Difficulty Chewing in cats
When to visit the vet?
Urgent see a veterinarian within 24 hours
RED for respiratory distress, severe swelling in the mouth/throat, massive drooling, inability to swallow, bleeding, or suspected foreign body/poisoning. ORANGE remains for severe dental pain/oral ulcers with inappetence (same-day).
Unsure about what’s wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our Symptom Checker for more clarity
Definition
The symptom “difficulty chewing” in cats describes a difficulty or inability of the cat to chew food. This can be caused by pain, mechanical blockages, or neurological problems.
Can Occur with the Following Diseases:
- Gingival Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Oral Cancer Originating from the Mucous Membrane)
- Gingival Fibrosarcoma (Oral Cancer Originating from the Connective Tissue of the Gums, Gingiva)
- Lingual squamous cell carcinoma (tongue cancer)
- Peripheral neuropathy, polyneuropathy (nerve disease affecting multiple peripheral nerves)
- Salivary Mucocele, Sialocele (Swelling of the Salivary Gland)
- Oral Melanoma (cancer of the oral cavity originating from pigment cells, the melanocytes)
- Persistent Deciduous Teeth (Retained Baby Teeth)
Basics and possible causes
Chewing behavior in cats is a complex process that requires the coordination of teeth, jaw, muscles, and nerves. If any of these components is disrupted, it can significantly impair chewing. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they depend on a dietary supply of meat that they normally need to chew into small pieces in order to swallow it.
A common cause of difficulty chewing is dental problems. Gum inflammation (gingivitis) or gum recession (periodontitis) can cause pain that makes chewing uncomfortable. Tooth fractures or abscesses are also common problems that can impair chewing.
Mechanical causes such as tumors in the oral area or foreign bodies in the oral cavity can physically prevent chewing. Neurological causes, such as damage to the nerves that control the jaw muscles, can also lead to chewing problems.
A less visible cause may lie in the diet itself. An unsuitable food consistency or lack of dental care over the years can result in a cat’s teeth being in poor condition, making chewing difficult.
Typical accompanying symptoms
- Loss of appetite: Cats with chewing problems may reduce or stop eating altogether due to the pain or difficulty in chewing.
- Poor oral hygiene: Tartar (calculus), bad breath, or visible tooth discoloration may indicate dental diseases that make chewing difficult.
- Weight loss: Due to reduced food intake, there may be significant weight loss.
- Behavioral changes: Cats may withdraw, become more aggressive, or groom themselves less.
- Hypersalivation: Excessive salivation can occur, especially if an infection or foreign body is present.
- Facial pain: The cat may touch or rub its face in a way that indicates pain.
- Increased chewing or Licking: Cats may try to chew or lick something to relieve the pain or get rid of a foreign body.
When to see a vet?
A veterinary visit should be considered as soon as the cat shows signs of chewing problems, especially if it refuses food or shows signs of pain. Early intervention can prevent the problem from worsening and leading to further health complications.
An immediate veterinary visit is necessary if the cat shows symptoms such as extreme lethargy, persistent vomiting, significant swelling in the oral area, or bleeding in addition to chewing problems. These symptoms may indicate serious health problems that require immediate attention.
Regular dental visits are also important to detect and treat dental diseases early before they lead to chewing problems.
Symptom recognition for the pet owner and veterinary diagnostic procedure
As a pet owner, you can recognize chewing problems by paying attention to the cat’s eating habits. If the cat has difficulty chewing dry food or hesitates to eat in general, this is an indicator of possible problems.
The veterinarian will perform a thorough examination of the oral cavity to identify dental problems, infections, tumors, or foreign bodies. This often includes a visual inspection, palpation, and possibly X-rays to identify hidden problems.
In some cases, a blood test may be necessary to rule out systemic diseases that could impair chewing ability. Neurological tests may also be necessary if nerve involvement is suspected.
The veterinarian may also review the cat’s diet and dental care habits to determine if these factors could be contributing to the chewing problems.
What the pet owner can do and professional therapy options
As an immediate measure, a pet owner can try changing the cat’s food. Soft food or special diet food that is easy to chew can help reduce the strain of chewing.
It is important to improve the cat’s oral hygiene by regularly brushing its teeth or using dental cleaning treats. This can help reduce tartar and plaque that can lead to dental diseases.
If a foreign body is suspected, you should avoid handling the cat’s oral cavity yourself, as this can cause injury or stress. Instead, you should see a veterinarian as soon as possible.
In the long term, the pet owner should ensure that the cat is regularly examined by a veterinarian to detect and treat dental diseases early. A balanced diet and regular care help maintain the cat’s oral health and prevent chewing problems.
Outlook on current research
Research on the symptom “difficulty chewing” in cats focuses on various aspects, some of which are quite advanced, while others are still in their infancy. An important focus is on investigating the causes that can make chewing difficult. In particular, the role of dental problems, such as gum disease or tooth fractures, is being examined. Recent studies are attempting to identify genetic predispositions that could make cats more susceptible to dental diseases. This research could lead to better prevention strategies in the long term.
Another area of research deals with the development of diagnostic methods. Imaging techniques, such as digital X-rays or computed tomography, are being optimized to detect dental problems and other oral pathologies earlier and more accurately. This could significantly improve treatment outcomes by identifying problems before they become more serious and impair chewing.
Pain assessment in cats is also being intensively researched. Cats are masters at hiding pain, which can make diagnosing chewing problems difficult. Scales and methods are being developed that allow a more accurate assessment of the pain associated with the chewing process. These advances could help develop more timely and effective treatment strategies.
Nutritional studies are also a growing area of research. Scientists are investigating what type of food best supports cats with chewing problems. Soft food or specially formulated diets could make chewing easier while ensuring nutrient intake. These studies aim to develop practical recommendations for cat owners to improve their pets’ well-being.
Overall, research on “difficulty chewing” in cats is a dynamic field pursuing many innovative approaches. The combination of genetic studies, improved diagnostics, pain assessment, and nutritional science promises to significantly improve the quality of life for cats struggling with chewing problems in the future.