Often, we hear people say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Although there is considerable disagreement as to whether the saying makes sense for humans, it sure as hell is true for cats. All of us cat owners and cat lovers know that our feline friends are very picky eaters. A healthy eating routine is essential for their mental and physical health.
The problem arises when we notice that our cats have trouble eating properly, and if the cause is a sore mouth, we instantly turn our panic mode on. In such a situation, we are at a loss as to what to feed them and how to provide nutrition based on their needs.
In this blog post, we’ll set out on a journey to find the answer to what to feed a cat with a sour mouth, as well as 9 foods you can feed your cats to help them get the nutrients they require if they have a sour mouth. Not only that, but we’ll go over which foods to avoid at all costs in this situation, along with a few alternative feeding methods that will provide complete relief from a stressful feeding situation for both of you. Now, let’s get started right away, as your cats are eagerly waiting for their next meal.
What Are The Signs and Causes of Sore Mouth in Cats
The Signs :
It’s no secret that cats are very stoic animals, so when they are suffering from a sore mouth, we don’t see any definite outward signs, especially in the early stages. Yet we can still be sure about this, but how ? There are some signs you should watch out for, such as bad breath, reluctance to eat, and repeated attempts to put their paws in their mouths. If you see these signs, you can almost be sure that your cat is suffering from a sore mouth. But just knowing that it is affected is not enough. First, you need to understand what causes this horror in our little furballs.
The Causes :
Periodontal disease, tooth decay, and oral tumors are all common causes of your cat’s sore mouth. These conditions may lead to inflammation, infection, and pain in the mouth in cats. This results in a kind of reluctance towards eating, which gradually weakens their body and prevents them from enjoying their daily life. Cats have a bad habit of putting unknown things in their mouths without thinking, making them vulnerable to sore mouths. Furthermore, facial injuries could also be a contributing factor.
What to Feed a Cat With Sore Mouth
Now that you’ve identified the signs and causes, it’s time to know the answer you have been eagerly waiting for. It is critical to feed your cat soft, easy to chew food if it has a sore mouth. This will prevent your cat from becoming agitated or uncomfortable while eating. Here are 9 mouthwatering foods that are perfect for cats with sore mouths:
- Tuna salad: For a tasty and nutritious meal, mix canned tuna with a little mayonnaise or plain yogurt. Many felines enjoy this soft and creamy salad.
- Scrambled eggs: Make some scrambled eggs and feed them to your cat for a soft and tasty meal. Eggs are a fantastic source of protein and are easy to digest.
- Boiled chicken: Boiled chicken is a classic option for cats with mouth sores. It is relatively softer than other foods, easy to chew and high in protein.
- Baby food: Since many baby foods are soft and nutritious, they are ideal for cats with mouth sores. Just make sure to choose foods that don’t contain onions or garlic, as these can be harmful to cats.
- Mashed potatoes: Another soft and tasty option for cats is mashed potatoes. However, make sure the potatoes are properly boiled or baked, as half-baked potatoes can cause indigestion in cats.
- Bone broth: It is undoubtedly a nutritional, easily digestible liquid that can help relieve your cat’s sore mouth. To make a rich and flavorful broth, boil some bones in water for several hours. Now serve it to your cat and watch it dance in delight.
- Canned wet food: Canned wet food is also tender and wet, making it an excellent choice for cats with mouth sores. Choose high-quality brands that are free of fillers and by-products.
- Cooked fish: There is most likely no cat on the planet whose heart does not skip a beat for cooked fish. Cooked fish is another excellent protein source for cats. Simply remove the bones and seasonings before serving.
- Pureed pumpkin: Pumpkin contains a lot of fiber. It can help your cats’ digestive system and allow them to eat more easily without putting too much pressure on their mouth. Just be sure to use plain canned pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling.
Feeding your cat with a sore mouth can be a challenge, but with these soft and tasty options, you can help your furry friend feel better in no time. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your cat’s diet, especially if they have a medical condition or are on medication.
Foods to Avoid If Your Cat Has a Sore Mouth
Since all coins have two sides, some good and some bad things are deeply connected with each other. While soft or wet foods are good for cats with sore mouths, there are many foods that are toxic to them in this situation. In order to keep your furry friend healthy, you must be aware of these foods and avoid them at all costs.
