Dental Disease in Cats | Animal Welfare Hub

Dental and oral disease affects the majority of cats over three years old and is one of the most common causes of chronic pain in companion animals.

Key Facts

An estimated 70% of cats over three years old have some degree of dental disease
Gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth resorption are the most common conditions
Cats rarely show obvious signs of dental pain, making owner recognition difficult
Tooth resorption (feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions) causes severe pain and affects up to 30% of cats
Professional dental scaling under anaesthesia and home dental care are the most effective preventive strategies

Welfare Considerations

Dental pain in cats is one of the most prevalent and underaddressed welfare problems in companion animals. Because cats mask pain and continue eating despite severe dental disease, owners and even vets may underestimate the problem. Cats with untreated dental disease live in chronic discomfort that affects behaviour, appetite, and quality of life. Regular dental examinations, proactive extraction of diseased teeth, and home toothbrushing are all evidence-based interventions that significantly improve cat welfare.

What You Can Do

Schedule annual dental examinations for your cat with your veterinarian
Introduce toothbrushing from kittenhood using veterinary-approved enzymatic toothpaste
Ask your vet about dental x-rays to detect hidden tooth resorption lesions
Do not assume your cat is pain-free just because it is still eating
Support veterinary dental training that improves recognition and treatment of feline dental disease