Proper nutrition is extremely important for cats, especially those missing teeth. As cats age, they often lose teeth due to periodontal disease or other oral health issues. By 4 years old, nearly every cat will show early signs of dental disease (cite). When cats are missing teeth, it can be challenging for them to chew and eat their food properly. This may cause them to become malnourished if their dietary needs are not met. Providing the right food textures and formulas tailored for toothless cats is key to ensuring they receive adequate nutrition. Proper nutrition also helps maintain other aspects of health like energy levels, weight, coat condition, immune function, and more. This article will discuss optimal nutrition for cats without teeth.
Assessing Your Cat’s Dental Health
It’s important to regularly check your cat’s mouth for signs of dental disease or tooth loss. According to Four Corners Veterinary Hospital, some common signs of dental issues in cats include excessive drooling, bleeding or swollen gums, weight loss, reduced appetite, and bad breath [1]. Bloomplaza Animal Hospital also notes that cats with dental problems may have difficulty eating or show signs of pain when their mouth is touched [2].
Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian if you notice any of these signs. They will perform an oral exam and may take dental x-rays to check for damaged teeth, infections, and other problems. It’s best to catch dental disease early before it becomes advanced or irreversible.
Consulting Your Veterinarian
It’s important to have your cat’s teeth examined regularly by a veterinarian, even if they are missing some or all of their teeth. Your vet can monitor your cat’s oral health for signs of disease and provide guidance on caring for their unique needs.
Schedule annual or biannual veterinary dental checkups to identify any issues early before they develop into more serious problems. The vet will look for signs of oral pain, gum inflammation, decayed roots, and oral cancers. They may recommend dental x-rays to get a closer look at what’s happening under the gums.
Your vet can also perform a full oral exam under anesthesia, allowing for a thorough inspection and dental cleaning above and below the gum line. This can help prevent tartar buildup and infection in the remaining teeth and roots.
Discuss any changes in your cat’s eating habits with your vet, as this may indicate an underlying dental issue. They can advise you on adjusting food textures and diet to best support your toothless cat’s nutritional needs.
With regular professional dental care and monitoring, your vet can help you keep your cat’s mouth as healthy and comfortable as possible despite their lack of teeth. For more information, see this veterinary dental care resource.
Adjusting Food Texture
For cats missing some or all of their teeth, adjusting the texture of their food is essential. Dry kibble can be difficult for a toothless cat to chew and swallow properly. Switching to a wet, canned food is a good option as the food already has a soft, palatable texture. One study showed that cats fed wet food voluntarily drank less water than cats on dry food, likely because of the high moisture content of canned food (over 75%) compared to dry food (around 6%) [1].
If you want to keep feeding dry food, consider adding water to the kibble to soften it. Let it soak for about 5-10 minutes before serving. You can also try mixing some canned food in with the dry kibble. Just a spoonful or two of wet food can help moisten the dry food without drastically changing your cat’s diet.
Avoid dry food that feels too hard or crunchy. Opt for a formula with smaller, easier-to-chew pieces. Dental kibble that is promoted as being crunchy for tartar control is not a good choice for a cat with missing teeth.
Choosing the Right Dry Food
Cats without teeth can still eat dry food but it needs to be the right size and texture. You’ll want to pick kibble that is small and easy for your toothless cat to chew and swallow. Look for dry foods that have been created especially for cats with dental issues, chewing difficulties, or are labeled as “easy to digest“.
Opt for dry kibble pieces that are very tiny and have a smooth, softened texture. Some good options are:
- Purina Pro Plan EN Gastroenteric Cat Food – small pieces easier to chew
- Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Veterinary Diet Feline Gastrointestinal Fiber Response Dry Cat Food – highly digestible
- Hills Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Cat Food – small kibble bits
Avoid large, hard pieces of kibble as this can cause pain or damage to your cat’s sensitive gums. You can also try soaking regular dry food in warm water or broth to soften it before feeding.
Trying Specially Formulated Foods
There are some specially formulated dry foods made just for senior cats or cats with dental issues. These foods have a softer, easier to chew texture and shape. The kibbles are designed to be gentler on tender gums and missing teeth.
