Some cats don’t show it until it gets worse: red gums, a slight bleeding, maybe a flinch when eating. That’s gingivitis. It’s gum inflammation, and it's usually the first red flag before deeper dental problems start.
It all starts with plaque. Soft, sticky film on the teeth. Bacteria thrive in it. Leave it alone, and it hardens into tartar. That’s when the gums get irritated. Swollen. Sore. If we catch it early, we can turn it around before it gets serious.
Why does gingivitis in cats happen so often? A few reasons. Most cats don’t chew in a way that cleans their teeth. Some cats are more prone due to genetics, viral infections like FeLV or FIV, or an immune system that doesn’t clear bacteria as effectively.
Gingivitis vs Stomatitis: What’s the Difference?
It’s important to differentiate gingivitis from feline stomatitis. Here’s a quick comparison:
Condition | Gingivitis | Stomatitis |
Definition | Inflammation of the gums | Chronic inflammation affecting the entire mouth, beyond the gums |
Severity | Mild to moderate | Severe and often painful |
Areas Affected | Gums only | Gums, cheeks, tongue, and sometimes the roof of the mouth |
Treatment | Dental cleaning, plaque control, home care | May require full-mouth tooth extractions, immune-modulating drugs |
Prognosis | Good with early treatment and regular care | Variable; often needs lifelong management and specialist care |
Stages of Dental Disease in Cats
Gingivitis is considered the first stage of periodontal disease. If untreated, it can progress into advanced stages. Here’s what it looks like:
Stage | Name | What Happens | Symptoms You Might Notice |
Stage 1 | Mild Gingivitis | Gums are slightly inflamed. No tartar yet | Slight redness at gumline, bad breath |
Stage 2 | Moderate Gingivitis | Plaque and soft tartar begin to build up. Gums may bleed. | Redder gums, mild discomfort, odor |
Stage 3 | Early Periodontitis | Gum recession begins. Bone loss may start. Tooth support weakens slightly. | Pain while eating, drooling, pawing at the mouth |
Stage 4 | Advanced Periodontitis | Severe bone and tissue loss. Teeth may become loose or fall out. | Refusal to eat, extreme mouth pain, visible tooth damage |
Recognizing these stages helps determine the best treatment plan and urgency of care.
Causes of Gingivitis in Cats
Gingivitis, just like any other dental disorder in cats, doesn’t just show up one day. It’s usually the result of multiple things happening over time. Some you can control, some you can’t.
Plaque and Tartar Buildup
It starts with plaque. Sticky, bacteria-filled film on the teeth. If it’s not cleaned off, it hardens into tartar. That’s when the gums start reacting, such as redness, swelling, and irritation.
Bacterial Infections
Tartar builds up. Bacteria move in. They chew away at the gums, then the teeth. Leave it alone, and it can spread deeper, faster.
Viral Infections
Cats with FIV or FeLV? They’re already immune-compromised. Their gums don’t stand a chance. What would clear up in days drags on for weeks.
Immune System Disorders
Some cats don’t just react to plaque. They overreact. With conditions like stomatitis or autoimmune gingivitis, the body treats normal bacteria like a threat, causing widespread mouth pain.
Tooth Resorption and Malocclusion
When teeth resorb or sit crooked in the mouth, pockets form. Food gets stuck. Bacteria settle in. The gums take the hit.
Dietary Factors
Wet food can cling to the teeth. If your cat isn’t chewing dry kibble or dental toys, there’s no friction to help scrape plaque off. That makes things worse over time.
Juvenile Gingivitis
Some kittens develop it as their adult teeth come in. It’s usually temporary, but it still requires monitoring and good hygiene to prevent long-term issues.
Age and Genetics
Older cats, or breeds with flat faces like Persians and Chinchillas, often deal with dental issues just because of how their teeth sit in their mouths. Genetics plays a bigger role than people think.
Symptoms of Gingivitis in Cats
Cats are good at hiding pain. That’s why mouth problems often go unnoticed until they get worse. But there are a few signs that can tip you off, if you know what to look for.
Red, swollen gums: Check the gumline. If it looks puffy or bleeds a little during brushing, that’s a problem.
Bad breath: Not just “cat food breath.” A sour, sharp odor could mean bacteria are building up.
Drooling: If you notice thick saliva or wet spots where they’ve been sitting, pay attention. Cats don’t drool much unless something’s wrong.
Eating less or chewing oddly: You might see them favor one side, drop kibble, or walk away from food they usually love.
Acting different: Some cats seem less social, hiding more and not grooming as they used to. Oral pain makes them moody.
Pawing at the face: A cat that’s pawing at its mouth may be trying to relieve pain or irritation in the gums.
