The beautiful (and incredibly brave!) Stormy <3 - Vet2Cat's Cat of the Month for February 2026!
This month we’re celebrating a very special patient – Stormy, a beautiful 5-year-old tortoiseshell with the sweetest temperament. Stormy came to see us as a healthy girl overall for her regular annual health check and vaccinations. Vet Claire discovered she had a painful tooth affected by a process called tooth resorption (TR).
Stormy relaxing in her garden
TR is a painful dental disease where the body begins to break down and absorb the tooth structure. It can sit quietly below the gumline, which is why dental x-rays are so important.
Like so many cats, she was hiding signs of pain very well, but was quite reactive when the site was touched. Stormy underwent a dental procedure to remove the affected tooth under general anaesthesia. We also performed a full oral assessment including dental radiographs - the gold standard for identifying disease beneath the gumline.
Feline Dental Chart
Image by Kat Geesaman - Ransom Studios - 3D Feline Dental Chart (Wall Decal)
These X-rays confirmed a tooth resorption lesion, a painful condition where the body starts breaking down the tooth structure. Unfortunately, this condition cannot be reversed, and extraction is the only way to remove the source of pain. Another tooth showed changes on imaging that could potentially indicate early root pathology. In situations like this, our priority is always long-term comfort. The decision was made to remove that tooth rather than risk leaving a potentially painful structure in place. Follow-up imaging confirmed Stormy’s remaining teeth were healthy.
brrrrp!
While the rest of dental procedure itself went smoothly, Stormy’s healing proved more challenging than expected.
At her post-dental check, we found that her extraction sites did not initially heal as we would normally anticipate, and she required a second procedure to re-close the gum tissue.
Despite this setback, Stormy remained bright, comfortable, and continued eating well. When her gums still wouldn’t heal, we sought input from a veterinary dental specialist to review her case.
Following their advice, we introduced a specialist oral rinse to support tissue healing and reduce inflammation. We’re very pleased to say that since starting this tailored approach, Stormy is now healing well.
Images from the stitch up
Site 1 after being stitched up
Site 2 after being stitched up
Image after the stitch up
Image of the breakdown of Site 2 (2nd time) soon after the stitch-up
Image of site 2 healing well after treatment at home (oral rinse)
Stormy has been an absolute star throughout. Tolerating multiple visits, procedures, and home care with incredible patience. And we must also acknowledge her wonderful human, who has navigated weeks of uncertainty and worry with such dedication and trust. Any health issues in our beloved pets can be stressful and emotionally draining. Your advocacy and commitment to Stormy have made all the difference.
Stormy’s owner kindly shared their thoughts and reflections on Stormy’s journey:
"A huge thank‑you to the amazing team at Vet2Cat.
Stormy had a tough time with her tooth extraction — a slightly dramatic reaction to the ketamine, gums that really didn’t want to heal, and was one very frightened little cat who needed all the reassurance she could get.
The staff were absolutely wonderful from start to finish. Calm, kind, patient, and completely focused on Stormy’s needs. It made such a difference knowing she was in the hands of a truly caring vet team.
Thank you for looking after her so well — and for looking after me a bit too."
Stormy looking beautiful in the sun
Complications can occasionally occur even when procedures are performed carefully and appropriately - what matters most is responding quickly, thoughtfully, and collaboratively.
Stormy’s journey highlights:
• The importance of dental X-rays in detecting hidden pain
• Making decisions based on long-term comfort
• Acting promptly when healing isn’t “textbook”
• Working with specialist colleagues when needed
• Never giving up until our patients are thriving
Stormy truly embodies what Cat of the Month is all about - bravery, trust, and teamwork between patient, owner, and veterinary team.
Stormy, you are resilient, brave, and very deserving of your February crown. We are so proud of you.
We are also incredibly grateful to her wonderful owner, who has been patient, understanding, and so dedicated to Stormy’s care every step of the way.
Stormy in the garden
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