Dental Disease in Cats: Prevention and Welfare Impact

Dental disease affects the majority of adult cats and is a significant but underrecognised cause of chronic pain and welfare compromise.

Key Facts

Over 70% of cats over three years old have evidence of dental disease
Feline tooth resorption affects up to 60% of cats at some point in their lives
Cats rarely show obvious signs of dental pain, masking the problem from owners
Regular dental examinations under anaesthesia allow assessment and treatment
Tooth brushing is the most effective home prevention but requires early habituation

Welfare Considerations

Cats experiencing dental disease suffer chronic pain that affects eating behaviour, social interaction and general demeanour. Because cats are stoic and continue eating despite significant oral pain, owners frequently do not recognise dental problems until disease is advanced. The welfare cost of untreated dental disease over months or years is substantial. Regular veterinary dental examination, combined with home care and appropriate diet, dramatically reduces the lifetime burden of dental disease.

What You Can Do

Schedule annual dental health checks with your vet as part of routine healthcare
Begin tooth brushing habituation in kittens using cat-specific toothpaste
Provide appropriate dry food and dental chews as supplementary prevention
Seek veterinary assessment if your cat shows changes in eating or social behaviour