Dental disease is the most common health problem in cats, yet it is frequently undetected and untreated. Chronic oral pain significantly reduces feline quality of life and is highly preventable.
Dental disease is a pervasive and underappreciated welfare problem in companion cats. Cats are stoic animals that rarely vocalise pain or refuse food even when experiencing significant oral discomfort — they adapt their eating behaviour rather than cease eating, masking the severity of their condition. Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions are particularly painful — the lesion erodes into the sensitive dentine and pulp, causing pain comparable to a severe exposed nerve in humans. Periodontal disease causes chronic, low-grade pain that persists for months or years. Regular annual veterinary dental examinations, professional cleaning when indicated, and home dental care are preventive measures that dramatically reduce feline dental suffering. Cost of anaesthesia for dental procedures is a barrier that pet insurance can help address.