Why Do Cats Get Stomatitis?

1 What Stomatitis Is and Why It Happens

Stomatitis—clinically feline chronic gingivostomatitis—is not simple gum redness. It is a severe, chronic, immune-mediated inflammation of the oral mucosa that spreads to the gums, tongue root, and back of the throat. Deeply painful, it is sometimes called one of the cat’s ‘incurable’ conditions because it is so hard to manage.

The cause is usually mixed. Viral infection leads the list: calicivirus is the most common, bringing mouth ulcers, drooling, and bad breath along with sneezing and runny nose; herpesvirus often rides along with oral inflammation. Leukemia, FIV, and late-stage panleukopenia also weaken immunity so it can’t regulate the response to oral plaque, fueling stomatitis.

Immune disease is the other major driver—eosinophilic stomatitis, an autoimmune form where the body attacks its own mouth tissue, causing diffuse ulcers and severe refusal to eat. It often ties to genetics or allergies, including to certain food ingredients. Plaque and tartar feed oral bacteria, and when immunity dips or the lining is injured, inflammation flares. Physical injury from hard objects, breed tendency (Siamese, Persian), chronic stress, and low vitamin B or poor nutrition add further risk.

2 Treatment and Long-Term Care

Treatment targets the cause: antibiotics, immune suppressants, or antivirals as needed. But for recurring cases, full-mouth extraction is the most effective, thorough option. It sounds harsh, yet 60%–80% of cats improve dramatically or heal completely and leave medication behind, since cats don’t chew to eat and can manage dry food afterward.

Long-term management matters even after extraction: regular oral checks since remaining tissue can still inflame, small kibble or palatable wet food for nutrition, a quiet stable home to cut stress, and stronger immunity for virus carriers to limit relapse. Stomatitis is common but controllable—if you have questions during treatment, consult a veterinarian.