Dental disease is the most prevalent health condition in companion cats, affecting an estimated 50–90% of cats over three years. Periodontal disease, tooth resorption (FORL — feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions), and stomatitis cause chronic pain that cats frequently mask through behavioural stoicism. Welfare implications are profound: pain from dental disease affects feeding behaviour, social interaction, and activity levels. Studies using validated pain scales show significant post-operative welfare improvement following dental treatment, confirming pre-treatment pain burden. Prevention relies on regular veterinary dental assessments, tooth brushing (accepted by 30–50% of cats with training), and dental diets/chews. Owner awareness is a major barrier — surveys indicate 60–70% of cat owners are unaware of their pet's dental disease status. Welfare organisations advocate for annual dental checks as standard preventive care.