Senior cat formulations contain nutrients tailored for aging cats, like increased protein and added omega fatty acids for skin and coat health. The kibbles are smaller and may be soaked in broths or gravy to make them tastier and easier to eat. Well-known brands like Purina, Iams, and Blue Buffalo have senior dry food lines.
For dental care, there are prescription dental diets only available from your veterinarian. These kibbles are engineered to clean teeth and reduce plaque and tartar as the cat chews. The rigid exterior helps scrub teeth. Hills, Royal Canin and Iams all make prescription dental foods.
By switching your toothless cat to a food made for its age and dental needs, you can ensure it’s getting proper nutrition from its diet in a form it can eat comfortably without hurting its mouth or gums.
Supplementing with Soft Foods
Toothless cats often have difficulty chewing dry kibble. Supplementing their diet with soft, wet foods can help ensure they receive adequate nutrition. Some options to try include:
Canned cat food – High-quality canned food provides a soft, easy to eat option. Aim for grain-free formulas with named meat sources like chicken, turkey, beef etc. Feed only a small amount at a time, and refrigerate unused portions.[1]
Broths – Unseasoned chicken, beef or fish broths can be served on their own or used to mix with dry food. Opt for low-sodium versions and avoid garlic and onions.[2]
Purees – Pureed meats, fish or poultry can be made into a smooth, lickable texture. Cook meat gently, let cool and puree with added water into a gruel-like consistency.[2]
Avoid overly processed, high-carb foods, which are difficult to digest. Introduce new foods slowly and watch for signs of an upset stomach. Soft foods should complement dry food, not completely replace it.
Avoiding Choking Hazards
With no teeth to chew food properly, toothless cats are at risk of choking on their food. It’s important not to feed cats with no teeth any foods that are hard, small, or oddly shaped as these can pose a choking hazard if swallowed whole.
Avoid feeding your toothless cat dry kibbles or treats that are small or round in shape. Stick to softened or soaked kibbles if feeding dry food. Also avoid feeding small canned foods like pâté with gravy, as these can be gulped down easily.
Don’t feed any treats like dental sticks or chews, jerky treats, or hard biscuits as a toothless cat will not be able to properly chew these. Avoid pieces of meat with bones or tough connective tissue as well. Moist, shredded meats are safer for toothless cats.
Stay away from feeding any human foods like nuts, seeds, raw veggies, or corn kernels, as a toothless cat may swallow these whole. Stick to soft, moist shredded meats, fish or eggs for human foods. Cut foods into tiny, bite-sized pieces to reduce choking risk.
Monitor your toothless cat closely at mealtimes. Feed smaller, more frequent meals and allow your cat to eat slowly. Contact your vet immediately if you suspect a choking incident.
Providing Adequate Hydration
Keeping your toothless cat hydrated is crucial for their health. Cats with dental issues may avoid drinking water if it causes discomfort. Dehydration can quickly lead to other health problems.
There are a few tips to keep your cat hydrated:
- Add water to dry or canned food to create a soup-like consistency. The extra fluid content will help your cat stay hydrated.
- Use a fountain water dish. The flowing water encourages drinking and is more appealing than still water.
- Offer canned or pouched cat foods with high moisture contents.
- Try flavored waters or unsalted broths to entice drinking.
- Use ice cubes to supplement water intake.
Monitor your cat’s water intake and contact your vet if you notice signs of dehydration like lethargy, dry gums, or sunken eyes. Providing easy access to water sources can help avoid dehydration in toothless cats.
Maintaining Oral Health
With a toothless cat, maintaining oral health is especially important to prevent gum disease. Here are some tips:
Brushing: Brushing your cat’s teeth regularly can remove plaque and bacteria. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for cats and cat-safe toothpaste. Gently rub the outer surfaces of the teeth in a circular motion. Start by brushing just a few teeth at a time and work up to brushing the whole mouth as your cat gets accustomed to it. Brushing once a day is ideal. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/brushing-teeth-in-cats
Dental treats: Look for treats formulated to help control plaque and tartar in cats. The mechanical action of chewing these treats helps remove buildup. Give treats specifically made for dental health, not just any treat. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/brushing-teeth-in-cats
Regular cleanings: Even with home care, your cat should have professional dental cleanings by your vet regularly, such as annually. Cats are prone to periodontal disease, so professional cleanings are important for toothless cats.