My senior cat with FIV isn't eating; why is he pawing his mouth?

Question

Our 14 year old cat who has had FIV for 5 years, also has cataracts, is blind was not eating much for 4-5 days, lost weight as a result has been eating Purina Cat Chow since yesterday which he preferred over Hills Perfect Weight he was eating prior as well as soft foods. 2 days ago he wasn't eating much, mostly just licking the soft foods then started eating hard foods again. It might be a sore throat as he was putting his paw on his mouth while eating hard treats, he'll eat that no matter what. Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 14 years and 7 months old | 7 lbs

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM · Accepted Answer

This sounds a lot like your kitty has problems with his teeth or possibly severe gingivitis or ulcers in his mouth. If he lets you have a look, inspect his mouth for red spots, a red gum line and severe tartar, especially on the molars or any swelling. He will likely need a dental cleaning under anesthesia, if he has not had one in the last year or two. Cats get so called FORL, that is the neck of the tooth often rots underneath the gum and eventually starts hurting. Typical signs would be red gums and some swelling and not letting you have a look at his mouth. Affected cats often want to eat, go to the food, eat a little and then stop only to return later for more but few bites. Please make an appointment with your vet for an exam very soon. In the meantime feed canned food which will be less painful to eat.

My senior cat with FIV isn't eating; why is he pawing his mouth?

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