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My cat won't eat, cries, and grinds teeth. Is it oral pain?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Longhair | Male | neutered | 7 years and 9 months old | 9 lbs

Snaggles has not eaten dry food in a couple weeks. We have been feeding him canned cat food several times a day but sometimes even that seems difficult for him. I can hear a grinding sound sometimes and he sometimes cries and even hisses. In June I had two molars removed on the same side. I would like to give him Tramadol. I have 50 mg tablets. How much would I give him? And I have clyndamycin, too. They are 75 mg capsules. How do I mix them? I also have Ampicillin 250mg capsules.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on December 5th, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Snaggles! Teeth grinding, hissing and crying while eating indicates oral pain. Before you start any medications Snaggles needs to have an exam by a Vet. He could have severe stomatitis or another tooth that needs to be extracted. Antibiotics and pain medications are temporary band-aids for both conditions. Without examining Snaggles, it is against the law for us to prescribe medications. We need a valid Veterinary Client Patient Relationship that requires us to be able to physically touch your pet. Since Snaggles was just seen by your Vet in June I would try calling them and asking if those medications are appropriate for him. My recommendations, for Snaggles sake, is to take him in for an exam so you know what you are dealing with. I hope this helps and I wish Snaggles a speedy recovery!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 1st, 2017

    Hello, sorry to hear about Snaggles. I would not start antibiotics without the recommendation of your veterinarian. Chattering sounds and being unwilling to eat dry food are definitely consistent with mouth pain, however, this does not mean that he has an infection. Additionally, mature teeth just like human teeth do not grow back. I would have your veterinarian evaluate Snaggles' mouth to ensure there aren't any additional teeth that need to be removed. Otherwise, I would recommend continuing to feed wet food over dry food until you can have him evaluated. If he stops eating or is vocalizing while eating, then have him evaluated sooner. Hope this helps and best of luck.

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