Dental disease affects most cats by middle age, causing chronic pain. Yet feline dental health receives less attention than canine dental health from owners and sometimes from veterinary practitioners.
Feline dental disease is a chronic pain condition that is almost invisible to owners. Cats with severe tooth resorption or periodontal disease continue to eat — their survival instinct overrides pain expression. Only subtle signs like head tilting while eating, preference for soft food, or reduced grooming may indicate dental pain. Regular veterinary dental assessment, professional scaling when needed, and home care through brushing or dental diets significantly improve quality of life for affected cats.