My cat needs dental work.

[Lovemycorgi]

I have a cat named "Little Boy", he is ten years old and on Wednesday he is scheduled to have some dental work done. He will have tartar removed and some teeth extracted. When my vet first told me about this I wondered if the extractions were really necessary. I have had cats all my life and never heard of this. I did do some research on the interenet and found that this is done quite frequently now and that it can help extend the life of the cat. I also read that cats adapt very well to missing teeth. Of course, it helps to add water to their dry food to soften it for them.

My question : has anyone else gone through this experience with their cat? And how did it work out?

Thanks, Edna

[KatC]

Yes - Both my cats had teeth extracted more than once, and afterwards did not have any trouble with eating their food. Ask the Vet re adding moisture to the kibble because it may be better not to, as the kibble can help with cleaning remaining teeth. There are some special kibbles designed for this purpose - Trompie was on the Hills TD in her later years, and did not require any further dental treatment (which is very expensive, so a more costly kibble can be more economic).

Alexandra - Tabby Cat lived to 16 years of age

Trompie - Tonkinese Cat lived to 19 years of age.

[Lovemycorgi]

KatC,
Thank you for your response. You have eased my mind. I hope Little Boy lives as long as your Alexandra or Trompie. By the way, he is a tabby too. I will ask my vet about the food.

I visited Abby's site on Dogster.com...Your pictures of her are very good. She is so beautiful and happy.

Edna

[Bayoucorgi]

Baby Kitty will be 10 this September. He had his teeth cleaned on Valentine's Day and had to have an extraction. He eats high quality dry cat food and very occasionally canned food. He was a little groggy when I picked him up and he was ANGRY that he had to go to the vet. He's a big cat and he's ornery. He was back to his same old grouchy cat self the next day. I use Liam to "herd" him back into the house if he decides to go out and play.

[Bayoucorgi]

Oh, and how funny that his name is Little Boy, my MIL's cat is Little Girl!

[Lovemycorgi]

Another funny thing.....I use Zachary to "herd" Little Boy if he goes outside when he is not supposed to (he is an indoor cat). Zachary is actually younger than his "big brother", Little Boy, but he takes very good care of him. He alerts me if Little Boy jumps on the table or if he gets into mischief. I know Zachary will be worried when I take Little Boy to the vet on Wednesday because last week when I took him Zachary wanted to come with us. When I brought Little Boy home, he was waiting by the door for him. And kissed him all over. It was so cute.

[Clogs]

Playing policeman, lol.
Clogs does the same thing with cats - lets me know in no uncertain term when they transgress. They get the "roww-roww" very quickly!

[Lovemycorgi]

I just love it when he helps like that. Zachary is a big helper in so many ways. Corgi's are great!

[Lovemycorgi]

Good news. My cat, Little Boy, had his dental work done yesterday and he is doing well. So is everyone else in the family, including his Corgi brother, Zachary. We are all glad to have him home. Minus a few teeth though.

Thank you all for your support....it really helped alot.

Edna, Lovemycorgi (and my kitty)

[KatC]

I am so glad Little Boy got on OK, and I am sure he is very happy to be home with you all again. Thank you for the update.