I have two cats called Tom and Jerry both rescue and about nine months of age. One is very healthy.

Sadly, its Jerry we have a problem with. He was hand reared from a kitten after the litter was rejected by the Mother and would not have got the antitbodies.

Jerry has stomatic gingivitis which seems to be progressing. We have tried everything, anti inflamatory injections, steroid injections, antibiotics but he is not responding to treatment.

The vet has done blood tests for feline diseases, all came back clear.

I feel the only thing for Jerry now is to have his teeth extracted.

Will he copy with no teeth and will he still be able to go hunting with the other cat ?

I would really appreciate some advise on helping Jerry cope with his gingivitis.

Many thanks.

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Hi OP,

No direct experience of this, but my friend adpoted a kitten who had this. He'd had a rough start in life as well. He was rescued from some lads who were using him as a football when he was about 3 weeks old. He lost an eye as well. My friend and the vets tried for about a year to get him over it, but ended up with his teeth being extracted. Now he's a happy, healthy lively cat.

Obviously, he can't eat hard food but apart from that he's normal. Before the teeth were taken out he was very skinny and had breathe that could peel wall paper. Now he's a normal size and doesn't smell. As far as I know he does hunt, but doesn't catch anything.

What does the vet recommend?

Thank you sesmo for your helpful reply, it is very much appreciated.

I have made a decision for Jerry and the only thing which will make his mouth feel more comfortable, will be to get the teeth extracted. There is no point battling on with steroid injections, anti biotics and paying vets bills for something which is progressive and not going to get better. Like your friends cat, he has the most awful bad breath.

Really dont understand how anyone could use a little kitten as a football. That is really sad.

Yeah, thats what my friends thought. He might not have teeth but at least it won't hurt him to eat. There's the cost as well. The cat was insured via the Rescue Centre but the bill for everything was huge. Just not worth it if they are in pain and not getting better. Am sure he'll get used to having no teeth quickly as he won't be in pain anymore.

Hope Jerry gets better soon. Cool names for them!