It will be necessary to modify your cat’s diet if it has lost its teeth due to age, but there is no drama in it; it still has many options for a healthy diet.
We tell you what toothless cat can eat.
A toothless cat can eat…
Adult cats have a denture of 30 pieces, two fewer than the human being. The same happens to many people during their lifetime, and especially the elderly may lose teeth or need to draw to the consequence of dental disease.
Complete tooth extraction is even necessary in some cases, which leaves the feline without any teeth. And this happens more times than many people imagine, especially if the cat suffers from severe stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth) or tooth resorption, two very painful and difficult to treat conditions.
Even so, you should know that if your cat is without teeth, it is not the total drama, much less, because he can still eat. Of course, you will have to get used to the new situation and ‘train’ your tongue a little more to help you manipulate food. But you can lead a healthy life.
Once you have recovered from the procedure, it will not take long for you to feel good and much more comfortable without the dental pain that you previously suffered.
What can a cat eat without teeth or with dental problems?
If a cat is suffering from dental pain, it will probably be more comfortable if you add wet food to it.
If dental disease is severe enough to warrant a change in their diet, they will most likely experience such a significant level of pain that they will let you know it even when they are not eating. Therefore, a veterinarian should be consulted to control the situation and choose the appropriate treatment.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
After tooth extractions, the vet will be the first to shed light on what you should do to feed your cat during her recovery.
They will usually prescribe a soft food (specifically, wet cat food without teeth). The usual feed is highly inadvisable as the croquettes will be very harmful to your sore gums.
Ideally, give this wet food at room temperature, not directly from the refrigerator, since the cat’s mouth will be very sensitive.
Can cats get by without teeth?
Of course, yes. Cats can live a very happy life without any teeth. Many cats don’t even chew their dry food despite having teeth, so they could still feed on their usual kibble once their gums are healed, and a vet gives the go-ahead.
However, during recovery, they will need a mandatory soft diet.
It may take a cat a while to get used to eating without teeth. Your tongue will have to start doing most of the work pushing the food. The teeth not only serve to chew and ‘grind’ food, but they also help keep it in the center of the mouth so that it can pass into the throat when swallowed.
Without teeth, food may ‘leak’ out the sides of the mouth, so the cat will need some time to get used to this new and complicated reality of feeding time, but it will only take a few days to do so and change the movements of the tongue to push the food back in the most effective way.
Can Cats Eat Dry Food After Tooth Extraction?
We have already seen that, right after tooth extraction, cats must be fed a soft diet. If they love their traditional croquettes, you should soak them in water for a while before eating.
Once the vet is satisfied with his gums’ evolution and considers that he is cured, you can feed him dry food without any problem.
What is the best food for toothless senior cats?
Older cats without teeth often suffer from other related health problems such as kidney disease or hyperthyroidism. If this is the case, you should feed him the vet’s diet to monitor his health.
If it does not suffer from any other pathology, any soft food for older cats should be suitable even if the animal does not have teeth.
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Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
What should I ask my vet about my cat’s dental care?
If your cat shows any signs of dental pain or disease, changes in appetite, weight loss, drooling, decreased grooming, bad breath, or bleeding gums, you should seek the advice of a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Still, you should ask the specialist about the dental care your pet needs at any of its annual checkups, even if you think its teeth are perfectly healthy.
If your cat is docile, she may allow her teeth to be brushed. This is generally easier if you get used to the cat from an early age.
How to brush your cat’s teeth?
You have to make sure to use a soft toothbrush. There are unique products designed for use in cats.
Avoid brushing their teeth with your fingers as cats have harmful bacteria on their teeth that can cause an infection if they accidentally bite you. Ideally, ask a veterinarian or specialist about the best way to restrain the cat while brushing its teeth.
There is everything. Some cats get used to being brushed much better than others, but it is worth spending some time learning how to do it to prevent this from becoming a stressful experience for both you and your cat.
Some cats do not tolerate having their teeth brushed, so it is not worth risking being bitten. In these cases, the vet will advise alternative options for your dental care.
