Curing Your Cat's Mouth Infection on a Budget

 

Learn how to cure your cat's mouth infection at home using budget-friendly household items. This guide covers symptoms, causes, and home remedies.

Mouth infections in cats can be painful and concerning. As a pet parent, you want to help your furry friend feel better fast without breaking the bank. 

The good news is many feline mouth infections can be treated at home with common household items for under $20. 

Read on to learn the symptoms, and causes, budget pet products online or budget home remedies, prevention tips, and when it's time to see the vet.

Signs Your Cat Has a Mouth Infection

How do you know if your cat has an infection in their mouth? Watch for these common symptoms:

• Red, swollen gums
• Yellow or brown tartar buildup on teeth
• Drooling or bad breath
• Loss of appetite or difficulty eating
• Bleeding from the mouth
• Pawing at the mouth

If you notice any of these signs, inspect their mouth more closely. Serious infections may also cause lethargy, fever, or facial swelling.

What Causes Mouth Infections in Cats?

Feline mouth infections have several common causes:

• Bacteria - Tartar buildup harbors bacteria which can cause infection of the gums or roots of teeth.
• Viruses - Calicivirus is a common and highly contagious virus in cats that causes mouth ulcers.
• Fungal infections - Candida albicans fungus sometimes overgrows in the mouth.
• Foreign objects - Splinters, thorns, or other objects stuck in the gums.

Underlying diseases like feline immunodeficiency virus can also increase susceptibility.

6 Budget-Friendly Home Remedies for Cat Mouth Infections

 

Want to cure your cat's mouth infection without spending a fortune? Here are some vet-approved home remedies using common household items:

• Salt water rinse - Mix 1 tsp salt in 1 cup warm water. Use a dropper or syringe to flush their mouth 2-3 times per day. Soothes inflammation and cleans bacteria. Cost: Just pennies per rinse!
• Coconut oil - Contains lauric acid with antimicrobial effects. Rub a small amount on gums 2x daily. A jar costs around $5.
• Canned pumpkin - Puree smooth and let them lick this fiber-rich food. Supports healing. A can is about $3.
• Chlorhexidine rinse - This antiseptic rinse from the drugstore promotes healing. Use as directed. Around $15 per bottle.
• Aloe vera gel - Soothes inflamed gums. Allow them to lick pure aloe 2-3 times a day. A plant costs just $5-10.
• Hydrogen peroxide - Mix 1 part 3% peroxide and 2 parts water. Use to swish mouth 2x daily. A bottle is $1.

For best results, combine several remedies. And give soft foods to reduce chewing discomfort.

Prevent Future Mouth Infections

Once healed, keep infections from recurring with these tips:

• Brush teeth weekly
• Provide dental treats and chews
• Feed wet food instead of dry
• Provide clean, fresh water daily
• Schedule annual dental cleanings
• Address underlying illnesses

See the Vet if Symptoms Persist

Most mild cat mouth infections can be treated at home over 7-10 days. But see your veterinarian right away if symptoms worsen or persist beyond 2 weeks. A vet can prescribe medicated mouthwash, antibiotic pills, or steroid shots.

For severe infections, the cat may need:

• Blood work
• Dental x-rays
• Tooth extraction
• Biopsy for cancer screening

So try these budget-friendly home remedies to cure your cat's mouth infection. But don't hesitate to call the vet if home care doesn't do the trick. 

With the right treatment, your furry friend will be back to their happy, healthy self in no time.