Hello there! I'm sorry to hear about your cat's discomfort. Let's break this down a bit. The mouth pain could be due to dental issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, or even oral infections. Cats can hide pain well, so noticing this means your cat might be quite uncomfortable. The "ear gunk" you're seeing could be a sign of an ear infection, ear mites, or allergies. Lastly, instability or balance issues might be related to ear problems impacting the inner ear, arthritis, or even age-related issues.
At home, you can gently clean your cat's ears with a vet-recommended ear cleaner and use soft, wet food if chewing seems painful. Keep an eye on any changes in eating, drinking, or toileting habits, as these can signal discomfort or progression.
Watch for serious signs like severe head shaking, bleeding from the mouth or ears, refusal to eat or drink, or any unusual behavioral changes.
Given your cat's age and the combination of symptoms, I recommend booking a video consult with one of our vets at Dial A Vet. They can provide a more tailored assessment and discuss the best next steps for your furry friend. Let's ensure your cat gets the comfort and care they deserve!
15 yr old Cat w/ mouth pain, ear gunk and instability.
I'm reaching out because I'm really worried about my 15-year-old cat, Whiskers. He's been showing some troubling signs lately, and I could really use some advice or similar experiences. A few weeks ago, I noticed he started having trouble eating and seemed to be in pain while chewing. His mouth didn't look right, and he flinches when I try to check it. On top of that, he's got this strange gunk building up around his ears, which can't be normal, right? Then, as if he didn't have enough going on, he's become pretty unstable on his feet—like he’s dizzy or something. I'm honestly at my wit's end and just want to make him comfortable, especially considering his age. Have any of you been through something similar with your senior cats? What helped or what should I be asking the vet? Thanks so much in advance for any guidance or support.
Answer
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