My cat had teeth cleaning and won't eat or drink anything

Today my 13 year old female kitty had her teeth cleaned. She had a significant amount of tartar and the vet showed us before and after pictures. The teeth looked amazing after the cleaning. She had the usual lab work done prior and the vet said that her labs were good or they wouldn't of done the cleaning. She also got her rabies vaccine prior to surgery, or the cleanings I should say. They did put antibiotic gel in some 'pockets' that she had. They didn't have to extract any teeth. So, the procedure was in the morning, she had been fasting since 10pm the night before, was allowed to drink, just not eat. We brought her home that afternoon around 4pm. She still has not eated or drank anything since the surgery. So she hasn't eaten anything for over 24 hours, and has not drank anything since this morning early. We have tried all different kinds of foods including moist, and even tried tuna as she has never ever refused tuna. She comes right up to it excited like she always has, but looks at it, sits down and looks up at me, then looks back at her food, and back up at me. She is trying to tell me something but I just don't know what it is. I was hesitant about having her teeth cleaned, but I knew it really needed done badly as her breath was so bad and she has gingivitis, if not periodontal disease. Am I simply over-worrying, or do you thing there is something else wrong with my baby now? I feel so bad for her, I know she wants to eat, but acts like she can't.
Thanks, Mike

Give your vet a call and give them an update of the situation.

I second the idea to call your vet. Maybe the anesthetic is still in her system or maybe she has a weird taste in her mouth. Maybe she is in somewhat pain. After I have my teeth cleaned I can't eat solid food for days. Whichever the case, she may need an appetite stimulant or some fluids.

Took her back to Vet. The vet tech gave her a steroid injection. Vet couldn't see her. Sent her back home. Tried to entice her however stll not drinking or eating anything. Tried to give her 1 ml of water via syringe but she wouldn't take it either.

I second an appetite stimulant. As for food, can you try a soft boiled egg (yolk only), maybe with just a dab of butter?

This might seem gross but you might also try dabbing a bit of wet cat food on her paws, maybe with a little bit of honey or even said egg yolk, just to perk her up. Cats do tend to lick messy paws. But remember, anesthesia makes many cats nauseated so I'm thinking appetite stimulant as well.

Her mouth is probably pretty darn sore. I'd try putting something cool on her cheeks, just for a few minutes. She won't like it, but it might help. My guess is she'll eat by morning, but it's good to keep the vet updated just in case.

Last thought: You can always try baby food. Just make sure no onions or garlic. Again putting on a paw if necessary. Chances are this might do the trick. Let's hope so!!

I agree with MisterWhiskers...I suspect her mouth is very sore from the cleaning which is why she won't eat or drink.  If you can put something cool on her cheeks that may help, otherwise, give it a little more time.  If she isn't eating or drinking by morning you'll want to call the vet again.  Did the steroid injection not work at all?

Yes, please keep us updated, if possible.

Many hugs the gum fairy comes by with some cooling relief for your kitty.

Wife said she ate a little bit of canned food. She had quite a good deposit of urine in the litter box so she apparently is secretly drinking at some point. Vets office called again today for update, didn't make any changes. Still not wanting to eat when we offer her food, just ate that one time, which is better than nothing. I guess it has only been 2 days since surgery, however was not allowed to eat the night before. Probably just worried about nothing, but it worries me. I wish they would give her some pain meds or something at least to help her. Everything we try seems to irritate her. She does seem to be out in the open a little more today and not so restless

Now that a little more time has passed, how's she doing?  Is she eating again?  Is she pretty much back to normal?