Just grin and bear it

Let’s face it, whether human or feline, chances are good that we all have some kind of body-image issue, some aspect of ourselves that we’re just not too happy with. Now I know I’m a handsome guy, but that photo of me yawning in the last post made me cringe, because it revealed my secret: I’m pretty much a toothless wonder.

My dental problems started early in life, and by the time my mamas adopted me in 2012, they were in full bloom. Whenever Those Two would kiss me on the head or nose and I’d yawn with contentment, they’d recoil in mock horror, wave their hands in front of their noses, and call me “Satan.” I might have been offended were it not for their kind reassurances that my bad breath was part of my charm, since as near as they could piece together, I had had a pretty tough start in this world. Besides, I was still handsome. Handsome will get you far in life.

Anyway, soon after my adoption, my mamas took me to the Chariho Animal Hospital for an exam. I was very pleased with my new vet: she is as competent, gentle and compassionate a practitioner as a cat could hope for. Nevertheless, as you can see here, I was initially reluctant to open up about my shameful problem. Finally I let her get a good look at my choppers and she started poking around in there. To my utter horror, one of my teeth simply fell out. Yes, it just plopped onto the table, like some sort of bizarre offering to Dr. Matyia!

I think Those Two laughed, figuring they had just saved a lot of money. Ha, not so fast! There were more bad teeth in there that were not so eager to give it up. So, two dental surgeries later, I’m in my current state, much happier and healthier overall, but a bit embarrassed when others can see my issue.

Now when I yawn, my breath is not exactly minty fresh, but pretty darn good for a cat, and Those Two call me “Snaggletooth.” But that’s OK. As long as treats are involved, they can call me anything they want.