Written by: Allison Ward, DVM

Maybe you just adopted a sweet little kitten from the shelter, or your adult cat hasn’t been to the vet in a while. Perhaps your perfect purrbox recently had her yearly wellness exam, and you’re wondering, “what vaccines did my veterinarian give my cat? Did she really need them?” Here, we’ll answer the most commonly asked questions about cat vaccines and the diseases they protect your kitty against! Spoiler alert: follow your veterinarian’s personalized recommendations for your cat—and congratulate yourself on providing your cat with the best, most effective preventive care possible! 

Vaccines for Indoor Cats

The Rabies Vaccine

If you’re not familiar with what vaccines your cat needs, then chances are you have at least heard about vaccinating your cat for rabies. The rabies vaccine is given once during kittenhood (generally between the ages of 12 weeks and 16 weeks), boostered one year later, and then given every one to every three years for life. The rabies vaccine is the ONLY legally required vaccination for pet dogs, cats, and ferrets in the United States. 

Why is the rabies vaccine required? You may be surprised to learn that the government requires all eligible pets be vaccinated for rabies to protect PEOPLE! 

Rabies is easily transmitted between species, and is common among such wild animals as raccoons, foxes, bats, and other mammals. (Birds and reptiles CANNOT carry or transmit the rabies virus.) Once a rabies-infected animal bites another animal, that animal then becomes infected…and goes on to bite other animals to infect them, if given the opportunity.

Sadly, there is NO cure for rabies once an animal shows symptoms of infection—and this includes humans. Around the world, over 50,000 PEOPLE die each year from rabies. Tragically, most of them are children who receive bites from rabid dogs and cats with whom they interact. The reason why we see so few human deaths from rabies in the United States is precisely BECAUSE of the government mandate for pets to be vaccinated against rabies, and doctors emergently treat humans that have been bitten and potentially exposed. 

In addition to receiving a fine from your local government if your cat is not current on her rabies vaccine, there are other legal consequences if you do not vaccinate your cat for rabies. Local public health departments have rules for quarantining pet dogs and cats who bite a person. If your beloved cat is not current on her rabies vaccine, and bites a person (even out of fear or pain)—that can lead to a long, expensive quarantine…or even worse.

To make sure you are complying with the law, it is essential to keep your cat up-to-date on the rabies vaccine. You might be wondering, “my cat always stays inside! Why in the world would anyone think she should be vaccinated for rabies when she doesn’t come in contact with other animals?” 

Unfortunately, life is unpredictable—and indoor-only cats can accidentally escape outside, leading to interactions with wild animals. It’s a bit unnerving to consider, but wildlife can also make its way INTO your house—have you ever heard of someone finding a bat in their attic, or battling one that flew down the chimney? There have even been cases of raccoons and other animals coming inside our homes! ANY of these possibilities mean a potential tussle between your indoor cat and either a wild animal infected with rabies, or an unvaccinated stray cat. 

The FVRCP (aka “Distemper”) Vaccine

According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, the FVRCP vaccine (also referred to as the “distemper vaccine”) is strongly recommended for all cats—even those indoors. This vaccine protects your cat from common viruses that are transmitted between cats, including some that can potentially be transmitted by YOU if your clothing comes into contact with an infected cat’s outdoor habitat! A kitten’s first FVRCP vaccination is ideally given at the age of 6 to 8 weeks, and repeated every 2 to 3 weeks until the kitten is at least 16 weeks of age (see below). As an adult cat, the FVRCP vaccine is given once a year to once every three years. 

Panleukopenia (the “P” part of the FVRCP abbreviation) is also known as feline distemper virus. This is a HIGHLY contagious virus that causes serious illness and has a high fatality rate in cats who start to show symptoms of this disease. It is spread via all sorts of body secretions from infected cats (respiratory droplets, saliva, urine, feces/diarrhea) and is unfortunately a very hardy virus. In fact, the virus can survive indoors for over a year at room temperature, and freezing temperatures outside will NOT kill the virus! Tragically, even dogs who wander around areas where outdoor unvaccinated cats spend their time can bring this virus into your household on their fur, and you can bring it inside on your shoes. Then, if your kitty sniffs your pup or your shoes, they can become infected if enough virus particles are breathed in or ingested by your cat. Symptoms of this virus include sneezing, pneumonia, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and eventually death. Fortunately, the FVRCP vaccine is extremely effective at preventing illness from panleukopenia (distemper).

Other diseases protected by the FVRCP vaccine are feline herpes and feline calicivirus. Both of these viruses are common and affect the respiratory tract. They are transmitted from cat to cat via nasal droplets (sneezing) and grooming behavior. Both herpes and calici infections can cause sneezing, runny eyes, and a loss of appetite. A high-grade fever (even up to 107 ℉) is more often associated with some strains of calicivirus. For some unfortunate cats with herpes, the virus can even infect the surface of the eye and create a painful scratch, also known as a corneal ulcer. 

While a cat is battling either of these viruses, their busy immune system and the inflammation of tissues in the respiratory tract make it likely for the poor infected kitty to develop bacterial infections as well, which usually require antibiotics to treat. With severe viral and/or opportunistic bacterial infections, pneumonia can develop, possibly leading to a  life-threatening illness. The FVRCP vaccine will not completely prevent ALL infections from these viruses, but a vaccinated cat’s symptoms from an infection will be much more mild than the symptoms of a cat who is unprotected. 

The FVRCP vaccine can be administered via injection (just like the rabies vaccine), given as a nasal drop (intranasal vaccine), or its components can be split and protection from the respiratory viruses given intranasally, with the panleukopenia vaccine given by injection. Discuss more with your veterinarian for any concerns regarding common cat vaccine reactions. 

Vaccines for Outdoor Cats

The Feline Leukemia Vaccine

There is one more additional vaccine that ANY cat who spends time outdoors—or who is an “escape artist” known to bolt out of the house, given the opportunity—should receive on a regular basis: the feline leukemia vaccine! 

Most people have heard of leukemia in humans as a devastating type of blood cancer. In cats, one form of leukemia is actually caused by a contagious virus (called, appropriately enough, the feline leukemia virus, or “FeLV”). It is spread through close social contact, such as grooming, licking, bite wounds, or sharing food and water bowls. It is also commonly spread to kittens either before birth or while nursing from an infected mother cat. Unfortunately, infection with feline leukemia virus can be (but is not always!) devastating and deadly. 

The feline leukemia vaccine is very effective at preventing infection in a cat who has not been exposed to the virus. Once a cat has been infected with the virus, however, there is no treatment or intervention that can prevent that cat from potentially spreading the virus to other cats. Kittens are more vulnerable to feline leukemia infection, and the American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends that EVERY kitten who has a negative blood test for feline leukemia receive two doses of FeLV vaccination two to three weeks apart. Adult cats should be boostered with this vaccine every year IF they are at risk of coming into contact with other cats outside of the household (i.e, outdoor cats). 

Just like indoor cats, outdoor cats should be kept up-to-date on their rabies and FVRCP vaccines as well.

Why Do Kittens Need So Many Vaccines? 

Finally, you may be wondering why kittens need repeated vaccines every two to three weeks? The answer—as you might expect—lies in your kitten’s immune system and how it matures! 

