How Come My Cat Not Eating After Dental Cleaning?

by Zac
My Cat Not Eating After Dental Cleaning

How come your cat is not eating after a dental cleaning? We go to the dentist about twice a year to clean our teeth. However, many pet owners are also taking the time to care for their cats’ teeth.

Your pet’s mouth can feel tender after a routine cleaning. However, after a dental procedure or cleaning, the tooth may look sore. Most dogs and cats don’t have their teeth cleaned every two to three years, so their accumulation of tartar may be more challenging to remove.

Most cats don’t exhibit signs of dental pain even after having a procedure. Their drive to eat helps keep them comfortable, and it’s up to us to keep them that way until their mouth is back to normal.

What to Expect After My Cat’s Dental Cleaning

Why Is My Cat Not Eating After Dental Cleaning?

Some cats will refuse to eat or drink water after getting an appointment or cleaning their teeth. It is normal, but it shouldn’t be prolonged. The main culprit behind this is the tingling sensation or pain they are experiencing.

You can stimulate your cat’s attention to eat by providing treats or enabling it to drink water. If your kitten is still not eating or consuming anything after 24 hours.

They can then give you some tips to try and solve the problem. In the worst-case scenario, you shall take your lovely cat to the veterinarian for treatment.

Read also: Toothpaste for Cats with Gingivitis: 5 Editor Picks and Buying Guide


How Long Does It Take for a Cat to Recover From Teeth Cleaning?

Most cats will be back to their dynamic behavior within a couple of days. However, it depends on their health and the complications they may experience. It’s essential to monitor their condition regularly to minimize their chances of getting sick.

Your cat’s recovery process will vary depending on its condition and the procedure performed. It’s also important to regularly consult the veterinarian to ensure that they recover fast.

There are various ways to boost your feline’s healing progress, and one of them is by making them rest and eat a lot of nutritious food.

Read also: 5 Dental Water Additives for Cats to Keep its Breath Fresh


What to Expect After My Cat’s Dental Cleaning?

Most cats will recover from their dental cleaning relatively easy. However, they still need to follow specific instructions and procedures to prevent infections. Dissolvable sutures are prominent during this procedure.

The healing process will take a couple of days, and your cat’s energy will return to its original place once it gets used to the new environment. However, getting your cat to eat is a challenge, as their mouth is sore, and chewing can make the pain worse.

Getting the proper nutrition is very important for your pet to recover from their dental procedure. It’s also essential to monitor your cats’ well-being at all times.

Read also: The Best Cat Food For Dental Problems


What Can I Do if My Cat Is Not Eating After Dental Cleaning?

Getting your cat back on track after they have lost their appetite is very important, but it’s also essential to treat the underlying cause of their problem first. You can do it by using various tricks and tips that a veterinarian suggests.

Try warming up wet or canned food to increase its aroma. Although your cat may prefer warm food, it’s also important to note that cats can also vary their preference. For instance, some cats may choose to eat warm food while others prefer to eat cold.

Adding a small amount of fish to their diet can also help them regain their appetite. You can do this by offering them different types of food.

If your cat doesn’t eat, leave it for at least 24 hours before going to the veterinarian. However, if it has other symptoms such as vomiting or a higher respiratory rate, it should be brought to the veterinarian immediately.

Read also: Top 5 Best Dental Chews for Cats for Better Oral Health


Frequently Asked Questions

Can Cats Eat After Dental Cleaning?

If your cat underwent extractions, soreness could last for four days. You can usually provide your dog or cat with a small meal and half of their usual water supply, but you may want to give them canned food for the next couple of days.

Should You Have Your Cats Teeth Cleaned?

Cats should brush at least twice a week to keep their teeth and gums healthy. It’s essential not to get them used to having their fingers in their mouth to do it independently.

What Can Cats Eat After Teeth Cleaning?

Depending on the procedure, a cat may need to avoid hard food and treats for a couple of days to allow its body to heal correctly. You can also give them water or canned food.

How Do the Vet Clean Cat’s Teeth?

If your cat is healthy, the veterinarian will give them mild anesthesia so they can perform a dental cleaning. Special equipment will help prevent dental debris from getting into the lungs during the procedure.

Can a Cat’s Teeth Be Cleaned Without Anesthesia?

Although you must restrain your cats before performing dental procedures, vets can still clean their teeth without anesthesia if they are not used to it.


Wrapping Up

How come my cat is not eating after a dental cleaning? Reasons may vary. You may expect them to eat by the next day if they’ve been sent home following a dental procedure. If they’re not eating, call your veterinarian. Also, if your pet has been given antibiotics or pills for pain, they may not take them properly.

If your pet has a tender mouth, ask for cookies, but they may not show signs of pain. They can also benefit from some homemade chicken soup.

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