Dental disease affects over 70% of cats over three years old and represents a significant source of chronic pain that is widely underrecognized by owners.
Cat dental disease is one of the most significant chronic welfare problems in companion animals, primarily because it is largely silent — cats do not cry in pain or refuse to eat until disease is very advanced, so owners assume their cat is fine. Veterinary assessment reveals that most adult cats have significant dental disease causing daily discomfort. The gap between welfare reality (chronic dental pain) and owner perception (cat seems fine) makes this a priority welfare communication challenge.