After your baby kitten was born, he nursed from his mother cat (the “queen”) for several weeks. During the first two days of his life, your kitten was receiving colostrum—a special kind of milk produced by the queen just after birth. The colostrum contains valuable antibodies against all kinds of infections, and your kitten’s intestines were able to absorb these antibodies. These antibodies provided him some immunity from any infections the queen has successfully fought off in the past! 

By receiving colostrum, your kitten is able to fend off some infections thanks to this special protection from the queen! However, this antibody protection does not last long, and fades at any time from 14 weeks of age to 20 weeks of age. Some queens who are malnourished during their pregnancy or sick from other reasons may not be able to pass many antibodies through their colostrum, and kittens can receive different amounts of antibodies based on their birth order and other factors. You can probably appreciate that the timeframe that maternal protection lasts is VERY variable, and the amount of protection your kitten receives in those first few days can fade as early as six weeks! 

While the queen’s antibodies are circulating in your kitten’s bloodstream, any vaccines given during this time  will be overridden by these “maternal antibodies”—and essentially deactivated. Why, then, do we even bother vaccinating young kittens—especially at such young ages? 

Well, in any individual kitten, there’s no telling how well-protected he is from any particular disease at any given time. We administer a series of vaccines to protect your kitten while the maternal antibodies are fading, and continue vaccination until we can be sure that his own immune system is mature enough to take over the protection against those specific contagious diseases. That’s why we continue to vaccinate until at least 16 weeks of age! Two weeks after the final kitten vaccine is given, the immune system is primed and ready to protect him all year long until it’s time for his adult booster vaccines. 

The Bottom Line

While the rabies vaccine is the ONLY vaccine that is required by law for your cat, follow your veterinarian’s recommendations on the appropriate vaccine schedule for your kitty. After all, we want your cat to live a long, healthy life and vaccination is a wonderful and easy way to avoid some very common infections! 

If you’d like to know more about feline infectious diseases, or what cat vaccines to discuss with your veterinarian, chat with our AskVet veterinarians 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. We are always here to help you and your pet!

Written by: Allison Ward

After discussing your cat’s vaccination recommendations with your veterinarian, you may be wondering, “what about vaccine reactions? What are the potential side effects that can be seen with vaccination?” Vaccine reactions in dogs, cats, and other pets can sound scary to any pet owner. Fortunately, true allergic reactions to a vaccine are very rare in cats. There are, however, some common side effects from cat vaccination, and certain cat-specific vaccine considerations to discuss with your veterinarian. 

AskVet Tip: If your cat has collapsed, is having difficulty breathing, or has facial swelling, seek emergency veterinary care IMMEDIATELY—these patients need life-saving treatment as soon as possible!

Normal and Expected Side Effects from Vaccines

A cat vaccine reaction can sound scary but is normal for the most part. As you might expect, some mild soreness at the site of vaccination is common—after all, a needle injected the vaccine under the skin! Most cats don’t display any signs of significant discomfort after receiving vaccines. A special few, however, will have obvious soreness. This can be detected by cat parents as vocalizing when the area is lightly touched or when the kitty is picked up, excessive grooming over the site of the vaccine (to help soothe the “ouchie”), and, in rare cases, limping or favoring the leg where a vaccine  was administered. For cats who are a bit extra-sensitive to vaccine injections, your veterinarian can prescribe some pain medication to help relieve their symptoms. 

It’s also common for cats to be tired and a bit more lethargic for the first 24-48 hours after vaccination. This lethargy may or may not be accompanied by a fever—which, again, is to be expected! Fever and lethargy occur because your kitty’s body is busy formulating an immune response to the vaccine components, which prepares their immune system to battle the actual pathogen in the future. Sometimes cats may eat less in the 24 to 48 hours following a vaccination, too.

Keep in mind that being tired or having an “off” appetite may be partly due to exhaustion from the unexpected adventure of a car trip and vet visit. Usually, lethargy is nothing to worry about—as long as your kitty is eating and comfortable, this stage should pass within 48 hours. If it does not, contact your veterinarian or chat with one of our AskVet doctors to determine if your kitty should be seen by a vet in person. 

If your cat received an intranasal vaccine (drops given directly into your cat’s nose), then you may see some sneezing over the next few days. This is not a concern unless you notice milky discharge from your cat’s nostrils (white, green, or yellow) or any pink-tinged fluid. 

Allergic Reactions

Mild allergic reactions are possible in cats, though these occur even more rarely than in dogs. Most allergic reactions are noticed within a few hours of receiving a vaccination, but cats are at risk of developing these symptoms up to 48 hours after injection. 

Signs of a concerning (but not immediately life-threatening) allergic reaction in cats can include vomiting, swelling/puffiness of the face (especially around the eyes and lips), and hives (red, itchy bumps on the body). If any of these symptoms are seen, contact your veterinarian (if they are open) or a local emergency hospital right away. These patients need medical treatment before their reaction potentially gets worse and becomes dangerous for your kitty’s overall health. 

Anaphylaxis

Any time an animal comes in contact with a foreign substance, there is a very low—but never zero!—chance for a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. In cats, this can be seen as sudden weakness and collapse, severe vomiting, or sudden difficulty breathing. Anaphylactic reactions occur within minutes of receiving a vaccine—and fortunately, they are EXTREMELY RARE in cats. If this happens to your cat, chances are you’ll still be at the vet’s office, where lifesaving care can be provided immediately for any severe reaction.  

What About Lumps where a Vaccine was Given?

Some cat owners notice small bumps where a vaccine was given in the weeks after vaccination. Most of the time, these bumps are nothing to worry about—they merely indicate the body’s immune system is responding to the vaccine as it is supposed to. A small bump at the site of a vaccine that shows up within a few days is usually not a concern. Most of the time, these will go away on their own within a few weeks. 

However, there ARE some bumps occurring after vaccination that can be concerning. Any bump that shows up where a vaccine was previously given (even if it has been over a year!) should be evaluated right away by a veterinarian. The reason? About 1 in 10,000 cat vaccines administered will result in a type of cancerous tumor called a Feline Injection Site Sarcoma (FISS). Although this is exceedingly rare, it can be an aggressive type of cancer if it affects your cat. For this reason, most cat vaccines are now given on the cat’s legs (instead of between the shoulders, or “scruff”) to make it easier to detect and treat a lump when it is small. 

However, there is good news: recent advances in vaccine technology have ALMOST COMPLETELY ELIMINATED the risk of developing these tumors altogether! Research has shown that vaccines without adjuvants (additional ingredients that provoke more of an immune response to the vaccine) are significantly safer than the older, adjuvanted vaccines. In fact, “adjuvant-free” vaccines have NEVER been linked to a case of FISS! The adjuvant-free vaccines are more expensive for veterinarians to buy (and thus more expensive for cat parents), but the reduction in risk of developing FISS is worth it—ask your veterinarian if they offer adjuvant-free (or “non-adjuvanted”) vaccines.

What About Vaccines My Cat Needs in the Future?

If your cat has EVER experienced an allergic reaction to a vaccine, make sure to let your veterinarian know! True allergic reaction symptoms include vomiting, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, hives, and collapse. This information should be part of your pet’s permanent medical record.

