Periodontal disease affects over 70% of cats by age three. Because cats hide pain instinctively, dental disease is frequently undetected until advanced, causing chronic suffering that significantly degrades quality of life.
Dental disease in cats causes chronic, persistent pain that animals cannot communicate through vocalisations or obvious behavioural changes. Owners commonly underestimate or miss the problem entirely until disease is advanced. Annual veterinary dental examinations and regular professional cleaning are essential. The post-operative transformation in cats after dental treatment — increased activity, improved appetite, and more social behaviour — demonstrates how significantly chronic dental pain degrades their quality of life. Prevention through tooth brushing or dental diets substantially reduces disease burden.