Actually, only the vet might have an idea about it.  I know, just from
overhearing a conversation at the vet's two weeks back, my vet won't
anesthetize a cat with a murmur, on the "off chance".

However, if her teeth are that bad, then they may not have a choice
(she'll stop eating).  I know they run blood work, I know that they
are extremely careful, but I worried every single time Tuppence (RB
2005) went under to get her teeth done (every year).  She didn't have
a murmur, but she had feline HIV.

Do you trust the vet?  Then have a sit down and ask about the options,
tell him about your concerns, and see what he has to say.

Smokie Darling (Annie)

Hi Annie,

Thank you so much for your prompt reply.  Yes, you are right, I need
to have a sit down with her vet.  You know, I've always loved animals,
but have always been primarily a dog person---that is, until I saw her
at the local shelter.  She had come in with five little kittens, and
was in such poor physical shape that it looked like she was headed for
euthanasia.  She looked at me---I looked at her---and that was it, it
was all over and she ended up coming home with me.  She's a beautiful
big girl now, huge paws, big head and frame, and the most beautiful
long and silky Calico fur that you would ever want to see.  And also a
very strange, but endearing temperament.  She expects to be treated
like a *Queen* at all times, and rules the house.  She's also very
*vocal* (Thus her name---Lyric.) and uses any number of meows, purrs
and *murrtles* to communicate.  I truly cannot imagine that house
without her presence.  She's devoted to my ex husband, and now lives
with him, but is still *our* cat.  It would absolutely kill him to
lose her.

Grace

This is always a tough call.  Yes there is higher risk for anesthesia for an
older cat with a bad heart.  But there is also very high risk of further
heart damage from allowing those bad teeth to stay in.

I've been at that point with our cats several times.  Usually Siamese that
are even more sensitive to anesthesia.  We always got the teeth taken care
of and they always did fine.

Jo

Grace, the risk of harm from the bad teeth are much greater. But there
*are*
different anesthsia methods. Be sure your vet is knowlegeable about
putting
older cats under. I think the "sit down" you mentioned with him is a
good idea!
Google can be your friend, too; educate yourself before the
appointment so
you can ask the right questions.
Yoda is 15, and I would have absolutely no qualms, if I were in your
case right now.
Good luck!!

Sherry