Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Dental Disease Prevention

Dental disease affects the majority of cats over three years of age, causing chronic oral pain that significantly reduces quality of life and is frequently underdiagnosed.

Key Facts

Dental disease affects an estimated 70-80% of cats over three years of age
Tooth resorption causes severe pain as dentin becomes exposed in affected teeth
Cats rarely show obvious signs of oral pain, masking significant chronic suffering
Daily tooth brushing reduces dental disease but is practiced by fewer than 5% of cat owners
Regular professional dental cleaning under anaesthesia is essential for affected cats

Welfare Considerations

Chronic dental pain in cats causes reduced appetite, altered behaviour, and diminished quality of life that owners frequently attribute to ageing rather than treatable pain. Proactive dental care represents one of the most impactful welfare interventions for companion cats.

What You Can Do

Have your cat's teeth examined at annual veterinary check-ups
Try to establish tooth brushing as part of your cat's routine from kittenhood
Seek dental assessment and treatment if your cat shows any signs of oral discomfort