Dental disease affects the majority of adult cats and causes chronic pain that goes unrecognized by most owners. Preventive care and early treatment are essential for feline welfare.
Dental pain in cats is one of the most common and underappreciated sources of chronic suffering in companion animals. Because cats instinctively mask pain, owners rarely realize their cat is suffering until disease is severe. Feline tooth resorption — where the tooth root is gradually destroyed — causes intense pain that persists for months or years without treatment. The standard of care requires anesthesia for proper examination and treatment, which some owners avoid due to cost or fear. Welfare-centered veterinary practice includes proactive dental assessment and owner education about the invisible nature of feline dental pain.