Anyone had a cat with gingivitis but not FIV?

[goforkyourself]

I adopted a three year old cat just over a week ago and over the past few days I've noticed she seems to have some tenderness at one side of her mouth. She can manage wet food ok but is in obvious discomfort/pain when trying dry food.

I'm taking her to the vet tomorrow but have a horrible sinking feeling as my poor departed boy who had FIV displayed the exact same behaviour at first prior to his diagnosis. So as not to drip feed, the cat used to belong to a good friend who had to leave the country (ie not from a rescue centre or a random feral) but I live in a country over run with cats and FIV is rife.

I'm dreading the visit to the vet tomorrow, really expecting the worst

[littlecabbage]

I am a vet, and gum inflammation has many possible causes. Usually it would affect the whole mouth, if gingivitis due to FIV.

Your cat may have one or more decaying teeth which need removing.

[goforkyourself]

Thank you cabbage It's definitely only on the right side of her mouth and she doesn't like me touching it. Would such a young cat have decaying teeth?

[littlecabbage]

It's entirely possible - some cats are genetically predisposed to Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions - decay of the part of the tooth near the gumline. Can occur quite young.

Obviously I cannot say that your cat doesn't have FIV anyway, but an isolated area of inflammation is not a typical symptom.

[ColdCrumpetsandButter]

Our rescue cat had gingervitis. He came direct from the rescue as a kitten and they must have known as his gums were always so red and sore. Long story short the poor fluffball had mouth cancer and died. Hope your vet can put your mind at ease and help your cat.

[goforkyourself]

Oh God your poor baby

New cat doesn't have any inflammation as far as I can see. In fact she just tilted her head back and I saw a scab/healing wound under her chin, maybe it's just from a bite or injury? Poor thing, she's had such a traumatic week being rehomed.

[Carriewintermeadow]

My cat had gingivitis at the age of 6 months (his entire mouth). He had blood tests and does not have FIV. He was treated with anti virals, that didn't help, then a long course of strong antibiotics and mouth wash which improved things a lot.

He's now 6 years old and recently went in to have his teeth scaled etc as I thought he was in pain. It turned out he'd probably been stung or bitten by something and actually his teeth were fine! I was amazed.

[goforkyourself]

Thanks all, I feel slightly reassured now.

It's so difficult having a new cat as I'm not used to her behaviour and quirks. She did just scoff a helping of turkey without too much trouble