Dental disease affects an estimated 70-85% of cats over 3 years old and is a leading source of chronic, unrecognised pain — regular dental care and early intervention significantly improve welfare and quality of life.
Dental disease is a leading source of chronic, silent suffering in cats. Because cats continue eating despite significant oral pain — masking their discomfort to avoid appearing vulnerable — owners and sometimes vets miss the extent of the welfare burden. The dramatic improvement in demeanour, activity, and wellbeing seen after dental treatment in many cats reveals how much they had been suffering before intervention. Regular dental assessments at annual veterinary visits, proactive radiographic evaluation, and willingness to proceed with dental treatment when disease is identified are the most important welfare investments cat owners can make for their middle-aged and older cats.