tartar on cats' teeth (sorry)

[vittoria]

I took a stray cat to the vet for a vaccination (myself and two neighbours are sharing the cost) and the vet insisted that we need to treat the tartar, which would probably involve more time and expense (an a general anaesthetic for the cat I imagine). First he said we had to do it within two months, then he said two weeks, then a month. Does anyone know whether this is really necessary? There is a limit to how much we are able to spend on this cat...

[incitatus]

Cats suffer from toth decay just like humans, except that if a cat loses its teeth it starves to death, particularly if it is feral.As a pet it would be able to survive on cat food, but would be miserable. The tartar will accelerate tooth decay. Your vet is right. If you cannot afford it try the PDSA or RSPCA who will help with the cost.