Depending on your cat’s symptoms during the reaction and what vaccine(s) seemed to be linked to the event, your veterinarian may recommend:

 –“Pre-treating” your cat with a Benadryl injection prior to receiving future vaccines

— Scheduling future vaccination visits as a “drop-off” vaccine appointment so that your kitty can be monitored in the hours after receiving a vaccine 

–Avoiding certain vaccinations altogether 

The Bottom Line

After receiving a vaccine, some side effects are to be expected—like mild muscle soreness and lethargy (or being more tired than normal). Fortunately, true allergic reactions to vaccines are very rare in cats. For almost all individual cats, the benefits of cat vaccinations to prevent common diseases far outweigh the risks of a vaccine reaction. Keeping an eye out for symptoms of an adverse reaction is very important as well. 

If you have questions regarding your cat’s vaccination schedule, expected side effects from vaccination, or are concerned about vaccine reactions, reach out to your AskVet veterinarians any time. If you’re also wondering, “what vaccines do cats need?”, we’re here 24/7 to help you answer that question and any other questions about your cat’s healthcare! 

Written by:

Allison Ward, DVM

Dr. Allison Ward grew up in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. and started working in veterinary hospitals when she was 14 years old. After graduating from veterinary school in 2011, she completed a small animal rotating internship in New Jersey, followed by a neurology/neurosurgery internship in Miami. After completing this advanced training, Dr. Ward then moved on to general small animal practice. Dr. Ward’s professional interests include feline medicine, neurology, and pain management. Her passion for educating pet owners carries over into her work with AskVet, and she loves being able to help pets and their parents at all times of the day (and night!). She currently resides in sunny south Florida with her two cats, Larry and George.

Written by: Allison Ward, DVM

If you are like most cat parents, you may not have ever heard that cats can develop arthritis! After all, cats are so flexible and athletic that we normally don’t think of our felines as having much difficulty getting around. However, arthritis in cats is becoming more frequently diagnosed, and more treatment modalities are available to help our furry friends live out their lives in maximum mobility and comfort (LINK to “Guide to Treating Arthritis in Cats”). Cat arthritis symptoms  vary greatly from those in dogs, and for any cat-lover, it’s essential to be aware of the warning signs that your cat may be developing this common ailment. 

What IS Arthritis, Anyway?

Most of us know that arthritis is a medical condition that causes joint pain, and is more common in humans as we get older. However, did you know that any animal can develop arthritis—including dogs, horses, and even CATS? 

Simply put, arthritis is inflammation and abnormal “wear and tear” on joint surfaces. Normal joints allow an animal to bend, flex, run, jump, and even curl up for a much-needed nap. There are several different types of joints in your cat’s body, but we’ll focus on the joints most likely to be affected by arthritis: the stifles (“knees”), hocks (“ankles”), hips, elbows, and carpi (“wrists”). Joints in your cat’s spine (neck and back) can also be affected by arthritis, even though the anatomy of these joints is slightly different than the others we’ll discuss.

Joint Components

For starters, let’s talk about the components of one of these joints. When you bend your knee, you can think of the knee joint as kind of a hinge connecting your thighbone to your shinbone. What’s in the middle of that hinge? A complicated structure consisting of tendons and ligaments—so-called soft tissues that act like cables connecting the parts of your leg and kneecap with each other. The hinge also contains a squishy fluid-filled sac called a bursa that is filled with joint fluid. The bursa acts as a shock absorber to distribute weight from standing, walking, running, and jumping so that the end of your thighbone doesn’t smash into the end of your shinbone! Of course, you also have a kneecap that glides over your knee as you bend and extend your leg—but your kneecap should never move from side-to-side. Spoiler alert: your cat’s knees (and other joints) have the same components!

Changes in Arthritis

When your cat walks, runs, jumps, or starts tearing through the house during their nighttime zoomies, stress is put on their joints. Over time, this stress leads to the microscopic breakdown of the joint surfaces. 

If any part of the joint is irritated from instability or too much “wear and tear,” the body sends cells to the joint in an attempt to repair the damage. This can result in inflammation of the joint cartilage, bone surface, bursa, and the lining of the bursa—and starts a never-ending cycle of attempted repair followed by inflammation and even more deterioration of normal tissue. Alas, the body’s attempt at self-repair often results in uneven and irregular surfaces within the joint, which cause even MORE inflammation, followed by MORE breakdown…you get the picture! With inflammation comes chronic PAIN—just like in humans. 

Once your cat is painful, he may alter the way he bears weight on one or more limbs—further stressing joint surfaces in ways that are not normal for the way they are designed by nature. This continues to add to the problem. One symptom of cat arthritis includes decreased activity levels, since understandably a cat with aching joints wants to stay off his feet—and this could also lead to weight gain. Weight gain also INCREASES the pressure on your cat’s joints, speeding up the process of arthritis and worsening their pain. 

You can see how feline arthritis can become a never-ending cycle once it starts—and imagine how greatly it impacts your cat’s quality of life! 

Causes of Arthritis in Cats

So, what causes the joint inflammation that begins the never-ending cycle of arthritis? Most of the time, this inflammation is related to aging itself, and can’t be prevented. (One study found that 90% of cats over the age of 12 have arthritic joint changes on x-rays!) Some cats are born with abnormally-shaped joints (called “dysplasia”) that set them up for the rapid development of arthritis, even from a young age. This type of joint malformation is more common in purebred cats, and is seen in almost ALL of purebred Scottish Fold cats. 

Other factors that increase the development and severity of arthritis are more within your control: obesity is a HUGE (pun intended!) risk factor for this condition, since excess weight increases the work your cat’s joints have to perform with every step. Keeping your cat at a healthy weight is good for their overall health as well as the health of their joints! Also, if your cat is unlucky enough to suffer an injury—such as a broken leg or torn ligament—then his body will continue to form scar tissue in that area over time, leading to arthritis in the affected joints. 

Other causes of arthritis pain are much, much less common (thank goodness!,) and include infections of the joint (usually from a whole-body infection that goes into the bloodstream to affect the joint), or the immune system getting confused and attacking the joint tissue (this is called immune-mediated arthritis). If your cat has been treated for either of these diseases in the past, then you can expect her to have more severe arthritis and at an earlier age.

Symptoms of Arthritis in Cats

Now that we’ve discussed HOW arthritis happens, let’s talk about why we should care and what you might see as a cat parent! We all know how cats love to hide their discomfort and pretend like everything is okay until they just aren’t able to pretend anymore. As a savvy cat lover, there are some telltale signs your cat is suffering from joint pain and that a vet visit is warranted.

Changes in Jumping Habits

At AskVet, we know that nobody knows your cat better than YOU! Undoubtedly, you know your cat’s favorite places to perch and have marveled at how easily he jumps up to and off of high surfaces—like countertops, windowsills, and the upper levels of his favorite cat tree.

As arthritis begins to develop, your kitty will still enjoy accessing his favorite places up high—but he may arrive at his destination with a layover instead of a direct flight (so to speak!). For example, if your cat has been jumping onto your countertop with ease for years, and is now hopping onto a chair before making a final leap onto the counter, then he is likely suffering some discomfort. If he normally jumps onto his favorite chair without a problem, but starts to hesitate before leaping, this is a sign that he is anticipating something unpleasant at the end of his jump—such as a painful landing due to aching joints.

Alternatively, when jumping down, cats with healthy pain-free joints don’t hesitate to leap after a brief look. Cats with arthritis will instead “pour” down countertops or other high surfaces by bracing one paw against the vertical surface first, and then gently easing themselves over the edge and down to the ground. This maneuver helps decrease the force of the “thump” when they land on the floor, and is commonly seen in cats with arthritis of the front legs (shoulders, elbows, carpi) or neck.

