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Why is my cat not eating and grinding her teeth? Is she in pain?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | unspayed

My cat hasn't been eating for the last couple of days so we've been force-feeding her. When I do manage to get food and her mouth is sounds like something is grinding

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Mariya Gugel, DVM

Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 18th, 2017

So sorry that Winnie is not feeling well! Winnie can be refusing to eat for a variety of reasons, however, from what you have described, it sounds like Winnie is grinding her teeth. Cats typically grind their teeth if their mouth is painful, and likely are unwilling to chew which could be causing her to not eat. This can be due to damage to the jaw, either from trauma, infection, or bone destruction. Depending on her age, different dental diseases could be causing these signs as well. Cats are also prone to developing conditions such as stomatitis (or inflammation of the mouth and gums), or she may have fractured a tooth. As all of these conditions are painful, Winnie should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible, especially if she is refusing to eat. Her veterinarian will be able to diagnose the condition and treat her to make her more comfortable. Her veterinarian will also be able to rule out other causes of decreased appetite, such as intestinal disease or a different condition affecting her jaw or mouth.
In the meantime, you can try to offer her soft canned food, or even dilute the food with some water so that she does not have to chew, but rather can just swallow the food. I hope Winnie feels better soon!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 24th, 2018

    Since Winnie is actually interested in food, goes to thee bowl several times a day and tries to eat, there is a very likely chance that Winnie has severe gingivitis, bad teeth, serious tartar or mouth ulcers. THis would make it very painful for him to eat, especially eat kibble.
    I suggest you make an appointment with your vet ASAP for an exam. Should he have a tooth problem or severe gingivitis he will need a dental cleaning under anesthesia in order to be able to eat without pain.
    In the meantime, until the appointment, feed him wet (canned) food, even add some water to make it a bit soupier, so eating does not hurt Winnie so much.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 16th, 2020

    If your TiTi is hungry but she won't eat her food, most likely it is because of mouth problem. It could be, for example infected teeth, broken tooth, gingivitis, mass on the gums or on the tongue. Please, take TiTi to your local vets for full clinical examination. If she does have mouth problem, your vet will likely advise dental work under general anaesthesia or/and antibiotics and pain relief treatment.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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