Dental disease affects the majority of cats over three years old and causes chronic oral pain that significantly reduces quality of life, yet remains underrecognized and undertreated in companion cat populations.
Feline dental disease is one of the most widespread and consistently undertreated welfare problems in companion cats. The stoic nature of cats and their continued willingness to eat despite dental pain means that many cats spend years with chronic oral discomfort before it is identified and addressed. Tooth resorption, where the tooth structure is progressively destroyed, is particularly painful and requires extraction of affected teeth to resolve pain. Periodontal disease causes not only local pain but systemic effects through bacteremia. The welfare dividend from appropriate dental treatment is substantial and rapid: cats that have painful teeth extracted consistently show marked behavioral improvements including increased activity, social engagement, and appetite for variety in food. Prevention through early habituation to tooth brushing is far preferable to treatment of established disease.