Can cats eat without teeth?

Tooth loss in cats is unfortunately not uncommon. Especially the dreaded and incurable disease FORL can lead to the fact that your animal must be pulled out most or even all teeth.

Since there is no tooth replacement for animals yet, the question arises whether cats can eat without teeth at all and what to look out for.

In this guide, we give you all the answers that are crucial for you and your velvet paw.

In this article you will learn whether cats can eat without teeth and to what extent they are limited by this. We also show you how you can prevent tooth loss in your pet and how you can recognize toothache early.

Can cats eat without teeth?

Yes, cats can often eat without teeth if you take a few things into account when feeding them.

Some animals will continue to eat dry food and treats despite their missing teeth, so they are hardly restricted.

If cats have had significant pain in the teeth, gums or jaws before, they often eat much better than before after the teeth have been extracted and healed.

However, you should be concerned with keeping your cat’s teeth healthy and strong for as long as possible.

In the case of FORL, even with the best cleaning and care, you don’t have that option. You do, however, need to watch out for warning signs in general to avoid unnecessary pain for your cat.

Below, we’ll show you what to look for.
Prevent tooth loss in cats

Cats can suffer from various ailments and problems around the oral cavity. These include:

broken teeth
Abscesses
ulcers
Caries FORL
Injuries from fighting or foreign objects such as bones or sharp bones
gingivitis
Tartar

By having your cat’s teeth checked and cleaned on a regular basis, you can both remove debris and have any ailments detected and treated early.

It’s best to teach your cat to have his mouth examined and his teeth brushed from the beginning. This way you can avoid more serious problems and consequences.

If tartar develops or if you notice difficulties with eating, you should take your cat to the vet immediately. But what do you need to watch out for?
Detect dental problems in cats at an early stage

Problems in the oral cavity can be recognized by various symptoms. These are:

Aggression
bleeding from the mouth
increased need for rest
stench from the mouth
weight loss
avoidance of (hard or cold) food
redness
Drooling
Painful sounds when eating
Swelling
Stress behaviors such as sudden urination
Avoidance of touch
Teeth grinding or chattering

If you notice one or more of these symptoms, see a veterinarian immediately.

After all, if your cat has already lost weight or changed behavior due to dental problems, this speaks to ongoing and severe pain and a significant strain on overall health.