Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Dental Disease Prevention and Welfare

Dental disease affects the majority of cats over three years old and causes chronic oral pain that is often unrecognized by owners.

Key Facts

Up to 85% of cats over 3 years have some degree of dental disease
Cats rarely show obvious pain signals despite significant oral pathology
Fractured teeth, resorptive lesions, and periodontal disease all cause chronic pain
Regular dental cleanings under anaesthesia are the gold standard treatment
Daily tooth brushing dramatically reduces dental disease accumulation

Welfare Considerations

Chronic dental pain affects eating, social behavior, and quality of life in cats. Because cats hide pain so effectively, many suffer for months or years without recognition or treatment. Dental care is a welfare priority that is routinely undervalued.

What You Can Do

Schedule annual dental assessments for your cat from age 3 onwards
Try dental brushing from kittenhood to establish acceptance
Recognize signs of dental pain: pawing at mouth, dropping food, or reduced grooming