08 May When Your Cat Needs an Emergency Visit to a Veterinary Dentist
Cats are masters at hiding pain and illness. It’s part of their natural instinct to conceal weakness, which means that when you do notice something is wrong, it may already be serious. Dental problems in cats can escalate quickly, making it essential to seek prompt veterinary care, sometimes even on an emergency basis.
At Veterinary Dental Specialists of Wisconsin, we understand how stressful it can be when your cat isn’t feeling well. Our team is here to help guide you if you are concerned about a potential dental emergency.
Signs Your Cat May Need Emergency Dental Care
Some dental issues simply can’t wait. If you notice any of the following signs, your cat may require emergency dental care:
1. Refusal to Eat or Drink
A cat that is suddenly not eating or drinking should be taken seriously. Oral pain can make it difficult—or even impossible—for a cat to eat normally. Dehydration and lack of nutrition can quickly lead to additional complications, especially in cats, who can develop serious conditions like hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) if they do not eat for even a short period of time.
If your cat refuses food and water for more than 24 hours, it should be addressed immediately.
2. Vocalizing or Showing Signs of Pain
Cats in pain may cry out, yowl, or vocalize when attempting to eat, groom, or even when simply opening their mouth. Some cats may also paw at their face, grind their teeth, or shy away from being touched near the head.
Any indication that your cat is experiencing oral pain should prompt a call to a veterinary dentist for evaluation.
3. Bleeding from the Mouth
Visible bleeding from the mouth is always a concerning sign and could indicate severe dental disease, a fractured tooth, an abscess, or other trauma. Bleeding can quickly lead to anemia or infection, so it’s important to seek veterinary attention without delay.
4. Recent Trauma
If your cat has experienced any kind of trauma, such as a fall, being hit by a car, or an altercation with another animal, it is important to have them evaluated promptly. Even if there are no obvious external injuries, trauma can cause serious damage to the teeth, jaw, or oral tissues that may not be immediately visible. Dental fractures, jaw fractures, or internal injuries can cause significant pain and complications if not addressed quickly.
When in Doubt, Call Us
If you’re unsure whether your cat’s situation is an emergency, please give us a call at (262) 622-2537. Our experienced team can help assess the urgency of the situation over the phone and advise you on the next steps.
At Veterinary Dental Specialists of Wisconsin, we do handle emergencies at our discretion and based on our daily caseload. Emergency fees may apply, and we always require a phone call prior to arriving at our clinic.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (05/08/2025) Image by Annette Meyer from Pixabay