How to Make a Cat Comfortable After a Tooth Extraction

Keep your cat away from hard, chew toys for at least one week after the surgery.

Severe tooth decay and the removal of unnecessary deciduous teeth for the purposes of jaw development are only two reasons for a feline tooth extraction. During the procedure, the cat is sedated with general anesthesia and the gums are cut to remove the tooth and any infected bone. If no complications arise after anesthesia, the cats are generally allowed to leave the day of surgery. Taking care of a cat at home will prevent any further complications, including infection or excessive bleeding.

Things You'll Need

• Blanket or pet bed
• Crate or cardboard box
• Soft cat food

Instructions

1. Place your recovering pet in a warm, comfortable place for the first 24 hours after surgery. Provide the cat with a blanket or pet bed to allow it to recover from the anesthesia and procedure in comfort. Keep the cat in a crate or cardboard box to prevent access by humans and other pets.

2. Limit your cat's activities for the first three-to-five days after extraction. Keep the cat indoors and away from other pets, especially those that will attempt to play roughly with the recovering animal. Avoid allowing the pet to go outdoors to prevent infection from contact with dirty water or accidental injury.

3. Provide the cat with an easily accessible litter box. Give the cat its own litter box and clean it daily to prevent infection from contact with fecal matter.

4. Provide your cat with a constant supply of fresh water. This will help the cat remain hydrated without causing any damage to the extraction site. Avoid giving the cat milk for the first week after surgery as it will hamper the healing process, according to Vet Info.

5. Avoid feeding your cat for at least three days after the surgery or as otherwise recommended by the veterinarian. Especially avoid feeding the cat during the first three-to-five hours after surgery to prevent stomach upset or vomiting.

6. Feed your cat a diet of soft foods after the three-day time limit expires. The soft food is gentler on the cat's teeth and will not damage the delicate extraction site.

7. Monitor your cat for infection or changes in its behavior. Contact the veterinarian if the cat refuses to eat or drink water or exhibits signs of infection. These signs include discharge, fever and swelling around the extraction site.

References

• VetInfo: Cat Tooth Extraction Recovery
• World Small Animal Veterinary Association; Basic Practical Techniques in Tooth Extraction; John Robinson