Here is the list of foods to avoid if you want to keep your sore-mouthed feline safe:
- Hard or crunchy foods: You should avoid foods like dry kibble or crunchy treats. Hard or crunchy foods can be difficult for cats with sore mouths to chew and swallow.
- Spicy or heavily seasoned foods: As we’ve discussed before, Stick to plain, simple foods that are easy to digest. Because spicy or heavily seasoned foods can cause further irritation to your cat’s sore mouth.
- Dairy products: There is no doubt that a lot of cats enjoy dairy products, but does your cat enjoy them? Dairy foods can be difficult for some cats to digest and may cause diarrhea or other digestive problems. To be safe, avoid giving your cat milk, cheese, or other dairy products.
- Onions and garlic: These are toxic to cats and can cause serious health problems, including anemia. Make sure to read the labels on any foods you’re considering feeding your cat to ensure that they don’t contain these ingredients. Trust me, you don’t want to make this any worse.
- Raw meat or fish: Never give your sore-mouthed cat raw meat or fish to eat. Raw meat and fish can contain harmful bacteria that can make the matter worse. Cook them well, and then serve them to your pawsome buddy.
If you think an explainer video by a professional veterinarian will make much more sense about it, then don’t worry a bit; here’s a video of a cat paramedic explaining everything about “what to feed and how to treat your cat with a sore mouth.”
Tips for Feeding Cats with Sore Mouths
As easy as it is to know what to feed cats with sore mouths, feeding them the right way can be difficult for many. This task becomes even more difficult when your cat’s unwillingness to eat is impacted by a sore mouth. So, if you want to feed your furry friend, you’ll have to resort to certain tricks and tips. We have discussed that in detail here, so let’s get started:
- Use a small spoon or syringe: If your cat is having difficulty eating on their own, try feeding them with a small spoon or syringe. This can help them control the amount of food they eat and make swallowing easier.
- Warm up the food: Warm or room temperature food may be more appealing to cats with sore mouths than cold food. Warm their food by microwaving it for a few seconds or by adding some warm water.
- Offer a variety of foods: Cats with sore mouths may have different preferences than usual. Try a variety of soft, easy-to-digest foods to see which ones your cat prefers the most.
- Be patient: Feeding a cat with a sore mouth may take longer than usual, so be patient and give your cat plenty of time to eat. Try not to rush them or force them to eat more than they want.
- Offer water frequently: Cats with sore mouths may find it difficult to drink water. Regularly provide fresh, clean water, and consider including some water in their food to keep them hydrated.
- Consult with your veterinarian: If your cat is not eating or drinking enough, despite the measures taken, you should consult with your veterinarian. They may be able to prescribe medication or recommend a customized diet that can maintain your cat’s pain and discomfort.
Feeding a cat with a sore mouth is often going to be difficult, but with these tips, you can make sure that your feline pals get the nutrition they need to heal and recover
We often notice that our cats have an innate dislike for the pills that their veterinarian prescribes. so to give them pills is an equally challenging task to accomplish. But in order to cure them, our feline friends must take those pills. So, how do you solve this problem without sacrificing a good night’s sleep? Well, just take a tour of our “Best Foods to Hide Cat Pills In” and keep your feline healthy as well as hearty.
Finally…
Thank you for reading our article on what to feed a cat with a sore mouth. We hope that you found the information helpful and that it gave you some ideas on how to help your furry friend during their recovery period.
If you have any additional tips or tricks that have worked well for you, please feel free to share them in the comments below. We love hearing from our readers and appreciate any feedback or input that you may have.
And if you found this article informative, please share it with your fellow cat lovers on social worlds. Let’s spread the word and help other cat owners who may be struggling to feed their furry friends with sore mouths.
FAQ
Q. Can I give my cat dry food if I soak it?
Soak dry food to make it easier for cats with sore mouths to eat. However, the longer the food soaks, the more bacterial growth there is, so keep an eye on it and toss away the leftovers after 30 minutes.
Q. Is it necessary to change my cat’s diet permanently?
It depends on the cause of the sore mouth. If the problem is only temporary, such as a dental procedure, you may only need to switch your cat to a softer diet for a short period of time. If your cat has a chronic condition, such as periodontal disease, a permanent change in its diet may be required to manage the condition.