Companion Animals

Feline Dental Welfare and Oral Health Management

Dental disease is extremely common in cats, with tooth resorption and gingivostomatitis causing severe pain that profoundly affects eating and quality of life.

Key Facts

Tooth resorption affects up to 60% of adult cats
Gingivostomatitis causes severe, painful inflammation of gums and oral mucosa
Cats often continue eating despite significant oral pain
Extraction of affected teeth provides the most reliable pain relief
Early dental intervention prevents severe, costly end-stage disease

Welfare Considerations

Cats are stoic and often mask oral pain by eating more slowly or switching to softer foods. Gingivostomatitis in particular causes extreme suffering and requires prompt veterinary intervention. Annual oral examination as part of routine vaccination visits allows early detection and treatment.

What You Can Do

Include oral examination in every routine veterinary visit
Look for signs of dental pain: drooling, difficulty eating, weight loss
Consider tooth brushing for compliant cats using feline toothpaste
Act promptly on veterinary recommendations for dental extraction
Ask about pain management as part of any dental procedure