Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Dental Disease Prevention and Home Care

Dental disease affects the majority of cats by middle age, causing chronic oral pain that significantly impacts quality of life, but home care significantly slows progression.

Key Facts

Studies suggest over 70% of cats over 3 years have some degree of dental disease
Tooth resorption affects around 30-50% of adult cats and causes significant pain
Daily toothbrushing is the gold standard for dental disease prevention in cats
Dental diets and treats are effective complements to brushing but cannot replace it
Cats with dental pain may show reduced appetite, head shaking or pawing at the mouth

Welfare Considerations

Dental disease causes chronic pain that cats hide through stoicism. A cat that has stopped grooming, lost weight or become less interactive may be suffering from dental pain rather than simply ageing. Regular dental examination, professional scaling when needed, and daily home dental care can prevent much of this preventable suffering.

What You Can Do

Begin toothbrushing training with cats from kittenhood for maximum compliance
Have cats' teeth professionally assessed at every annual health check
Look for signs of oral pain including reduced appetite, drooling or face rubbing