Tooth resorption (TR) in felines may present an increased risk for complications during dental procedures, and it is currently unknown whether oral examination is a valid diagnostic method for type 1 TR. Using existing data from 1,530 felines from a large veterinary hospital in Washington, D.C., I examined the association between type 1 TR and complication under anesthesia during a dental procedure, and the validity of oral examination as a diagnostic tool. Controlling for breed, weight, age, sex, hematocrit, total protein, technician, veterinarian, and presence of oral and systemic disease, type 1 TR was associated with a complication under anesthesia during a dental procedure (p<0.0001). Sensitivity (93.1%) and specificity (97.6%) support the reliability of oral examination for diagnosing type 1 TR. Veterinarians can proactively anticipate lower blood pressures when anesthetizing felines with type 1 TR. There are similarities between TR in humans and felines, and further research is needed on the pathophysiology and health implications of TR in both species.