Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Senior Dental Disease Welfare

Dental disease is almost universal in senior cats and causes chronic oral pain that significantly reduces quality of life in the final years.

Key Facts

85% of cats over 3 years have dental disease; virtually all senior cats are affected
Tooth resorption (FORL) causes severe pain at the junction of tooth and gum
Many owners report senior cats seem younger and more active after dental treatment
Dental assessment should be a routine component of every senior veterinary examination
Annual dental cleaning under anaesthesia prevents accumulation of disease

Welfare Considerations

Chronic oral pain in senior cats reduces quality of life during years that could otherwise be comfortable and active. Routine dental care prevents much of this suffering. The welfare benefit of treating dental disease in senior cats is consistently underappreciated.

What You Can Do

Ensure annual dental assessment for all cats from age 3 onwards
Consider dental cleaning under anaesthesia when calculus and disease are identified
Do not be deterred by anaesthetic risk in senior cats - untreated dental pain is a greater welfare concern