Question:
I took my 10 year old cat to the vet a week ago for a rabies vaccine, a distemper combo vaccine, a fecal exam and a physical. The vet said she looked very good (except a bit overweight at 17 lbs, and the beginnings of gingivitis). She's always been a very enthusiastic eater, but since then her eating has slowed down dramatically. She still drinks plenty of water but now will only eat a few bites a day (Hill's Prescription Diet). She refused tuna fish as well, but did eat a handful of Pounce treats last night. Otherwise she's acting normally.

Could the not eating be a result of trauma from going to the vet (she's very much a scared little creature of habit), or the gum problems, which the vet said weren't bad, or something else I'm not thinking of? She's been eating the same food for years now, could she suddenly be picky?

And along those lines, is it really worth it go put her under general anesthesia for a costly tooth-cleaning venture?

Your insight is much appreciated.

Answer:
I don't think stress is causing this. Cats can sometimes have adverse affects from those vaccinations, and unless your cat goes outside I would not have her vaccinated anymore.

Her loss of appetite and excess drinking could just have occured coincidentally with her vet visit. I think you should take her back for some blood tests to make sure she does not have kidney dysfunction or diabetes - very common in slightly older or overweight cats.

As for the tooth cleaning - yes, it's worth it if the gingivitis is causing problems or pain. A special anesthetic is used for older, sick or overweight animals and it's very safe!

I had my 18 yr old cat's teeth cleaned and he was fine, but you need to do pre-op blood test for any problems ahead of time.

Answer: