re: Vets / Cat owners.. My cat won't eat her food

Dental exams are one of those things clients always think the vet uses to screw them and make more money. Truth is, while dental checks are extra profit and additional services a vet can offer, they are essential to the wellness of your pet. If it's been 2 years, yeah the kitty is probably due for at least an exam.

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No haven't had her teeth checked. Is that a normal check up procedure? She's about a week late on her shots..been too busy to bring her in

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In my experience, the vet at least opens the mouth and takes a look. At a certain age, the vet may suggest getting a dental. The teeth are cleaned and examined with the cat is under. A check of my adopted rescue indicated some sort of bad gum disease when the vet examined him on a routine visit. I think he was about 2. I don't think the disease is the norm, but he had to have all the teeth but 3 removed. Not a fun experience. That's when he wouldn't eat or drink. Turned out a vet stand in gave us the wrong antibiotic and he got a raging infection under his chin that was like a huge hole. I couldn't see it because he wouldn't lift his head. When I could finally stroke him under the chin a day or so later, I felt it. New antibiotic did the trick, but he got awfully dehydrated quickly. I was force feeding him water through a syringe to keep him hydrated until he felt well enough to eat.