Dental disease is the most common health problem in domestic cats, affecting over 70% of cats over three years old, causing chronic pain that is often undetected by owners.
Dental disease represents a major hidden welfare problem in the cat population. Because cats instinctively mask pain and continue eating despite significant oral discomfort, owners frequently do not notice suffering until disease is advanced. Veterinary dental assessments under anesthesia are the only reliable diagnostic method. Extraction of diseased teeth rapidly improves welfare in most cats. Prevention through regular home dental care, appropriate diet, and veterinary monitoring is essential. Owners should be educated about behavioral signs of dental pain including reduced grooming, preference for soft food, and changes in social behavior.