As arthritis progresses, you may notice your cat having difficulty “landing” jumps—instead of that cat-like grace, your cat may be jumping too short and end up scrambling to pull themselves up onto a high surface, or even falling when they try. When your cat tries to get up on the couch, instead of a graceful leap, you might see your cat put his front paws on the couch and try to rock or pull himself up. You may also notice your cat hanging out in their favorite high-up perches less frequently—since they are avoiding pain that comes when jumping—or choosing to spend more of their time in lower-level cat beds and other areas.

Changes in Walking

In general, it is uncommon to see a cat actually limp, or “favor” a leg, from arthritis. Instead, arthritic cats tend to move more slowly overall. You may notice that your cat seems stiff and walks with shorter strides when she first wakes up after a long nap, only to move more freely after a few minutes. If you have stairs in your house, you may notice that your cat is slower to navigate the stairs (either up or down), or she may pull herself up from stair to stair. She may avoid going up or down stairs completely, and instead “ask for help” by meowing to be picked up and carried on the stairs.

Other Changes in Cat Behavior

Cats can be tricky when they are trying to show us that something is wrong! When cats don’t feel well, they will show some non-specific symptoms. Sometimes, these symptoms are due to the throbbing joint pain of arthritis. If you notice any of the following changes in your cat, chat with an AskVet veterinarian or make an appointment at your family animal hospital to evaluate whether these symptoms may be related to arthritis, or something else:

–Less active than normal/not playing with favorite toys/shorter play sessions than normal

–Spending more time sleeping

–Hiding/spending time away from members of the household

–Hissing or growling when touched

–Loss of grooming behavior/unkempt hair coat (it can be painful to reach all of those important spots!)

–Loss of normal litter box habits (especially if the walls of the litter box are high, or access to the litter tray requires your cat to jump)

–Loss of appetite

–Increased vocalization

Although there are many medical reasons why your cat may be showing the above symptoms, any or all of these changes can ALSO be due to arthritis pain. It is important for every cat guardian to be aware of what is normal for an individual kitty, and contact a veterinarian as soon as possible if any changes are noted.

Our AskVet Veterinarians are available to discuss all of your pet’s needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you have an immediate need or are looking to improve your pet’s overall wellbeing, just sign into your account, and one of our friendly and knowledgeable veterinary experts will attend to your needs, no appointment required!

Written by:

Allison Ward, DVM

Dr. Allison Ward grew up in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. and started working in veterinary hospitals when she was 14 years old. After graduating from veterinary school in 2011, she completed a small animal rotating internship in New Jersey, followed by a neurology/neurosurgery internship in Miami. After completing this advanced training, Dr. Ward then moved on to general small animal practice. Dr. Ward’s professional interests include feline medicine, neurology, and pain management. Her passion for educating pet owners carries over into her work with AskVet, and she loves being able to help pets and their parents at all times of the day (and night!). She currently resides in sunny south Florida with her two cats, Larry and George.

Written by: Allison Ward

Perhaps you noticed your favorite feline moving more slowly than usual, having difficulty making or landing jumps onto their favorite places, or spending more time in sleeping spots on the ground instead of up high. You’ve taken her to your family veterinarian, who may have taken some x-rays of her joints, and your kitty has been diagnosed with arthritis. Now what? 

Most cat owners are unaware that arthritis is a VERY common disease in cats—especially older cats! Veterinarians and cat lovers are recognizing arthritis in kitties at a higher rate than ever before, likely because our pet cats now live longer than ever thanks to excellent wellness care throughout their life. Sadly, though, there’s only so much you (and your veterinarian) can do to prevent arthritis in the first place . On the good side? There are many options to relieve cat arthritis symptoms and help your cat live as long as possible with a pain-free and active life—even with arthritis! 

Weight Control

The number one MOST EFFECTIVE cat arthritis treatment is to make sure they are lean and with a healthy body condition! Wait, how can this be? 

Think about the amount of pressure on your cat’s joints while they are walking, running, and especially when they land from a jump. Even one extra pound of body weight can increase the pressure on her joints tremendously during all of these activities.  The opposite is also true: less weight equals less pressure, and therefore less pain.

If your cat is overweight at the time of their arthritis diagnosis, congratulations! Although it’s difficult to help a cat lose weight, you have a safe way to drastically improve your cat’s quality of life, and to reduce the need for the other therapies we’ll discuss in this article. 

Talk to your veterinarian for tips on how to get your cat to lose weight and create a personalized weight-loss program. Since increasing exercise (and thus calorie burn) in patients with arthritis is always challenging, your veterinarian may want to switch your cat’s diet to a prescription calorie-reduced formula to make the weight loss process more successful. Some of these foods have the added benefit of fatty acids and other beneficial joint supplements, too! 

Joint Supplements

You’ve most likely heard that joint supplements are effective for people trying to preserve the health of their joints and their mobility. The same is true for cats! Joint supplements work to preserve the smooth slippery fluid within your cat’s joints and the health of the soft cartilage shock-absorbing joint surfaces. These supplements are best started when your cat still has normal tissue to preserve and maintain. If your cat is a breed likely to develop arthritis (like Scottish Fold and Maine Coon cats), or has had a joint injury (including surgery) in the past—then starting joint supplements and continuing them for the rest of your cat’s life may be a good idea.  

Most of these long-term joint supplements are taken by mouth. They may come in tasty chewable treats, a liquid that you squirt on your cat’s food every day, or a capsule that you open and sprinkle the flavored powdery contents on your cat’s food. Some prescription diets formulated specifically to maximize joint health contain high levels of these joint supplements—reducing the number of steps you need to take each day!

If your cat already has arthritis, a special form of joint supplement is available in injectable form. This is called Adequan, and helps to preserve joint health and also actively reduce some of the pain and inflammation that comes from arthritis! Adequan is available by prescription only, and your veterinarian can teach you how to administer the injections at home. (We promise, it is easier than it sounds!) Injections are typically twice weekly to once a month, and are very safe for your precious purrbox. 

Pain Medication

Once a cat’s quality of life is being affected by arthritis, pain medication becomes essential to help him live his best life. Anti-inflammatory medications are often used in both dogs and cats for arthritis pain, but the way veterinarians use them for cats is a bit different! 

In general, veterinarians are more cautious about the long-term use of anti-inflammatory medications in our feline patients. While this class of medication (which includes Onsior and Meloxicam/Metacam) can make a dramatic improvement in the lives of many cats, and slow the progression of arthritis, restrictions on the prescription labeling for these drugs generally prohibit their daily long-term use. Instead, your veterinarian may recommend using one of these medications every other day, or several times a week, depending on your cat’s needs. Your veterinarian will likely want to perform blood work before and during long-term therapy with this class of medication. 

There are other pain medications available for cats whose kidneys are already struggling to function, or in cats for whom regular bloodwork monitoring isn’t possible, or in cats for whom anti-inflammatory drugs and joint supplements just aren’t enough to control their pain. These medications include gabapentin (which is wonderful for all types of chronic pain), buprenorphine, and Cerenia (maropitant). These medications can be used on an as-needed basis for arthritis flare-ups, or on a daily basis, depending on your kitty’s needs. 

