teeth cleaning in cats

Question
My cat BC was a feral kitten. He has had all his shots, but is   very skittish re being handled. Two years ago he had his teeth cleaned on the right side of his mouth he was six years old. In January at his latest visit the vet said he needed his teeth cleaned again. During this surgery the vet said he stopped breathing and she could not clean his teeth. I do not want him to undergo a general anesthetic again, what can I do to help with his peridontal tooth disease problem? I give him vet special dry food for teeth, and grapefruit seed extract 2x a week for the bacteria. Can I give him asprin or anything for pain/ Thanks for your help.

Answer
No, you don't give cats aspirin for pain. The vet has the only medication for pain that won't kill a cat.
If you can use a swab in his mouth there are solutions you can rub in there. Otherwise it is very hard to control periodontal disease without cleanings. I don't blame you for your reluctance in having him put under.

You should ask her if there are solutions you can use on his teeth.
I don't think grapeseed extract will work on the kind of bacteria cats harbor in their mouths. I have read that is toxic to cats so be careful with that.