Dental disease affects the majority of cats over age three, causing chronic oral pain that often goes unrecognized by owners because cats hide discomfort effectively.
Cats with dental disease experience chronic oral pain that affects their ability to eat comfortably, groom themselves, and engage in normal social and play behaviors. Because cats are stoic and hide pain from predators and competitors, their suffering often goes unrecognized for years. Many owners report dramatic improvements in their cat's activity levels and sociability after dental treatment, suggesting the extent of previously unrecognized pain. Regular dental care is one of the highest-impact welfare interventions available to cat owners.