Dental disease is one of the most common and underrecognised welfare problems in domestic cats. Prevention through dental care and regular veterinary checks significantly improves feline health.
Feline dental disease is a silent epidemic causing chronic pain and reduced quality of life for millions of cats. Because cats often continue to eat despite severe dental pain, owners frequently do not recognise the problem until disease is advanced. Regular veterinary dental examinations, professional dental cleaning under anaesthesia, and home dental care — ideally including daily tooth brushing with cat-specific toothpaste — substantially reduce disease burden. Dental disease is also linked to systemic health problems, making oral health a gateway to overall wellbeing. Cat owners who implement dental care routines from kittenhood typically report the best long-term outcomes.