i apologize if this topic has been done to death I did search but didn't see what I was looking for.My black longhair the neighbors named "Sammy"before I took him in permanently I noticed eventually he had 2 missing teeth on the top in between the fangs when he first came, it made me feel bad for him but I'd had him to the vet twice and he never noticed and couldn't really afford to take him just for that.I figured it was from ripping animals up having to survive on the streets.He didn't have signs or symptoms of anything else and anyway his teeth have been like that holding steady for 2 yrs and then I looked the other day and he now only has 2 left on the top row between his fangs.Sammy was a stray and he likes to kill birds and bunnies (Much to my chagrin) and used to fight before he was neutered. I also HATE~ I repeat HATE him going out BUT if it is a choice between having my home totally ruined with marking or letting him out a few hours a day~ I choose the latter.My question is: Will he be ok without those teeth?I mean he won't ever have to hunt to survive as long as I am here to feed and care for him but I am sure he will eventually lose those top 2 as well it really breaks my heart to see him without them and wish he still had them all.(only for his own sake to be able to chew)I really don't want to feed him all canned all the time and I hope he won't lose anymore and keep the rest so he can still chew with the back ones I think he does swallow some of his dry food whole but I think my other 2 cats do as well Anyway thoughts on all of this.Commiseration.(Please try to be kind and not make me feel any worse than I do already if you can!) just need some others opinions on this.Thanks
I would keep him inside and get all of your cats on a canned grain free cat food. Kibble is probably the worst thing you can feed: It's dry. Dry food can cause UTIs in cats since they do not have a natural thirst drive. Cats can survive but do not thrive by any means on a grain based diet. Try Taste of the Wild or Blue Buffalo Wilderness. Both are grain free. Canned cat food has much more water in it, which is better for your cat. Yes, it is more expensive, but it is much cheaper than going to the vet for chronic UTIs. Trust me.
The reason I would suggest that you keep him inside is that there are so many dangers to cats outside. If *I* were to let my cats out, they would be exposed to poisons, cars, bigger cats, and predators, not to mention any human who despised cats who would want to cause harm (such as unruly teens).
There are products you can use to clean up the urine. Get a black light to check for hidden urine. Clean it up. Get the smell out of your house. Is he fixed? If not, get him fixed. If he is fixed, try to rule out an UTI. Also, make sure you have multiple litter boxes. At least one for each of your cats.
Good luck!
