Does this need a vet trip?

[Dilbertian]

MrCat is about 10yo, and came to us 8m ago. CPL vet report stated mild gingivitis. We're registered with a vet but I haven't ever taken him. To my untrained eye he seems a contented, healthy cat.

I noticed that his gum is inflamed. This looks to me more than 'mild', but IANAV. I haven't looked at the rest of his mouth. Does it need further investigation or treating? Can it wait until his annual checkup? He's a bugger to get in the carrier. Is there anything I can do about it?

There is some powder you can put on their food that's supposed to help. Or get some dental treats. But probably could do with a scale and polish.

Contented, healthy cat

That looks uncomfortable. Perhaps a vet trip, the little beggars are great at hiding pain.

I might pop into the vets in next couple of days and show them the picture, get some advice and see if it's treatable at home.

Good idea. I will email the vet.

I'm not convinced this little bugger is hiding pain. He let me mess with his mouth and you've seen the 'after' picture

The only time MrCat has walloped me was when I was stroking him after he'd been in a fight. There were no visible wounds, just a bald patch, and he did not like me touching around it. So surely if he was in pain in his mouth he would have been resistant?

He's gorgeous!

That gum looks very inflamed and very sore. Cats are good at hiding any pain/illness. If it was my cat, I'd be at the vet's.

I love that second pic

Looks sore to me. Cats are Oscar winners at hiding pain.

I’ve seen a cat unable to weight-bear stand on his hind legs in the vets. Made me look a right idiot and I don’t need the help frankly.

@Dilbertian

Contented, healthy cat

Gorgeous!

Also, is he sleeping on my pyjamas? I haven't seen that pair in ages!

Pop him to the vet . Inflamed gums are not good and you don’t want to get to the stage of removing teeth . A course of antibiotics should clear the inflammation up

That looks really sore - I would be making an appointment if that was one of mine. Inflamed gums and gingivitis is not pleasant and you don't want it to get to the stage where he needs his teeth taken out.

Why, thank you for gracing His Royal Catness with the admiration he so clearly deserves (even if he is a right bugger)