For cats, tooth extraction is performed to manage pain caused by damaged or decayed teeth. It can also be done to treat gum disease and other conditions.
After the procedure, the animal will be given a general anesthetic to ensure it is well taken care of. The vet will also give you instructions on how to feed the cat.
However, if she has no appetite and stops eating, it could be caused by various factors such as tooth extractions and other procedures. Here are some simple tips you can take to help her regain her appetite and recover quickly.
How To Help Your Cat Recover Their Appetite After Tooth Extraction
After a cat has had a tooth extraction, there are a couple of steps that it can take to recover.
- Soft food is only allowed for a week following the tooth extraction procedure. This is done to prevent the food from getting stuck in your cat’s mouth openings.
- You should wait at least two weeks after her operation to give her dental treats and brush her teeth.
- For the next couple of weeks, keep watching your cat. She may be experiencing discomfort, vomiting, lethargy, and lack of appetite. Please contact your veterinarian if you notice her having difficulty closing her mouth or experiencing pain.
- Follow the veterinarian’s instructions when it comes to taking medication for your condition. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as Metacam can help reduce the pain for 48 hours. If she is uncomfortable taking them orally, mix a small amount of them with her food. Although narcotic pain relievers such as Buprenex can help, they can only last for around 8 hours, so giving them twice a day is ideal. Depending on the condition, buprenex can be used under the skin, under the tongue, or on the gums. These are the medications that should be maintained for a while.
Follow the instructions given by the veterinarian when it comes to feeding your cat food. If the cat is not used to wet or soft food, you can try adding water to her favorite dry food and letting it become squashy. You can also try poaching or boiling chicken or beef.
If she still refuses, try giving her meat baby food, such as Gerber’s chicken. This will help nourish her and prevent wounds from developing. You should avoid hard chews, bones, and treats for a week or more to allow her to heal.
What Kind of Foods Your Cat Can Eat After a Tooth Extraction
Even if your cat had all of its teeth removed, it could still live a full and happy life. This is because, depending on your cat’s condition, it may not need to change its routine.
Wet Foods
If your cat eats wet food, she will most likely stay on the same diet for a long time. Some cats find it hard to eat canned food with large chunks due to their lack of teeth, so a combination of a pate or mousse formula is ideal.
Water can also help make it easier for your feline to eat, as it will allow her to lick her food. If she is still eating dry food, she might struggle to get the hard bits into her mouth.
Read also: Does Wet Food Make Cats Poop Smell?
Chicken Soup
Your cat might try to eat the food even if she lost her teeth by swallowing it whole. You can also try soaking the food in low-sodium chicken soup or water to help her get used to the new food. Wet or canned food can help maintain a cat’s health.
Can a Cat Recovers Fast After Tooth Extraction?
After extraction, many cats recover well and act as if nothing has happened. However, in the case of some cats, they would sometimes come back to life like they were previously.
Most people do not realize their cats have an issue until they see how they feel after an extraction. Some cats may feel better immediately after the procedure, while others may require more healing.
Keep an eye out for these signals of discomfort while eating. They can be caused by various factors such as a lack of appetite, shaking of the head, or pawing the mouth or face. Fortunately, these issues are rarely severe, and most cats recover from them.
What to Expect After Your Cat’s Tooth Extraction
Many cats have one or more teeth that need to be extracted due to varied reasons. This can be caused by trauma, dental disease, or other issues. Before you start the recovery process, it is important to understand these factors.
When is it Needed To Extract a Cat Tooth?
In cats, periodontal disease is a common cause of tooth loss. It can cause inflammation and infection in the gums and the bone surrounding the tooth to deteriorate, weakening its hold. If left untreated, it can lead to loose and damaged teeth.
How does a Broken Tooth Affect Cats?
A broken tooth is one of the most prevalent reasons a cat needs to have its tooth extracted. According to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, a broken tooth can be caused by either trauma or tooth resorption.
These conditions can lead to the development of lesions known as FORLs, which can cause pain and weaken a cat’s teeth. For these lesions, extraction is the only treatment.
Cats with feline stomatitis are prone to developing an inflammation of their gums caused by an autoimmune condition. This condition can cause them to react to their own teeth. Although it is not known why certain cats have this condition, tooth extractions are usually required if treatment does not work. Most cats will tolerate whole-mouth extractions.
How They Recover from a Tooth Extraction
After tooth extraction, most cats recover quickly and can go home the same day. However, recovery can vary depending on their overall health and how they handle anesthesia.
Recovery from a single tooth extraction can usually be made in a week or less. For cats with multiple extractions, recovery can take up to two weeks.
The gum begins healing over the tooth extraction site. During this period, dissolvable stitches are placed in place to hold the gums together. These can eventually fall out.
You can help your cat recover from tooth extraction by giving them canned food and ensuring they finish all their prescribed antibiotics and pain medication. Many pet parents are surprised by how quickly their cats recover.
You Cat will Need Extra Care after a Tooth Extraction
Even if your cat has to have a full mouth extraction, you should know that it can lead a healthy and happy life. Contrary to popular belief, cats without teeth can still eat dry food.
Teeth loss can happen to cats as they get older, or they may fall out naturally. They can still remain their old selves if they have a full mouth extraction.
Although you’re nervous about your cat going under the knife for tooth extraction, rest assured that most felines will handle it well.
How To Avoid Teeth Loss for Your Cat
In some cases, nutrition can also help prevent tooth loss. Certain therapeutic foods can help reduce the buildup of plaque and tartar, which can lead to periodontal disease.
Your cat may be suffering from stomatitis, and your vet may suggest providing them with food made with special ingredients to avoid possible allergic reactions. If they have dental issues, your vet may also suggest providing them with nutritional advice.
Dental extraction can sometimes be prevented for cats with periodontal disease. Your pet should regularly brush and clean their teeth to prevent tooth loss. If your cat’s tooth has broken, you must speak with your vet about having a root canal. Otherwise, you might have to refer the animal to a veterinary dentist.
Read also: Toothpaste for Cats with Gingivitis: 5 Editor Picks and Buying Guide
Conclusion
Some cats find it hard to eat canned food with large chunks due to their lack of teeth. A combination of pate or mousse may be ideal for them. Adding water to their food may also help them eat more easily.
