Companion Animals

Cat Dental Disease: Prevention and Welfare Impact

Dental disease affects an estimated 70-85% of cats over age three, causing chronic oral pain that profoundly impacts eating and overall wellbeing.

Key Facts

Periodontal disease is the most common health problem diagnosed in cats
Tooth resorption affects approximately 50% of adult cats
Signs of dental pain include drooling, pawing at the mouth, and appetite changes
Professional dental cleaning under anesthesia is the gold standard treatment
Daily tooth brushing can significantly slow disease progression

Welfare Considerations

Many cats with severe dental disease continue eating - masking their pain - because hunger overrides discomfort. After dental extractions, owners frequently report dramatic improvements in appetite, playfulness, and grooming. This common 'before and after' experience highlights how much undiagnosed dental pain reduces feline quality of life.

What You Can Do

Schedule regular dental exams as part of annual wellness visits
Begin daily or weekly tooth brushing from kittenhood if possible
Ask your vet about dental radiographs to detect hidden tooth resorption
Provide dental treats or food supplements as adjunct - not replacement - for brushing