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Cats/bleeding gums...flouride at fault?

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Expert: - 3/22/2008


Question
I have five cats, m-8yrs, f-18mos, f-18mos, m-6mos, f-5mos.  All five of my cats have a bright red line (inflamed area?) on their gums.  It's between their teeth and the healthier part of their upper gums.  All cats have a foul odor in their mouths.  At a recent vet check the doctor noticed the redness in the gums, was puzzled by it and then told me to keep an eye on it and to brush their gums daily with gauze.  

All cats are on prescription SO Royal Canin because the older male had reoccuring crystals in his urine and it was too difficult to separately feed the cats different dry food.  They also get a small amount of the same food in wet form, at night.

Here's my question...all my cats are up on all vaccinations and are perfectly healthy except for the gums issue.  With exception of the f-18mos old (feral rehab), and her m-6 month old son (also feral rehab), none of the cats are related to each other so I've rules out a genetic link to the gums issue.  The only thing in common is that all five cats drink out of the Arrowhead Flourinated water dispenser at home as their sole (preferred) source of water.  Is it possible that the water is causing the poor gum health in my cats?

Answer
Hi Jade,

Sorry it took me so long to answer. I'm having Internet problems. Fluoride has been linked to a lot of nasty things in cats including urine crystals. The inflamed gums have also been mentioned to be a result of highly fluorinated water. I would get distilled water and use a fountain like this; http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2754468

Try them on the distilled water for two weeks and see how they are. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

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I have an A.A.S.

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