AskVet Tip: As veterinarians, we are all too aware of how intimidating it is to give your 

cat medication—especially if it is a medication that she will potentially need every day 

for the rest of her life!  Fortunately, there are many options for cats who are difficult to medicate. Joint supplements often come in flavored treats. Your veterinarian can prescribe a special flavored liquid, chew/treat, or miniature tablet of their chosen pain medication through a special compounding pharmacy. You can also train your cat to associate medicine time with happy time! (Ask us how!)  Yes, it is possible for your cat to LOVE receiving her medications!

Other Treatment Modalities 

In addition to pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, there are other ways to manage your cat’s arthritis pain. Some veterinarians are specially trained in acupuncture, which has been proven to help feline pain in a similar way to how it helps humans! Not all veterinarians are trained in acupuncture, but your family veterinarian likely knows a colleague with this special skillset and can refer you and your kitty. 

Laser therapy, which consists of a focused beam of light to help inflammation within specific joints, can also be used on problem areas to increase your cat’s mobility and comfort. Many family veterinarians now offer this service, which is non-invasive and can be quite effective. 

Not all cats are amenable to rehabilitative therapy, but if you suspect your cat would tolerate or enjoy taking walks on a treadmill or going through flexibility and strength-training exercises with a rehabilitative therapist, ask your family veterinarian for a referral to a local colleague who performs these services. Just like in people, physical therapy can make a HUGE difference in cats with mobility problems!

Environmental Modification

At home, it’s important to recognize that your beloved feline needs a little extra help in reducing pressure on their joints and in accessing their favorite places. Here are a few ideas to maintain his physical and mental health: 

–Make sure he has a comfy bed to sleep on that is easy to climb into—there are many orthopedic pet beds on the market today! Just make sure the sides are nice and low.

–Assess your litterbox location(s): litterboxes for arthritic cats should be easily accessible on the floor and NOT require your cat to jump up in order to use the bathroom. If your litterbox has high sides that require your stiff kitty to climb in to relieve themselves, consider a shallow litter tray instead—or modify the entrance to his box by cutting an entry hole that only extends up to two inches above the floor. (Just make sure to smooth out any cut edges to prevent injury.)

–Use pet stairs or pet steps next to your bed, couch, or other favorite sleeping spot to make it easier for your cat to enjoy his favorite places with minimal joint stress and pain

–Consider placing a low chair, stool, or other surface near a favorite cat tree so that he can more easily gain access to the upper levels by jumping on that piece first! 

The Bottom Line

From simple things you can help your cat with at home (such as weight loss and improving accessibility to favorite places), to joint supplements, to daily medications—there are many ways to help your cat with arthritis pain! If you’d like to know more about any of these options, or to discuss whether your cat’s symptoms might be due to arthritis, chat in with our AskVet veterinarians 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. We are always here to help you and your pet! 

 

Written by:

Allison Ward, DVM

Dr. Allison Ward grew up in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. and started working in veterinary hospitals when she was 14 years old. After graduating from veterinary school in 2011, she completed a small animal rotating internship in New Jersey, followed by a neurology/neurosurgery internship in Miami. After completing this advanced training, Dr. Ward then moved on to general small animal practice. Dr. Ward’s professional interests include feline medicine, neurology, and pain management. Her passion for educating pet owners carries over into her work with AskVet, and she loves being able to help pets and their parents at all times of the day (and night!). She currently resides in sunny south Florida with her two cats, Larry and George.

If you’ve been spending quality time with your favorite feline, you’ve noticed that she uses her mouth for all kinds of important activities: grooming herself, catching toys (or even birds!), chewing on objects, and of course—eating! Your cat’s mouth is one of her most important tools in her day-to-day life, and it’s important to keep it clean and healthy—just like every other part of her body. 

So, you may be wondering: Is there anything you can do at home to take care of your cat’s teeth? What types of dental disease are common in cats? Why does my cat’s breath stink?  And, most importantly—what can you do as a pet parent to take care of your beloved kitty’s mouth? 

Homecare 

One of the best things you can do for your cat’s health is train her to have her teeth brushed! See our blog post on “How to Clean Your Cat’s Teeth” for a step-by-step instruction manual on this daunting task—we promise, it is easier to brush your cat’s teeth than you think!  

If you are able to implement your brushing routine several times a week—or every day, if you can!—you can greatly reduce the amount of bacteria, plaque, and tartar in your cat’s mouth.  This will help maintain your cat’s oral health, and prolong the time in between professional dental cleanings by your veterinarian (more on these below).

If you just can’t brush your kitty’s teeth, check out the pet store for dental care products that carry the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval. These products have been certified in an independent laboratory to significantly reduce plaque and tartar build-up. You can find a list of approved products at www.vohc.org.  These products include toys and treats that your cat chews to help gently scrape off the top layers of plaque from your kitty’s teeth, water additives which reduce the amount of bacteria in your cat’s mouth, and more! 

Common Cat Dental Problems 

Plaque and Tartar

Just like every other species on the planet, cats suffer from plaque and tartar buildup. This process occurs naturally every day, and over time can form a yellow-brown cement-like material on the surface of your cat’s teeth. This bacteria-filled tooth cement is called dental calculus, and can only be removed during a professional teeth cleaning. 

Broken Teeth

Cats are also at risk for breaking teeth, just like we are! In cats, the most commonly broken teeth are the canine teeth in the front of the mouth. You might recognize these teeth as your kitty’s fangs–the long, sharp teeth that help cats catch prey in the wild. 

If your cat breaks a tooth, then it’s highly likely that the tooth’s pulp cavity will be exposed. The sensitive pulp cavity is a tube running down the center of the tooth containing its blood supply and nerve. You can imagine that if a tooth breaks and the pulp cavity IS exposed, your cat will be in pain from the exposed nerve, and the exposed blood vessel will serve as a highway for bacteria to enter the jawbone. Ouch! If you notice a broken tooth at home, it’s best that your cat be evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. 

Periodontal Disease

While more common in dogs, cats can suffer from a condition called periodontal disease—which simply refers to inflammation of the gums and other tissues in the mouth that support the teeth. Some individuals are more prone to periodontal disease than others—and often, this condition in cats is linked to resorptive lesions (see below).

Gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, is the earliest sign of periodontal disease. When left untreated, this can worsen and lead to loose teeth, loss of gum tissue which exposes the roots of the teeth, and bone loss affecting the jaw. As you can imagine, this condition can be quite painful for your kitty! If you notice any areas of red gums in your cat’s mouth, you guessed it—it’s time for your favorite feline to take a trip to the vet. 

Tooth Resorption

One type of dental disease that is more common in cats than in ANY other species is tooth resorption. In fact, over half of cats over the age of 3 years will have at least one tooth affected by this disease process—astonishing, but true!

Tooth resorption is inflammation affecting the tooth itself and brought on by the kitty’s own immune system. It can occur in the portions of the tooth that you can see above the gumline (called the “crown” of the tooth), and/or the portions of the tooth within the jawbone and below the gumline (the roots of the tooth). Eventually, inflammation of the tooth leads to the erosion and degradation of the tooth structure…and eventually, after months or years of this process, there is no tooth remaining at all. 

