Companion Animals

Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis: Welfare and Management

Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) causes severe oral pain and ulceration in cats, significantly reducing quality of life, and often requires aggressive surgical treatment.

Key Facts

FCGS is characterised by severe, painful ulceration of the gingiva, oral mucosa and fauces
The exact cause is unknown but immune dysregulation, calicivirus and other factors are implicated
Prevalence is estimated at around 0.7-12% of cats depending on the study population
Full-mouth dental extraction resolves or significantly improves the condition in around 60-80% of cats

Welfare Considerations

FCGS causes chronic severe oral pain that significantly impairs eating, grooming and quality of life. Affected cats often lose weight and show signs of chronic pain including withdrawal and reduced activity. Welfare priorities include aggressive pain management, anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive therapy, dental extraction as the primary curative treatment, and nutritional support for cats unable to eat normally.

What You Can Do

Seek specialist veterinary dental assessment if a cat has persistent oral ulceration or pain
Discuss full-mouth dental extraction as the most effective treatment option with your vet
Provide soft or liquid food to maintain nutrition in affected cats
Monitor for signs of chronic pain and adjust management based on quality of life assessments