9 Month Old Kitten Has Gingivitis

[Coolgram]

Gracie is 9 months old and I adopted her 2 months ago from a rescue group. She already had all her shots and was tested for common feline diseases and was spayed. She has seemed very healthy, very active and playful - although she is small (6.7 lbs.). I took her to the vet yesterday to be microchipped. She's an indoor cat but she's very interested if she hears a door open and I'm afraid she might slip out some day. Anyway, since she hadn't been seen by this vet before she had a typical wellness exam and the vet discovered she has gingivitis, which I hadn't realized. I was stunned since she's so young. The vet (who was very young and new to the practice) just recommended that I begin brushing her teeth every day but had no other advice. I've done some reading today and many people said that gingivitis could be caused by several different diseases that can be tested for. I'm wondering why the vet didn't recommend looking into this further. I think I'll call the office today and ask about that. Has anyone else had experience with this - especially in a very young cat?

 

[lisahe]

Yes, our cats had gingivitis at a relatively young age, too: they were less than two years old when they had to have full dental cleanings. Some cats (including Siamese, our cats are mixes) are apparently just prone to mouth problems.

Our vet (a cat specialist) also suggested brushing the cats' teeth, which we do. She also suggested testing them for the bartonella bacterium, which we did. The cats tested positive so we treated them with antibiotics; follow-up test showed the antibiotics had worked. We don't know if it's the brushing or the eradication of the bartonella bacterium or both but the cats' mouths are much better. It's been about 4.5 years. We do find occasional little patches of gingivitis but they go away easily with a bit of extra brushing in those areas. The vet is happy.

One other thing the vet has suggested is probiotics (Entero), though we haven't tried that. I should also add that not all vets seem to believe that bartonella (which is also bacterium behind cat scratch fever) can cause dental issues. I don't think there have been rigorous studies and even our vet wasn't making anything close to a guarantee that the treatment would help. As much as our cats really hated getting that daily antibiotic for a while, I'd do it again -- I'm a little skeptical that just brushing could have had such an effect. I'm also more than happy to take cat scratch fever off the menu! Here's a vet site page about bartonella.

 

[verna davies]

My cat had gingivitis at 5 months. She was tested for calicivirus,fiv and felv, all negative. She had steriods and antibiotics but they made no difference.My vet said brushing is a must, at least 3/4 times a week if not everyday. She is 4 now and her gums are no worse now than they were at 5 months. I would have tests done in the hope of finding out the cause and try to see a vet that has had experience dealing with this.

 

[MissClouseau]

Yeah FIV for example might cause gingivitis but, and note I'm not saying this with veterinary information, I bet genes and/or temporary health problems also cause dental issues. I always took care of my teeth well but I still needed four implants before I was even 30. Just like my dad. My friend's 3 year old son has a cavity although they brush his teeth daily.

I have never read or seen anything that would make me guess cats' dental health would be totally different.

 

[kleigh300]

Gracie is 9 months old and I adopted her 2 months ago from a rescue group. She already had all her shots and was tested for common feline diseases and was spayed. She has seemed very healthy, very active and playful - although she is small (6.7 lbs.). I took her to the vet yesterday to be microchipped. She's an indoor cat but she's very interested if she hears a door open and I'm afraid she might slip out some day. Anyway, since she hadn't been seen by this vet before she had a typical wellness exam and the vet discovered she has gingivitis, which I hadn't realized. I was stunned since she's so young. The vet (who was very young and new to the practice) just recommended that I begin brushing her teeth every day but had no other advice. I've done some reading today and many people said that gingivitis could be caused by several different diseases that can be tested for. I'm wondering why the vet didn't recommend looking into this further. I think I'll call the office today and ask about that. Has anyone else had experience with this - especially in a very young cat?

I can't attest to different diseases that causes gingivitis but I can tell you that extra virgin coconut oil (cold pressed & unrefined) has lauric acid, one of the three main fatty acids in coconut oil, & it demonstrates both antimicrobial and anti inflammatory properties. Gingivitis” is a symptom of inflammation. Lauric acid fights inflammation, it might just help nib your cat’s gingivitis in the bud.

WildernessCat.com recommends giving your cat one teaspoon of coconut oil for every 10 pounds it weighs. And it also recommends giving it to your cat every day. Although, other online sources and veterinary experts suggest using it sparingly.

But that’s for all-around purposes. If your cat has terrible gingivitis, a daily dose might have to do. WildernessCat.com recommends applying the oil directly to your cat’s teeth and gums.

Keep in mind there are no studies proving that coconut oil for feline dental care works, let alone what a proper dose for it is but I have used it on my own cats and I have had positive results.

When digested, lauric acid metabolizes into monolaurin. Monolaurin is another type of fatty acid. Studies demonstrate lauric acid kills harmful bacteria and other microscopic nasties.

However, if your cat is obese or has inflammation of the pancreas, avoid feeding it coconut oil.

In addition, make sure if you’re going to feed your cat coconut oil, you buy virgin or extra virgin coconut oil. Do not use a cheap coconut oil that’s been refined. Any oil that has been processed can cause inflammation.