Dental disease affects the majority of cats over 3 years old and is one of the most common causes of chronic pain in companion animals.
Feline dental disease causes chronic pain that profoundly affects quality of life but is rarely recognized by owners because cats adapt their behavior to cope. Cats with painful teeth may eat on one side, drop food, show reduced interest in play, or become withdrawn — behaviors often attributed to aging or personality rather than pain. After dental treatment, owners frequently report dramatic behavioral improvements that reveal the extent of previously unrecognized suffering. Preventative care and regular veterinary dental assessment are essential welfare interventions.