Dental disease is the most common health problem in companion cats, affecting over 70% of cats by age 3. Chronic dental pain significantly reduces quality of life and is highly preventable.
Dental disease causes chronic, silent suffering in millions of companion cats. Unlike dogs, cats rarely paw at their mouths or refuse food until dental pain is severe — they continue eating despite significant discomfort, masking the problem from owners. This stoicism means many cats live for years with painful gum inflammation, tooth resorption, or broken teeth before receiving treatment. The welfare impact is significant: a cat in chronic dental pain experiences continuous nociceptive input that reduces its quality of life, disrupts normal behavior patterns, and likely affects mood and social interaction. Following dental treatment, owners frequently report dramatic improvements in activity, playfulness, and affection — indicating how much the untreated pain was suppressing the cat's wellbeing.