Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Dental Disease and Home Care

Dental disease affects over 70% of cats over 3 years of age and causes chronic pain that significantly reduces quality of life.

Key Facts

Periodontal disease and tooth resorption are the most common dental conditions in cats
Dental pain is frequently silent in cats - owners rarely observe signs of discomfort
Daily tooth brushing is the gold standard for home dental care and significantly reduces disease
Dental treats and water additives provide partial benefit when brushing is not feasible
Annual veterinary dental examinations with probing and radiographs allow complete assessment

Welfare Considerations

Dental disease causes chronic, often unrecognized pain in cats throughout their lives. The combination of professional veterinary care and appropriate home management offers the best protection against what is an almost universal welfare problem in domestic cats.

What You Can Do

Begin tooth brushing training in kittens and young cats before disease develops
Schedule annual dental health checks with your veterinary practice
Use veterinary-approved dental care products between professional cleanings