Expert: Tomay - 9/18/2005

Question
hi,

i've just found a tooth on the top of a box..
then i recognized that it's my 5-moths old cat's tooth... after i see it missing in his mouth :(
i don't know if it's normal or not for the cats to lose their teeth
and since yesterday my cat throw up the food that he ate 3 times.. but he's ok now.. does this happened because of the tooth?

thanks in advance!

Answer
Hello,
The tooth you found is a 'baby tooth'.  Cats (and dogs) will lose their baby teeth to make room for their adult teeth coming in.  I am not sure if the throwing up has anything to do with it, but it is possible that he simply swallowed a baby tooth.  Unless he is lethargic or if his behaviour changes along with the vomiting, I wouldn't be too concerned.  If it continues and he seems to feel bad, then a trip to the vet would be in order.
Thank you for your inquiry,
Tomay