have your cat's teeth cleaned at least once per year, you need to begin doing so. Talk to your veterinarian about having your cat's teeth cleaned, as well as what you can do at home to keep your cat's teeth clean and healthy, and about other dental care tips for your cat.