Diagnosing Gingivitis in Cats
Diagnosing gingivitis in cats requires a detailed evaluation by our pet dentists. While symptoms like swollen gums are clear signs, it’s important to have a thorough assessment of your cat’s gingivitis. Here’s how we do it:
Veterinary Oral Examination
During a checkup, our vets will carefully inspect your cat’s mouth for signs of inflammation, redness, and tartar buildup. This initial inspection will give us an idea of how far the gingivitis issue is in your cat.
Additionally, this examination is often accompanied by dental cleaning. This involves using anesthesia and specialized tools to not only have a closer look but also to provide professional cleaning services for your cat’s teeth.
Dental X-rays
Sometimes, what’s going on below the surface matters most. That’s why we may suggest dental X-rays. They help us spot things you can’t see just by looking, like tooth resorption, hidden infections, or early signs of bone loss.
Periodontal Probing
Using specialized tools, we measure the depth of gum pockets to assess the severity of the disease.
Blood Tests
If we think something deeper is driving your cat’s gum problems like FIV or FeLV, we’ll likely run some blood tests. These help confirm any underlying conditions and also give us a clearer picture of your cat’s overall health before moving forward with treatment.
Treatment for Gingivitis in Cats
Gingivitis isn’t just about sore gums. It’s a sign your cat’s mouth is under stress. Treating it means tackling the inflammation, clearing the bacteria, and giving those gums a chance to heal. Here's how we usually do it:
Professional Dental Cleaning
This is where we start. Your cat goes under anesthesia so we can clean every tooth properly, removing the plaque and tartar buildup that’s irritating the gums in the first place. We also polish the teeth to help slow future buildup. It’s essential for moderate to severe gingivitis and can make a big difference fast.
Antibiotic Therapy
If a bacterial infection is contributing to the gingivitis in your cat, we may also prescribe antibiotics. These can help reduce infection and inflammation, promoting faster healing. Any antibiotics you’ll need are available at our vet pharmacy.
Anti-inflammatory Medications
In cases where gum inflammation is severe, anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to alleviate pain and swelling. These medications are often used short-term to make the cat more comfortable during recovery.
Tooth Extractions
If gingivitis has progressed to the point where certain teeth are causing persistent issues, tooth extractions might be necessary. This is more common in advanced periodontal disease or in cases involving tooth resorption.
Immune-Modulating Therapy
For cats with stomatitis or immune-mediated gingivitis, medications like cyclosporine may be prescribed long-term.
Dietary Adjustments
Switching to a dental-friendly diet or kibble formulated to reduce plaque buildup can support oral health. Look for diets that:
Are VOHC-approved (Veterinary Oral Health Council)
Contain sodium hexametaphosphate or zinc-ascorbate to help reduce tartar
Feature larger kibble size or abrasive texture to promote mechanical cleaning
Include added fiber or polyphosphates to bind calcium and slow tartar formation
Recovery and Post-Treatment Care
After treatment, your cat may need:
Soft food for a few days
Short-term pain relief
A quiet, stress-free environment
Follow-up dental checkups to monitor recovery
Preventing Gingivitis in Cats
Preventing gingivitis in cats is far easier than treating advanced dental disease. With consistent care and a proactive approach, you can help your cat maintain healthy oral health and reduce the risk of gum inflammation.
Brush Your Cat’s Teeth
Regular teeth brushing is one of the best ways to prevent plaque buildup. Use a cat-specific toothbrush and toothpaste recommended by our vets. Start slowly, allowing your cat to get accustomed to the process, and aim for a few brushing sessions per week.
If you need help, professional dental cleaning services are able to provide thorough cleaning for your cat. With regular visits, you’ll be able to provide a deep clean for your cat’s teeth, removing any plaque that can’t be removed with a simple toothbrush, all while preventing feline gingivitis.
Provide Dental Treats and Toys
Dental treats and toys are designed to reduce plaque and tartar while being enjoyable for your cat. Look for products that are safe for cats, products you can easily find at our vet pharmacy.
Feed a Dental-Friendly Diet
Some cat foods are formulated specifically for oral health. These diets often include kibble, which is designed to help your best friend avoid any plaque buildup and can aid in avoiding gingivitis in cats.
Schedule Regular Vet Checkups
Routine exams can catch early signs of gingivitis and prevent it from progressing into advanced dental disease.
“Most cats won’t show obvious signs of dental pain until the disease is advanced. That’s why we always remind pet parents. Don’t wait for symptoms. Regular dental checks can make all the difference.”
- Dr. Soheyl Simaei
Final Thoughts
Caring for your cat’s dental health is an essential part of keeping their overall well-being in good condition. Gingivitis in cats is a common yet preventable condition that, when caught early, can be treated effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
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