How to Diagnose and Treat Periodontitis in Cats
Smell the cat's breath., Inspect the cat's mouth., Identify any unusual behavior., Take your cat to the vet.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Smell the cat's breath.
Sometimes, the only noticeable symptom of periodontitis is bad breath.
If you notice that your cat has persistent bad breath, you should take them to the vet to be checked out.A healthy cat should not have a strong or offensive smell on their breath.
It is normal for the cat's breath to smell like their food after they eat, but it is not normal for the cat to have persistent bad breath.
If you believe that your cat has periodontitis, do a smell check a few times a day for a few days to see if the bad breath is consistent. -
Step 2: Inspect the cat's mouth.
There may be a few visible signs of periodontitis that you can notice by gently checking your cat’s mouth, teeth, and gums.
Sit with your cat on your lap.
As you pet and talk to your cat, gently tip their head back.
Use a finger to part their lips to see their teeth and gums.
Note that your cat may not let you inspect their mouth.
If they resist your attempt, stop immediately.
Take your cat to the vet instead for a full oral exam.
Signs of periodontitis include:
Red gums Gum recession Loose teeth Swelling around the mouth or face Drooling Yellowed teeth, If your cat is experiencing tooth pain, they may be acting strangely.
You might notice them pawing at their face frequently.
They may also have difficulty eating.
Some cats may even start to lose their appetite.You may notice the cat becoming messier as they eat.
This can be a sign that they are having difficulty eating.
If your cat has a decreased appetite, take them to the vet as this may be a symptom of multiple problems. , Only your vet can diagnose for certain if your cat has periodontitis or another disease.
If you suspect that your cat has periodontitis or if they are exhibiting any of its symptoms, schedule a visit with your vet.
In order to do a full oral exam, your vet may need to sedate your cat.You should take your cat to the vet annually for a dental exam and cleaning regardless of whether or not they have dental problems. -
Step 3: Identify any unusual behavior.
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Step 4: Take your cat to the vet.
Detailed Guide
Sometimes, the only noticeable symptom of periodontitis is bad breath.
If you notice that your cat has persistent bad breath, you should take them to the vet to be checked out.A healthy cat should not have a strong or offensive smell on their breath.
It is normal for the cat's breath to smell like their food after they eat, but it is not normal for the cat to have persistent bad breath.
If you believe that your cat has periodontitis, do a smell check a few times a day for a few days to see if the bad breath is consistent.
There may be a few visible signs of periodontitis that you can notice by gently checking your cat’s mouth, teeth, and gums.
Sit with your cat on your lap.
As you pet and talk to your cat, gently tip their head back.
Use a finger to part their lips to see their teeth and gums.
Note that your cat may not let you inspect their mouth.
If they resist your attempt, stop immediately.
Take your cat to the vet instead for a full oral exam.
Signs of periodontitis include:
Red gums Gum recession Loose teeth Swelling around the mouth or face Drooling Yellowed teeth, If your cat is experiencing tooth pain, they may be acting strangely.
You might notice them pawing at their face frequently.
They may also have difficulty eating.
Some cats may even start to lose their appetite.You may notice the cat becoming messier as they eat.
This can be a sign that they are having difficulty eating.
If your cat has a decreased appetite, take them to the vet as this may be a symptom of multiple problems. , Only your vet can diagnose for certain if your cat has periodontitis or another disease.
If you suspect that your cat has periodontitis or if they are exhibiting any of its symptoms, schedule a visit with your vet.
In order to do a full oral exam, your vet may need to sedate your cat.You should take your cat to the vet annually for a dental exam and cleaning regardless of whether or not they have dental problems.
About the Author
John Young
Experienced content creator specializing in practical skills guides and tutorials.
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