The Small Health Clue I Almost Missed (And What It Changed for My Cat)
The Small Health Clue I Almost Missed (And What It Changed for My Cat)
For a while, one of my cats, Edward, just didn’t seem quite like himself.
Nothing dramatic. Nothing that would immediately send you rushing to the vet.
He was still eating. Still affectionate. Still very much Edward — just a little quieter. A little thinner. A little less vibrant than usual.
And if I’m being honest, it would have been easy to brush it off.
Cats are experts at adaptation. They don’t complain. They don’t slow down all at once. Changes tend to happen gradually — so gradually that we sometimes don’t notice them until the spark has already dimmed.
When “Everything Seems Fine” Isn’t the Whole Story
Edward wasn’t acting sick in the way most of us think of illness. He wasn’t hiding, he wasn’t lethargic, and he wasn’t refusing food.
But something felt… off. It was subtle. The kind of feeling you only get when you really know your pet — when when you recognize that tiny shift in their energy. A closer look revealed the culprit: his teeth.
A few painful teeth needed to be removed. That was it. And once those teeth were gone, everything changed.
Edward became more comfortable. His appetite improved, his weight returned, and his coat filled out. Best of all? His confident, bow-tie-wearing personality came fully back.
Why Dental Health Is So Often Overlooked
Dental health is one of the most commonly missed aspects of pet care — not because pet parents don’t care, but because the signs aren’t always obvious.
Many pets:
- Continue eating even when their mouths are painful
- Adjust their chewing behavior quietly
- Compensate in ways we don’t immediately recognize
Bad breath, slower eating, or becoming a little more withdrawn—individually, these signs don’t always raise alarms. Together, they tell a story.
The Mouth Is Not Separate From the Body
As a former RVT, I know that oral health affects the entire system. Chronic dental inflammation places ongoing stress on the body. Over time, that bacteria can enter the bloodstream and potentially affect vital organs like the heart and kidneys.
It’s not meant to be frightening; it’s a reminder that comfort and wellness are deeply connected. Addressing dental problems early supports the whole pet, not just their teeth.
Loving Them Well Is About Paying Attention
At Chloe Cole, we believe loving your pet well isn’t about being perfect. It’s about:
- Paying attention to subtle changes.
- Trusting your instincts when something feels "off."
- Prioritizing comfort at every stage of life.
A Gentle Reminder for Pet Dental Health Month
February is Pet Dental Health Month—a perfect time to pause and check in. Not with guilt, but with intention. Take a moment to notice their breath. Look at their gums if they'll let you.
Sometimes, the smallest interventions lead to the biggest improvements. Edward taught me that.
* Edward is wearing one of our signature bow ties — because feeling good and looking good go hand in hand.
