Cat Periodontitis: Symptoms and Treatment
📝 Summary
Feline periodontal disease is the most common oral disease in cats; over 80% of cats over 3 years old develop it. Neglected cleaning, slower metabolism, and weaker immunity let plaque and tartar build up, leading to bacterial growth and infection, and bone/tooth resorption from bacterial toxins and acid—causing serious periodontal disease.
1 Cat Periodontitis: Symptoms and Treatment
Once the owner sees signs like trouble eating, bad breath, or changed chewing habits (e.g., swallowing without chewing), it’s time to check the cat’s oral health.
If oral disease comes from injury, foreign objects, periodontitis, stomatitis, or immune disease, the cat wants to eat but can’t, starving and malfunctioning—unable even to survive.
Main symptoms of cat periodontitis
Bad breath, yellow-brown tartar on teeth, red swollen gums, mouth ulcers, uncontrollable drooling, or constant face-rubbing; severe cases show convulsions and spasms, some circling or falling, resisting exam.
Molars are most often affected; early on, tweezers touch causes clear pain, with gum congestion and swelling. Severe cases ooze pus when pressed.
Treatment of cat periodontitis
Regular brushing and dental treats/toys prevent periodontal disease well. When swelling and pus appear, see a vet.
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