Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Dental Home Care and Oral Health

Dental disease is the most common health condition in companion cats, with daily toothbrushing being the gold standard prevention but challenging to achieve.

Key Facts

Over 70% of cats show signs of periodontal disease by age 3
Dental disease causes chronic oral pain that affects eating, grooming and behaviour
Daily toothbrushing using veterinary toothpaste is the most effective home care
Dental diets, water additives and chews provide supplementary benefit
Professional dental cleaning under anaesthesia is required once disease is established

Welfare Considerations

Feline dental disease is a pervasive source of chronic pain that owners and vets frequently underestimate. Cats mask pain through normal behaviour until disease is advanced. Proactive home care starting in kittenhood prevents most dental disease and reduces the need for anaesthetic dental procedures.

What You Can Do

Begin toothbrushing with your kitten as early as possible using veterinary toothpaste
Ask your vet to assess dental health at every annual health check
Choose dental diet or supplement if your cat does not tolerate brushing