Could your cat have gum disease?

Q: Our cat has started to be tentative around her food bowl, dropping pieces of meat and drooling. She also has awful breath. Given that she’s quite old, we’re worried what the vet will say. Any ideas what could be wrong?

A: Please don’t be frightened of your vet, as it sounds like your poor cat needs attention. It’s likely that her discomfort and drooling are due to a dental issue – maybe a rotten tooth or gum disease.

Even older cats can undergo anaesthetic as long as tests are done beforehand to ensure their general health, and this could greatly improve your cat’s quality and length of life. Chronic dental disease can lead to health problems including liver and heart disease, so do go and see your vet.