Dental disease affects the vast majority of cats over 3 years old and is a major source of chronic, unrecognised pain. Prevention through tooth brushing and diet is far more effective — and welfare-beneficial — than treatment.
Dental pain in cats is a chronic welfare crisis that occurs largely in silence. A cat with moderate to severe periodontal disease or tooth resorption is experiencing continuous pain — yet may eat normally and show minimal behavioural changes that owners recognise. The welfare burden accumulates over years: cats with dental disease often have reduced appetite and altered food preferences, sleeping more and interacting less, in ways attributable to the general malaise of chronic pain. Prevention changes this picture entirely. A cat whose teeth have been brushed regularly from kittenhood maintains oral health with minimal veterinary intervention. The welfare investment of daily tooth brushing — manageable with proper technique and kitten-age training — delivers years of pain-free dental health that profoundly affects overall quality of life.