My cat has eating issues, swallows food whole. Are her teeth sore?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Ragdoll | Female | spayed | 8 years old
It doesn't look like my cat is chewing her biscuits. she will still eat it but instead of chewing she swallows it whole, and that mustn't be good for her digestion. I think her teeth must be sore because she struggles to even eat grass. I tried giving her some soft food but she won't eat it. she can be a fussy eater sometimes. what can I do to help her?
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on October 4th, 2018
If you think it is her teeth bothering her, she needs them examined by your veterinarian. The doctor will be able to assess the health of the gums and teeth and may suggest a dental cleaning / extractions. Most cats will require dental cleanings at some point in their life, and usually extractions. If she is refusing to eat, you obviously need to get her in to be seen sooner than later. Hope this makes sense.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on July 1st, 2017
Ouch poor Lulu! It's possible that she is suffering from severe gingivitis, a tooth root infection, or a rotten tooth causing her dental problems. Having severe dental problems would cause her to drool a lot, avoid eating on one side of her mouth, and bleed. I would have her seen by a vet for it. Cats need dental care just like humans, and the way to treat this dental problem would be be a dental cleaning, scaling, and polishing. I would make an appointment for her next week. As for vomiting her food whole, that could be caused by a problem separate from the dental issue, and she should see a vet for that as well.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on January 5th, 2017
Cats not eating for a few days are very ill. Actually, not eating by itself can cause life-threatening disease in cats. Please take her to a veterinarian tomorrow morning at the latest. not eating is a very unspecific sign, so there is no way to figure out what problem she is suffering from, and a vet needs to do a hands on exam and blood tests. Sometimes bad teeth, severe gingivitis or mouth ulcers can cause difficulty eating.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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