Untreated dental disease in cats causes chronic pain and is associated with systemic health problems affecting the kidneys, heart, and immune system, making oral care a welfare priority.
Dental disease is the most common health problem in cats and represents a widespread, largely preventable welfare failure. The chronic pain of periodontal disease, tooth resorption, and dental abscesses profoundly affects quality of life, yet most cats continue eating normally even with severe oral pathology — masking the problem from owners. The systemic consequences of chronic dental infection, including kidney disease progression and cardiovascular stress, compound the direct oral welfare impact. Addressing dental health proactively through annual professional cleaning, home care, and early tooth resorption treatment provides meaningful welfare improvements. Veterinary dental health is undervalued in companion animal care, and increasing owner and veterinarian attention to this issue would significantly reduce chronic feline suffering.