As you might imagine, this process is painful for the cat, especially as the nerve of the tooth is eaten away. While there is no way to prevent tooth resorption, your veterinarian can help your cat achieve a pain-free mouth by extracting the tooth if it is affected by this condition. Any cat who has had one resorptive lesion is at risk of developing this problem in other teeth, so yearly dental cleanings as recommended by your veterinarian are a must for these patients. 

Unfortunately, there’s no way to prevent tooth resorption—but frequent general health exams can help your veterinarian catch this disease in the early stages, allowing your cat to experience minimal discomfort. Decades of scientific research has not found any inciting cause for the body to attack its teeth in this way—so we can promise you that, if this happens to your cat, it is simply bad luck—and NOT your fault in any way!   

Stomatitis/Gingivostomatitis

The terms stomatitis and gingivostomatitis refer to a very painful condition affecting the soft tissues of the mouth. Thankfully, this is quite rare, and is easily diagnosed during a basic physical exam by your veterinarian. The hallmark of gingivostomatitis is a bright red appearance to a cat’s gums, roof of the mouth and/or back of their throat.

How does such severe inflammation happen? In some cats, the immune system can overreact to even normal levels of bacteria and plaque on the surface of the teeth. The body treats normal bacteria as a dangerous invader, and the result is that the body’s defenses are deployed on otherwise healthy tissue within your cat’s mouth. This condition is more common in cats afflicted with the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, so if this type of inflammation is noted, your veterinarian will likely want to perform a blood test for kitty viruses. 

Gingivostomatitis is EXTREMELY painful for affected cats—however, many of them are still eating to survive, and the first symptom noted at home by their owner is often “bad breath.” Cat parents may also notice their kitty dropping food from their mouth or yowling in pain while eating, losing weight, drooling, or pawing at their mouth. Fortunately, since this condition is easily diagnosed on a physical exam, pain relief can be started right away if your cat is diagnosed with this rare but painful condition. 

Oral Cancer

Although cancer is a very uncommon cause of dental problems in cats, veterinarians do diagnose cats with oral cancer every year. A tumor can affect any part of your cat’s mouth: his jawbone, gums, lips, or the back of his throat. Radiographs (x-rays) and biopsies of suspicious areas may be recommended if your veterinarian is concerned about the possibility of cancer. Like many diseases, oral cancer is more common in elderly cats, as well as those affected by Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV).

What Does Your Veterinarian Do? 

Now that you know about the most common causes of dental disease in cats, how to take care of your cat’s dental health at home, and symptoms to watch for that indicate a dental problem, you may be wondering how your veterinarian can help your precious kitty! 

Oral Exam

Any time your cat is taken to the veterinarian for an exam, your veterinarian will look in your cat’s mouth as part of their overall physical. Your vet can identify whether a buildup of tartar and dental calculus (that bacteria-infused “cement”) is present, as well as look for broken teeth, signs of periodontal disease, gingivostomatitis, oral tumors, and evidence of resorptive lesions above the gumline. They will also look at your cat’s lips, tongue, and the inside of their cheeks for any evidence of medical issues. 

Based on the oral exam performed while your kitty is awake, your veterinarian may recommend increased homecare/tooth brushing, or a dental cleaning and radiographs (x-rays) under anesthesia.

Dental Cleaning Under Anesthesia

Your veterinarian may recommend this procedure for preventive maintenance as part of your cat’s wellness care, or because they are suspicious of a more serious medical issue after examining your cat. Since our cats can’t talk to us, it’s common for most veterinarians to recommend dental cleanings at least once a year. 

Before your cat is placed under anesthesia, your veterinarian will make sure that anesthesia is as safe as possible for them by performing pre-anesthetic bloodwork. If there are any problems identified on your cat’s bloodwork, especially in the organs that are responsible for processing the anesthetic medications, your veterinarian may postpone the procedure until it is safe for your cat. In some cases, pre-anesthetic testing includes radiographs (x-rays) of your cat’s heart and lungs, and possibly other tests as well. Rest assured that any testing recommendations are tailored to your individual cat’s health status, and are made in the best interests of your cat’s health and safety! 

On the day of your cat’s dental cleaning, expect your kitty to stay at the hospital all day. A sedative is given to relax your cat. This reduces your cat’s mental stress from being in the hospital and decreases the amount of general anesthetic needed (making the procedure even more safe). Your cat’s front leg may be shaved below the elbow to place an IV catheter, through which they will receive their anesthetic medications and IV fluids to support their blood pressure while they are asleep. 

During anesthesia, a tube is placed down your kitty’s throat and connected to an anesthetic machine. This tube allows both oxygen and anesthetic gas to be delivered directly to your cat’s lungs, as well as protecting your sleeping cat’s airway from all of the water used in a dental cleaning. Your cat is hooked up to various monitors which continually keep track of your cat’s heart tracing, breathing, oxygen levels, blood pressure, and temperature. A warming blanket is used to help your kitty keep warm throughout the anesthetic period. 

After your cat is safely under anesthesia, either a veterinary technician or your veterinarian will clean, scale, and polish your cat’s teeth—just like what happens when you have a dental cleaning! Your cat’s veterinarian will probe around each tooth, looking for gum pockets. Many veterinary practices have dental radiographic (x-ray) equipment to look for signs of disease below the gumline (such as tooth resorption). A full oral exam is also performed, looking at all surfaces of your cat’s teeth, tongue, gums, cheeks, and lips. If your cat needs advanced dental work (such as extractions or a biopsy), local anesthetics are usually given beforehand—similar to humans receiving an injection of Novocaine. 

Once your cat’s dental procedure is complete, the anesthesia is turned off and your cat slowly wakes up. When they are awake enough to swallow on their own and hold their head up, the tube is removed from their throat. They will continue to recover in a cage under the observation of the veterinary team. 

Your veterinarian will give you a full report of your cat’s oral health and advise if any further treatment is necessary. If your cat has stitches in his mouth, these will be absorbed over the next ten to fourteen days, and feeding soft food until his mouth is healed will be essential to his recovery. Your veterinarian may prescribe pain medication and possibly antibiotics if advanced dental work was required. 

After your cat’s dental procedure, it’s time to take advantage of your cat’s “clean slate” and start a tooth-brushing regimen at home—see “How to Clean a Cat’s Teeth” for more. Ask your veterinarian when you can begin! 

Promoting Dental Health Through Home and Veterinary Care

Cats are living longer than ever, in part due to advances in feline dental care. Pet parents and veterinarians working together to promote healthy teeth and gums will ensure that dental issues are identified early and kept to a minimum so as to not cause pain and discomfort for your sweet kitty! 

If you have any questions about your cat’s oral health, our AskVet Veterinarians are available to discuss all of your pet’s needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you have an immediate need or are looking to improve your pet’s overall wellbeing, just sign into your account and one of our friendly and knowledgeable veterinary experts will attend to your needs, no appointment required!

 

Written by:

Allison Ward, DVM
Dr. Allison Ward grew up in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. and started working in veterinary hospitals when she was 14 years old. After graduating from veterinary school in 2011, she completed a small animal rotating internship in New Jersey, followed by a neurology/neurosurgery internship in Miami. After completing this advanced training, Dr. Ward then moved on to general small animal practice. Dr. Ward’s professional interests include feline medicine, neurology, and pain management. Her passion for educating pet owners carries over into her work with AskVet, and she loves being able to help pets and their parents at all times of the day (and night!). She currently resides in sunny south Florida with her two cats, Larry and George.

