I’m really worried about my old man cat, and I could use some advice or insight from anyone who’s experienced something similar. He’s 20 years old, pretty tiny at just 4.6 lbs, and we’re in Minnesota. Lately, he’s been having some weird stuff going on with his mouth, particularly his tongue. It’s like he’s having trouble keeping it in his mouth or something, and he sometimes seems uncomfortable or like he’s trying to paw at his face. I’m at a loss because he’s been to the vet recently and they didn’t find anything immediately worrisome, but they also mentioned that at his age, things can just start going downhill. I can’t shake this nagging feeling that something’s wrong, and I don’t want him to be in pain or uncomfortable. Has anyone dealt with tongue issues in senior cats before? Any ideas on what this could be or what I should ask the vet to check for next? Thanks so much for any help.
Hello there,
It sounds like your 20-year-old feline friend is having some trouble with his tongue or mouth, which can understandably be a bit concerning. In older cats, tongue and mouth issues could stem from several causes, including dental disease, ulcers, infections, or even a mass. Given his age, it’s important to pay attention to signs such as drooling, difficulty eating, bad breath, or pawing at the mouth.
You might want to gently check his mouth at home, if he's amenable, to see if anything obvious stands out, like redness, swelling, or visible sores. Make sure you’re in a calm and well-lit environment to do this. Offering him soft or wet food can help if he's struggling with dry kibble right now.
Keep an eye on his behavior—any increased lethargy, changes in appetite, or weight loss are signs that warrant a closer look. A persistent or worsening condition should definitely be addressed by a vet to rule out serious problems like oral tumors or systemic issues.
Since he's already quite underweight and elderly, I’d recommend scheduling a video consult with a veterinarian through Dial A Vet. They can offer more personalized guidance and help you decide the best steps to ensure he remains comfortable and healthy.
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