Cat Dental Disease: A Common and Painful Condition

Dental disease is the most common health problem in cats over three years old. It causes chronic pain that is frequently unrecognized, significantly reducing quality of life.

Key Facts

An estimated 70-80% of cats over three years old have some degree of periodontal disease.
Cats with dental pain rarely stop eating — they adapt to discomfort, making the pain invisible to owners.
Tooth resorption affects 30-70% of adult cats and is extremely painful; affected teeth must be extracted.
Regular professional dental cleaning under anesthesia can prevent advanced disease and relieve pain.
Home toothbrushing, when started early and maintained consistently, is the most effective preventive measure.

Welfare Considerations

Cat dental disease is perhaps the most widespread source of chronic, unrecognized pain in companion animals. The problem is structural: cats continue to eat, play, and seem normal even when experiencing significant dental pain — because they have no choice. Owners interpret this as meaning their cat is fine. But chronic dental pain has measurable effects on wellbeing, behavior, and quality of life. Regular dental check-ups — ideally annually with dental scoring — and early intervention are the most impactful things owners can do to address this hidden welfare problem.

What You Can Do

Have your cat's teeth examined at every annual vet check with explicit dental scoring.
Begin toothbrushing with cats as early as possible using cat-specific toothpaste.
Do not delay recommended dental procedures — dental disease is painful and progressive.
Provide dental-appropriate diets and dental treats as adjuncts to professional care.