Companion Animals

Feline Tooth Resorption Welfare and Management

Tooth resorption is a painful condition affecting up to 50% of domestic cats. Recognition and timely dental treatment are essential to prevent chronic pain.

Key Facts

Tooth resorption affects 28-67% of cats depending on age
The cause is not fully understood but diet and genetics play roles
Lesions progress from enamel erosion to root destruction
Affected teeth are extremely painful when touched
Treatment requires extraction of affected teeth under anaesthesia

Welfare Considerations

Cats with tooth resorption suffer persistent dental pain that is often unrecognised because cats hide pain. Changes in eating behaviour, dropping food, or preference for soft food may be the only signs. Annual dental checks and radiographs allow early identification. Extraction resolves pain and restores quality of life. Untreated tooth resorption causes chronic suffering that significantly compromises welfare.

What You Can Do

Schedule annual dental examinations for your cat
Ask your vet about dental radiographs during dental checks
Monitor eating behaviour for signs of dental pain
Support research into causes and prevention of tooth resorption in cats