A rescue shelter’s cat has been given a new lease of life after receiving pain medication for his severe dental problems.
Bubbles, a former stray, was recently rescued by cat lover Julia Stuller, who is in Muskego, Wisconsin. She was told by the shelter that his teeth needed cleaning, but a vet visit revealed that his case was much more complex.
The white cat had infected teeth, an exposed nerve and severe gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums that typically results from plaque buildup on teeth.
It was clear Bubbles required more than love and care. But after receiving pain medication “for the first time,” he was able to settle into his new forever home.
On March 8, Stuller (@rescuecatmittens) shared a TikTok video showing Bubbles’ transformation. He can be seen energetically playing with his favorite toys and, in a touching display of affection, licking Stuller.
The heartwarming footage has racked up 353,500 views and 73,600 likes. Bubbles has since had surgery in which some of his severely damaged teeth were extracted.
So far, over 380 users have commented on the video. “It’s crazy how pain can affect a cat. Love the sweet babies,” said one.
Another wrote: “He can get comfortable now that he’s not hurting as bad.”
A third user said: “The pain is gone, nothing but happiness and comfort for him in that moment. He can focus on being alive and not hurting.”
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The doting owner, who has seven other cats, continues to update her followers about his road to recovery, and it looks as if he is going from strength to strength. In another video, she says that “he is so happy to be pain free and so full of love.”
It isn’t clear how Bubbles’ teeth ended up in such a poor state, but felines over the age of 4 are at risk of infection, according to the VCA Animal Hospitals website. Like humans, cats require daily dental care to prevent plaque and tartar buildup. Establishing a routine for brushing your cat’s teeth can significantly contribute to their oral health.
Still, most cat owners have never brushed their pet’s teeth. A 2016 survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of pet food company Royal Canin said that just 1 percent of 607 cat owners brushed their cat’s teeth daily.
Regular dental care not only helps maintain healthy teeth and gums. It also prevents potential dental diseases. The VCA Animal Hospitals website encourages owners to introduce the process to their feline. This should be done using specific toothbrushes and toothpaste designed for cats, to ensure their comfort and acceptance of the routine.
Newsweek reached out to @rescuecatmittens for comment and could not verify the details of the case.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.