Dental disease affects the majority of adult cats and causes chronic pain that often goes unrecognised. Prevention and treatment significantly improve quality of life.
Dental disease represents a significant and largely hidden welfare burden in the cat population. Because cats are stoic and rarely vocalise pain, owners often miss the signs of chronic oral discomfort. Cats with severe periodontal disease or tooth resorption may continue eating — sometimes favouring one side of the mouth — while experiencing pain with every meal. The cumulative effect of months or years of unaddressed dental pain profoundly affects quality of life. Prevention through tooth brushing, dental diets, and regular veterinary examination is far more humane and cost-effective than treating advanced disease. Public education about the prevalence and impact of feline dental disease remains insufficient.