Dental disease affects the majority of cats over three years old and causes chronic pain that is frequently unrecognized.
Cats with resorptive lesions experience severe dental pain equivalent to exposed nerve endings in humans, yet rarely show overt signs because pain suppression is natural in prey species. Gingivitis and periodontal disease cause chronic oral pain and systemic bacterial infection. Owners who assume their cat would show obvious signs of pain miss chronic suffering. Annual veterinary dental examination is essential.