Dental disease affects the majority of cats over three years old and causes chronic pain that significantly reduces quality of life and is frequently underrecognized.
Feline dental disease is a hidden welfare crisis because cats mask pain so effectively. A cat with severe dental disease continues eating, appearing normal to owners, while experiencing chronic significant pain. Studies using pain scoring and behavioral analysis confirm that dental extraction dramatically improves quality of life in affected cats. The absence of obvious signs of suffering does not mean suffering is absent. Regular dental exams, professional cleaning, and prompt treatment of resorptive lesions are essential welfare interventions for cats.