Throughout their lives, and especially as they get older, cats can develop various dental issues that require veterinary care. Being able to quickly notice when something doesn't seem right will allow you to book an appointment before the condition worsens. One tooth-related issue that many cats deal with is tooth resorption, which describes when the dentin in a tooth breaks down. This is a problem that will worsen over time, so you should contact your local clinic upon noticing that something may be wrong in the cat's mouth. Here are three signs of tooth resorption in a cat.

Change In Eating Habits

A cat will often change its eating habits when it's dealing with tooth resorption. This condition is painful, and this may prompt the cat to avoid putting pressure on the affected tooth while it eats. For example, if the affected tooth is on one side of the cat's mouth, you might be able to notice that it's chewing its food on the other side—similar to how your child might chew if they have a loose tooth that is causing some discomfort. If the tooth resorption is serious enough, your cat may show signs of losing its appetite.

Pawing At Its Mouth

When a cat chronically paws at a particular part of its body, this is often a warning sign of something being wrong. Pawing at an ear, for example, may be an indicator of an ear infection. When your cat is suffering from tooth resorption, it may attempt to paw at its mouth. For example, if the affected tooth is a molar on the right side, you might frequently see your cat rubbing the right side of its mouth or face with its right paw.

Disinterest In Human Contact

If you've noticed the above behavioral changes in your cat and believe that something may be wrong with its dental health, it's often human nature to investigate. You might attempt to pick up your pet and look inside its mouth to see if you notice anything overt. Given the pain of this condition, it's common for a cat to show a serious lack of interest in contact of this type. Even if your cat normally behaves well, it might attempt to escape your grasp and may even go hide somewhere in your home.

If you believe that your cat may be dealing with tooth resorption, call a local pet hospital to learn more.

Share