Dental Disease: Cats With Painful Mouths

Ouch, that hurts! Could it be Feline Stomatitis?

- Dr Goh Shuling

Feline stomatitis, also known as Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis, affects about 0.7 – 4 percent of cats. It is a painful and often debilitating, chronic inflammation of the mouth tissues.

There are two main forms: One form involves inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth. The second form, called Caudal Stomatitis or Faucitis, affects the back of the mouth where the upper and lower jaws come together known as the “fauces.” Caudal Stomatitis is more challenging to treat.

Cats with feline stomatitis are often in great pain and have difficulty chewing and eating. They may lose weight, have bad breath (halitosis), drool, swallow excessively, chatter their teeth, paw their mouth, and even bleed from the gums. These cats may also have a scruffy coat because of decreased self-grooming and are thin from poor nutrition.

Cause & Effect