Periodontal disease affects over 70% of cats over three years of age and causes chronic pain that significantly impairs quality of life; prevention through daily toothbrushing is underutilised.
Cat dental disease imposes chronic pain in a species adept at concealing discomfort. The stoic response of cats to oral pain means dental disease often progresses substantially before owners recognise a problem. Post-dental treatment behaviour changes — increased playfulness, improved appetite, apparent relief — are evidence of the welfare burden the disease was imposing. Prevention through early toothbrushing habituation provides the most reliable protection against this common, painful, and preventable condition.