What is a gum disease?

My cat has severe gum disease and can hardly eat. What can I feed him?

• My cat is only 2 years old, but has had severe gum disease since he was a kitten. He used to be able to eat dry and wet food. Now, he can barely even eat cut up wet food. He's so skinny and sickly. He has such a hard time eating anything at all, I feel horrible. Every time he tries to eat, he howls in pain and runs away. I can't afford to have all of his teeth removed, I just don't know what to do. Could anyone give me suggestions?

• Answer:

  Talk to the vet about this and what you need to do. If you don't trust the vet you see, go to another one for a second opinion.