Cats teeth

Has anyone ever had to take their cat to get his or her teeth cleaned? I have to take my cat next month and I am so scared. I don't want him to be in any pain. I am hoping someone can tell me a little bit about the procedure and what to expect from my cat afterwards. Will his mouth be sore? Will he be back to himself very quickly? I am already so worried. I even took 2 vacation days from work so I can stay home with him. I will be a basket case by the time he has to have this done. LOL!

I've moved this thread to the appropriate forum for your question.

First of all, I'm so glad you're getting your kitty's teeth cleaned!!! It is such an important health issue and is so often overlooked.

I think they use an anesthetic, and if there's no work to be done other than the cleaning, his mouth may be a little sore. You might want to feed him just wet food his first feeding after that... but your vet will know, and other members may have an experience with this. Our kitties are too young to have had a teeth cleaning yet.

I know it doesn't hurt me to have my teeth cleaned, but I've got healthy gums....

You're so doing the right thing, and I'm sure your little guy will be fine!!!!!

Thanks for the reply. I want to keep my babies as healthy as possible. I just feel so bad. The vet said PJ's gums looked very healthy and that was a good sign that there wasn't any tooth damage. He said it's just like when we go to get our teeth cleaned. I think they give an antibiotic too just in case. I am just a freak when it comes to my cats. They are my life and I would just die if anything happened to them.

I know EXACTLY how you feel!!!! Somehow our questions about our kitties' health that MIGHT need a vet visit all seem to happen Saturday night around 9:00 or 10:00pm..... LOL!

Suffice it to say, although we don't drink wine or any alcohol, we keep a few bottles of wine around here for those emergency calls that actually turn into late-night visits....

I'm sure your kitty won't be happy, but when he's older with great teeth, you'll have saved him a LOT of pain and discomfort!!!!!

LOL! He is actually 5 years old. I just thought the "plaque treats" would help but apparently not as well as I thought. I really appreciate you talking with me. I hope we get to chat more.

These are 2 good links I've found that describe the dental procedure.
Good for you for taking such good care of your furbaby!

http://www.catdoctors.com/html/lit_dental.html
http://www.scaredy-cats.com/articles...ophylaxis.html

Hey Tess, thanks! Those are great!

And LeeAnne, me too. I get real busy with work and don't always find as much time as I'd like to be here, but I gotta say again - I sure know what it's like to be a worrywart!

On the subject of teeth. . .

My Molly (11 years old) was born with a genetic condition that I was told is a problem among yellow cats. She was born with gingivitis! She lost some of her teeth at a young age(fell out) and we had to have 4 of her molars extracted surgically when she was about 6 (they were decaying and she had terrible kitty breath). She still manages to eat and "bite" with the few remaining teeth that she has.

She's also had a few cleanings under anesthesia in past years. I was worried (as you are), but all went well.

Laurie

Don't forget that brushing you cats teeth with cat toothpaste is important too! (people toothpaste can poison your cat) It's really easy if you work up to it slowly. Picture in your mind what you would like your cat to do and sometimes it helps calm them.

Thank you all so much. I hope I am replying to all of you! There was only one reply button. I checked out the websites and those were perfect. I just get nervous thinking of infection and stuff but I'm sure the antibiotics will be fine. He has healthy gums so I don't think this will be a major thing. I am sure he will do fine. I always think the worst because they mean so much to me, ya know! I really appreciate all the responses. I will have to let you all know how it goes. It's not until next month though.