Stomatitis is a severe form of gum disease that can cause a lot of pain in your cat. Our veterinarians in Tracy explain the potential causes of stomatitis, how to recognize it in your cat, and ways to treat it.
What is stomatitis in cats?
Feline stomatitis is an excruciating inflammation and ulceration of your cat's gums, cheeks, and tongue. The open sores caused by this mouth condition can cause your cat a lot of discomfort and pain, leading to avoidance or refusal of food.
This frustrating disease affects 10% of domesticated cats. While some breeds, such as Persians and Himalayans, are more susceptible to this condition, cats can develop stomatitis. However, there are ways to help prevent it.
Causes of Feline Stomatitis
The specific causes of stomatitis in cats are largely unknown. Some experts believe that viral and bacterial factors play a role in developing stomatitis in cats, but the exact source of these bacteria is unidentified. Inflammatory dental diseases, such as periodontal disease, are directly linked to the onset of feline stomatitis.
Regardless of the cause, most veterinarians recommend regular teeth brushing to help prevent this painful condition in cats.
Some cat breeds may require daily teeth brushing to eliminate food particles and bacteria, while others may only need their teeth cleaned once a week or during professional grooming sessions.
It's best to consult your veterinarian to determine the most suitable at-home dental care routine for your cat.
Symptoms of Stomatitis in Cats
The most noticeable sign of stomatitis is a change in eating habits. Cats suffering from stomatitis are often in extreme pain and have reduced appetites as a result. In some cases, food avoidance is so severe that cats become malnourished because it is too painful for them to eat.
Other stomatitis symptoms in cats to watch out for include:
- Red patches/blisters on the mouth
- Oral bleeding
- The foul odor of the cat's mouth
- Excessive salivation/drooling
- Less grooming than is typical
- Dropping food/crying out while eating
Treatment for Stomatitis in Cats
Your vet will conduct an oral exam when you bring your cat in due to mouth irritation or bleeding. If your cat has mild stomatitis, at-home care might be sufficient for treatment. However, severe cases may require surgical intervention.
It's important to consult your vet to understand how to treat your cat best. If surgery is recommended, your veterinarian may suggest extracting the affected teeth to make your cat comfortable and allow the area to heal.
Dental checkups will likely become part of your cat's medical routine rather than general wellness exams. The frequency of these checkups will depend on the degree of your cat's stomatitis.
In addition to medical intervention, your vet should guide you on properly cleaning your cat's teeth and schedule follow-up appointments to review your cat's dental health.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.