Dental disease affects the majority of adult cats and causes chronic pain that often goes unrecognized for years, representing one of the most prevalent welfare problems in companion animals.
Dental disease in cats is a silent epidemic. Because cats mask pain and continue eating, owners and sometimes veterinarians underestimate the extent of oral suffering. A cat with severe periodontitis or resorptive lesions may be experiencing chronic pain for years before treatment. Post-dental surgery, owners frequently report dramatic improvements in their cat - more playful, more social, eating better - indicating the extent of pre-treatment suffering. Regular dental assessment and timely treatment are fundamental to companion cat welfare.