For cat parents looking to maximize their kitty’s overall health, brushing your cat’s teeth should be a regular part of your routine to prevent dental disease in cats. While many dental treats and other products on the market claim to improve your cat’s dental health (and we’ll talk about those later!), tooth brushing remains the #1 way to keep your cat’s mouth healthy. 

If You Have a Kitten…

Congratulations on welcoming a little kitten into your family! In addition to feeding her high-quality kitten food, enjoying play sessions, socializing your little kitty, and providing her with places to rest and relax, it’s the perfect time to get her used to having her mouth handled and teeth brushed. 

Your kitten has baby teeth that will fall out when she is four to six months old to make room for her adult teeth. However, the time and effort invested in creating a positive tooth-brushing experience will help you avoid common cat teeth problems and preserve her adult pearly whites for as long as possible! 

If You Have an Adult Cat…

If you have decided to start brushing your adult cat’s teeth for the first time, congratulations! This is a big step that will go a long way to helping your cat lead a longer, happier, and healthier life. 

Before you start your tooth-brushing journey, it’s a good idea to have your cat examined by his veterinarian to make sure that there are no painful lesions in your cat’s mouth. Once your veterinarian gives you the approval to start brushing, follow the steps below to make it as fun and productive as possible! 

Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth

The most important goal to keep in mind when brushing your cat’s teeth is: 

KEEP IT POSITIVE! 

As soon as your cat starts to struggle or indicates they are not having a good time, end the session and reward him with their favorite treat. It is counterproductive to continue to try to wrestle with your kitty and force them to comply with tooth-brushing since this will only create negative emotional associations with the activity. 

With the goal of “keep it positive” in mind, the second-most important rule is: 

TAKE IT SLOW. 

Start with your finger and a small bowl of tuna juice, chicken broth, flavored pet toothpaste, or a liquid cat treat. (Note: Never use human toothpaste for your cat’s tooth brushing—if swallowed, it can cause medical problems.) Coax your kitty to your lap and praise them. We bet you already know a secret spot they love being rubbed—use this knowledge to relax them, since we want to—you guessed it—KEEP IT POSITIVE!

Once your kitty is happy on your lap, dip your finger in the bowl of yummy liquid/toothpaste and let her lick it off. After a few happy licks, move on to using your flavored finger to start massaging your cat’s gums/teeth, then give her a few more licks from the tip of your finger. 

Note: when massaging your cat’s gums, keep your finger between your cat’s lips/cheeks and their teeth. NEVER try to brush your cat’s teeth from the “tongue side” of the teeth—it’s not possible to do this with an awake cat. 

Keep alternating between having your cat lick the tasty liquid from your finger and rubbing her teeth, gradually increasing the amount of time your kitty allows you to rub inside of her mouth. Once your cat starts squirming, or if you feel like you’ve made good progress, praise your cat and offer her a favorite toy or treat. Try doing this each day and extending the amount of time your cat lets you “brush” their teeth with your finger.

Add Texture

Once your cat is happily hopping on your lap, expecting some quality time and yummy rewards, it’s time to add some texture! You can do this by wrapping a piece of a light towel or a piece of gauze around your finger before dipping it in the liquid. Again, allow your kitty to lick the flavored broth/treat off of your texturized finger before gradually increasing the amount of gum/tooth massage he will let you perform. 

Finally, once your cat tolerates (and even looks forward to) sessions using a texturized finger, it’s time to move onto the toothbrush. This can be a finger brush commonly sold for pets, a pet-specific toothbrush with a longer handle, or a children’s toothbrush you purchase at your local grocery store. Choose based on whatever is easiest for you to use! 

Introduce your cat to the toothbrush, again by keeping it positive! Dip the toothbrush bristles in your pet toothpaste, broth, or liquid cat treat and let your cat lick it off the brush. (He might even love the texture and start gnawing on the bristles!) Praise your kitty, pet him, and gradually use the brush inside of your cat’s mouth, just as you did with your finger. 

Your goal should be to brush your cat’s teeth for about 1 minute on each side of his mouth. While brushing your cat’s teeth every day would be a phenomenal goal, most cat owners are only able to squeeze this activity in two to three times a week—and that is perfectly fine! ANY tooth-brushing session for your cat will have a positive impact on their dental and overall health. 

After EVERY tooth-brushing session, no matter how productive or short—make sure to reward your cat with his favorite treat or some playtime with a favorite toy. 

What About Dental Treats/Chews/Water Additives?

If you’ve been shopping for pet supplies, you have undoubtedly noticed the overwhelming number of treats, chews, and water additives that are advertised as having dental care benefits. Unfortunately, there are no universal standards for labeling these products, so companies can use these terms without actually knowing whether they help your pet’s teeth. 

Fortunately, there is an independent laboratory that tests these products. If a product is proven to reduce plaque and tartar accumulation by a significant amount, the lab authorizes placing a special logo on the product’s packaging. This laboratory is called the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) and you can find a list of accepted pet products on their website. These certified treats and water additives can be helpful additions to your cat’s oral healthcare routine.

However, none of these products are as effective as brushing your cat’s teeth. If your cat just won’t tolerate having his teeth brushed, or if you don’t feel comfortable with the process, then products with the VOHC seal of approval can still help your kitty’s dental health.

The Bottom Line

Training your cat to tolerate toothbrushing is one of the best things you can do for his overall health and stinky breath. If brushing your kitty’s teeth doesn’t solve the problem, read our guide to “why does my cat’s breath stink?” Whether you have a young kitten or an adult cat, it’s never too early—or too late!—to start taking care of your cat’s teeth! 

Our AskVet Veterinarians are available to discuss all of your pet’s needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you have an immediate need or are looking to improve your pet’s overall wellbeing, just sign into your pet app account and one of our friendly and knowledgeable veterinary experts will attend to your needs, no appointment required!

 

Written by:

Allison Ward, DVM
Dr. Allison Ward grew up in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. and started working in veterinary hospitals when she was 14 years old. After graduating from veterinary school in 2011, she completed a small animal rotating internship in New Jersey, followed by a neurology/neurosurgery internship in Miami. After completing this advanced training, Dr. Ward then moved on to general small animal practice. Dr. Ward’s professional interests include feline medicine, neurology, and pain management. Her passion for educating pet owners carries over into her work with AskVet, and she loves being able to help pets and their parents at all times of the day (and night!). She currently resides in sunny south Florida with her two cats, Larry and George.

By now, you probably know that your kitty’s dental health is essential to his overall health. Just think about how many ways your cat uses his mouth every day—from grooming himself to keep his coat clean and shiny to catching toys (and sometimes prey!), to playful nibbling behavior, to communicating with you (and other animals) by vocalizing, and—of course—to eat and provide himself nutrition. 

What happens when a cat’s mouth is painful or not healthy? While your favorite feline can’t talk to you in our own language, he CAN show you that he’s uncomfortable—if you learn what to look for!

