Dental disease affects an estimated 70-80% of cats over three years of age, causing chronic pain that is almost universally undertreated despite being largely preventable through early intervention.
Dental disease in cats causes chronic, untreated pain in the majority of the species. The evolutionary drive to mask pain means cats with severe oral disease continue eating and behaving relatively normally while experiencing constant discomfort. Owners frequently describe dramatic behavioral improvements after dental treatment - more affectionate, playful, and active cats - that reveal how much pain had been suppressing quality of life. The welfare investment in dental prevention - ideally daily brushing from kittenhood - pays enormous dividends over a lifetime.