Symptoms of cat teeth problems

Here are some common symptoms that you may see if your cat is having dental problems: 

• Drooling
• Holding head to one side while chewing/eating with one side of his mouth
• Pawing at the mouth
• Fractured (broken) teeth
• Bad breath (see our article on “Why Does My Cat’s Breath Stink?” for more)
• Blood in your cat’s water bowl
• Dropping food from the mouth when trying to eat
• Meowing or crying out when eating
• Acting hungry, but then walking away from the food bowl

However, sometimes the symptoms of dental disease in cats are more subtle. Here are some changes you may notice in your cat that may be related to a dental problem or a different type of health issue: 

• Lack of grooming behavior/dull coat, with or without mats
• Not wanting to play
• Quiet behavior, hiding from members of the household
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss 

If you notice any of these changes, make an appointment with your kitty’s veterinarian to determine what is causing your cat’s symptoms. To start with, your veterinarian will perform a physical exam to look at your cat from nose to tail–including evaluating his teeth and the soft tissues inside of his mouth. Depending on what your vet finds on your kitty’s physical exam and the symptoms he is showing, his doctor may recommend bloodwork or an exam under anesthesia to obtain radiographs (x-rays) of your cat’s teeth and jaw. In general you should learn how to clean your cat’s teeth as a means of preventing dental disease.

Our AskVet Veterinarians are available to discuss all of your pet’s needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you have an immediate need or are looking to improve your pet’s overall wellbeing, just sign into your pet app account and one of our friendly and knowledgeable veterinary experts will attend to your needs, no appointment required! 

 

Written by:

Allison Ward, DVM
Dr. Allison Ward grew up in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. and started working in veterinary hospitals when she was 14 years old. After graduating from veterinary school in 2011, she completed a small animal rotating internship in New Jersey, followed by a neurology/neurosurgery internship in Miami. After completing this advanced training, Dr. Ward then moved on to general small animal practice. Dr. Ward’s professional interests include feline medicine, neurology, and pain management. Her passion for educating pet owners carries over into her work with AskVet, and she loves being able to help pets and their parents at all times of the day (and night!). She currently resides in sunny south Florida with her two cats, Larry and George.

Have you ever asked yourself the question, why does my cat’s breath stink? In between receiving head butts and providing chin scratches, you may have noticed your cat’s breath being more pungent than usual.  Many cases of bad breath in cats are relatively easy to explain and can be due to common cat teeth problems and not much to worry about. However, there are some significant health problems, including dental disease in cats, that can be identified by investigating the cause of your cat’s halitosis. 

First Things First

It may go without saying, but your cat’s breath will be more odor-ific if they just finished a tasty meal or caught a prey animal (such as a bird or a lizard). If this is the case, their breath should return to normal within a few hours! If your cat’s breath is still stinky, then chances are your cat is in need of attention.

Plaque and tartar buildup is THE most common cause of bad breath in cats—and one of the easiest to prevent at home. Your cat’s oral hygiene plays an important part in keeping your cat healthy. 

Do you know how to clean your cat’s teeth? By brushing your cat’s teeth several times a week—or every day, if you can!—you can greatly reduce the amount of bacteria, plaque, and tartar in your cat’s mouth and give them the freshest breath possible.

If you can’t brush your kitty’s teeth, check out the pet store for dental care products that carry the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval. These products have been certified in an independent laboratory to significantly reduce plaque and tartar build-up. You can find a list of approved products on their website.  

If your veterinarian recommends a dental cleaning under anesthesia for your precious feline, this is a great opportunity to give your cat’s mouth a “clean slate” to maintain at home. It’s a win/win for you and your favorite cat! 

Dental Problems

Unfortunately, a cat’s bad breath can sometimes indicate a more serious dental problem. If your cat has a broken tooth, for example, it can easily become infected and lead to a foul smell. Cats with heavy buildups of dental calculus—kind of like a bacteria-filled yellowish-brown cement on the surface of the teeth—can also have bad cat breath that won’t be resolved until a veterinarian removes the calculus under anesthesia. Fortunately, your cat’s wellness exams allow your vet to screen for these problems, even if your kitty isn’t having other symptoms at the moment. 

In some cats, the immune system can overreact to even normal levels of bacteria and plaque on the surface of the teeth. The body treats this normal bacteria as a dangerous invader, and the result is severe inflammation of the gums and soft tissues of the mouth. This condition is called gingivostomatitis, and it is EXTREMELY painful for affected cats.However, many of these cats are still eating to survive, and the first symptom noted at home by their owners is often “bad breath.” Fortunately, this condition is easily diagnosed on a physical exam, and pain relief can be started right away if your cat is diagnosed with this rare but painful condition. 

Illness Elsewhere in the Body

It’s not just dental disease that can cause bad breath! Sometimes bad breath is the first symptom of a more serious medical condition. 

Ulcers in the mouth can cause severely smelly breath. An ulcer is when the top layer of the inside of the cheeks or the gums falls off and creates a painful sore in the mouth. Sometimes high fevers, like those caused by viral infections, can cause ulcers. Oral ulcers can also be caused by chewing on electrical cords or from lapping up harmful chemicals. Frequently, these issues also cause other symptoms—like drooling, pawing at the mouth, refusing to eat, and being more lethargic/hiding from household members. 

In some cases, bad breath can actually be a symptom of diabetes. To be more precise, untreated diabetic cats can develop a condition called “ketoacidosis,” which makes their breath smell sweet to some people. Unfortunately, ketoacidosis can be life-threatening and require intensive care. Usually, cat owners will also notice other symptoms, such as vomiting, not eating, weight loss, urinating more frequently, and their kitty becoming tired and lethargic. 

Another common medical issue that typically affects older cats is kidney failure. You’ve probably heard of this condition and know that affected cats will often be drinking more water and urinating more volume in the litter box. Cat kidneys are excellent filters, and when they aren’t working properly, toxins build up in the bloodstream. These toxins can cause damage to the fragile blood vessels in the gums and soft tissues of a cat’s mouth, leading to oral ulcers. The toxins in a cat’s bloodstream also build up so much that their breath smells like the toxins themselves—a condition called uremia. 

The Bottom Line

While the most common cause of bad breath in cats is plaque and tartar build-up, there are sometimes more worrisome causes of your kitty’s mouth odor. If your cat is otherwise acting normally with a good appetite, maintaining their body weight, not drooling, and not having any changes in their urinary habits, this is the most likely cause of the stink. Some preventative maintenance may be all your cat needs! Make a non-emergency appointment with your veterinarian to discuss whether simple homecare or a dental cleaning under anesthesia is right for your kitty’s current dental health status.

However, if you are noticing any changes in your cat’s behavior, if they are losing weight, drooling, vomiting, or having changes to their litter box habits—then an urgent trip to the veterinarian is needed. A physical exam and some bloodwork can differentiate between the less-worrisome and more concerning causes of your cat’s bad breath. 

If you’re not sure how concerned you should be, our AskVet Veterinarians are available to discuss all of your pet’s needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you have an immediate need or are looking to improve your pet’s overall wellbeing, just sign in to your pet app account and one of our friendly and knowledgeable veterinary experts will attend to your needs. No appointment required!

 

Written by:

Allison Ward, DVM
Dr. Allison Ward grew up in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. and started working in veterinary hospitals when she was 14 years old. After graduating from veterinary school in 2011, she completed a small animal rotating internship in New Jersey, followed by a neurology/neurosurgery internship in Miami. After completing this advanced training, Dr. Ward then moved on to general small animal practice. Dr. Ward’s professional interests include feline medicine, neurology, and pain management. Her passion for educating pet owners carries over into her work with AskVet, and she loves being able to help pets and their parents at all times of the day (and night!). She currently resides in sunny south Florida with her two cats, Larry and George.