Gingivitis in Cats: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Written by

Dr. Soheyl Simaei

Updated Date

May 27, 2026

10 minutes

Two veterinarians are trying to check to a cat's gums for gingivitis.

Key Takeaways

Cats may develop gingivitis due to unmanaged plaque accumulation. This can be prevented by routine dental cleaning.

Late-stage periodontal disease in cats cannot be reversed and can only be managed.

Professional cleaning involves a complex oral examination, dental probing and X-rays, scaling, polishing, and charting.

Summary

Feline gingivitis results from poor dental health. It's a term for the inflammation and swelling of the cat's gums caused by a buildup of bacterial plaque. This dental disease is reversible and is the earliest stage of periodontal disease when it's treated urgently.

Tartar occurs when plaque buildup is not treated. It's a hardened version that leads to significant irritation in the gums and teeth, resulting in gum inflammation, pain, and even tooth loss.

Symptoms of Gingivitis in Cats

If you notice these changes in your cat's mouth, feline gingivitis is likely.

Red and swollen gums
Mouth irritation and oral pain
Persistent bad breath
Pawing at the mouth
Yellowing teeth or visible brown buildup
Dropping food or chewing on one side of the mouth
Excessive drooling and negative behavioral shifts

A veterinarian is holding an orange cat's face to check its gums for gingivitis. Another vet is keeping the cat still while the pet owner watches.

Stages of Dental Disease

Mild gingivitis in cats is the first stage and may progress to more severe, painful stages. Here's a quick explanation by Dr. Inês, one of our specialists in animal dentistry.

Stage	Name	What Happens	Symptoms
1	Mild Gingivitis	Gums are slightly inflamed. No tartar yet, and the tooth root is not affected.	Slight redness at the gumline and bad breath.
2	Moderate Gingivitis	Plaque and soft tartar begin to build up. Gums may bleed.	Redder gums, mild discomfort, and odor.
3	Early Periodontitis	Gum recession begins. Bone loss may begin, and infection can affect the periodontal ligament.	Pain while eating, drooling, and pawing at the mouth.
4	Advanced Periodontitis	Major bone and tissue loss. Loose teeth become apparent and may require extraction.	Refusal to eat, extreme mouth pain, and visible tooth damage.

Causes

The primary cause of feline gingivitis is untreated plaque buildup.

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria, saliva, and food particles that can collect on the tooth surface and along the cat's gumline. This hardens into tartar that significantly irritates and infects the gum tissue.

Viral Infections. While poor dental hygiene is the leading cause, underlying viral infections from feline leukemia virus and feline calicivirus may be involved through oral inflammation.

Genetics and Autoimmune Conditions: Some cats also have certain traits or autoimmune diseases that cause their gums to overreact to even small amounts of normal bacteria. This causes a condition known as feline stomatitis.

Crowded or Misaligned Teeth. Other breeds may even have crowded and misaligned teeth that make it easy for plaque to form. Common examples include Persians, Himalayans, and Burmese cats. In younger cats, juvenile onset gingivitis can appear as adult teeth erupt.

Dental Issues. Other types of dental conditions, such as fractured teeth and tooth resorption, can contribute to a cat getting gingivitis.

Systemic Diseases. Additionally, diseases such as diabetes, uremia, and kidney disease can compromise a cat's immune system and alter the oral chemistry, resulting in a susceptibility to gingivitis.

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How Our Vets Diagnose

"Dental exams provide an accurate diagnosis. We'll look for the initial signs of gum inflammation, such as redness, swelling, and bleeding," says Dr. Salome. Your cat will be placed under anesthesia so we can use a special periodontal probe to measure the depth of the gum pockets and assess the damage.

If the space is larger than 1 mm, it can be a sign of feline gingivitis.

"To determine if the condition has progressed into periodontal disease, we utilize dental X-rays to reveal root infections, bone loss, and tooth resorption," says Dr. Inês.

Professional dental care and oral examinations allow us to monitor your cat's teeth. If the problem stems from other parts of the body, we may run bloodwork, urine tests, or viral screening.

A pet owner is asking advice from a veterinarian about how to prevent gingivitis in her cat.

Treatment

Gingivitis treatment focuses on removing accumulated plaque and dental calculus during a professional cleaning. Dental cleaning is performed under general anesthesia using an ultrasonic scaler, allowing us to reach every tooth surface and the area below the gum line.

Polishing will be performed to smooth the tooth surface and prevent plaque from sticking easily.

Treating your cat's gingivitis also involves specific medications, such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and pain relief medicines, especially in severe cases. For cats with stomatitis or immune-mediated gingivitis, medications like cyclosporine may be prescribed long-term.

If gingivitis has progressed to the point where tooth extraction is needed, the affected teeth will be removed. This is more likely in severe gingivitis, advanced periodontal disease, or in cases involving tooth resorption.

How to Prevent Gingivitis in Cats

Good oral hygiene at home, high-quality cat food, and regular dental care.

Brush your cat's teeth. Daily brushing is ideal, but brushing 2-3 times a week is also effective for preventing plaque buildup. Use a pet-safe toothpaste and avoid giving human toothpaste. Your cat's oral health at home must be consistently improved.

Dry food can also help. Specially formulated dental cat foods can aid in reducing plaque accumulation. Look for diets that are:

Recognized by the Veterinary Oral Health Council

Contain sodium hexametaphosphate or zinc-ascorbate to help reduce tartar

Feature a larger kibble size or abrasive texture to promote mechanical cleaning

Include added fiber or polyphosphates to bind calcium and slow tartar formation

Dental treats and toys are also useful to reduce plaque and tartar buildup while being enjoyable for cats.

Routine dental care at the clinic is highly recommended. Professional dental cleanings should also be scheduled at least once a year. If your cat has an existing problem or is prone to feline gum disease, schedule them every 6-9 months.

“Protecting our cats’ smiles means giving them a better chance for good health and more adventures. Let's reverse gingivitis today.”
- Dr. Soheyl Simaei

Frequently Asked Questions

Is gingivitis common in cats?

Yes, it's considered the most frequent type of feline dental disease. About 80-85% of cats over the age of 3 are affected by gingivitis worldwide. However, it is reversible with veterinary care and a consistent dental brushing routine at home.

Can dental cleaning be performed without anesthesia?

We don't recommend anesthesia-free dentistry as it causes pain for the cat, making it harder for us to accurately clean the teeth and gumline. Anesthesia is also required for dental probing and oral examinations.

How can I tell if my cat needs a routine dental cleaning?

If you notice persistent bad breath, negative changes in eating habits, and physical changes in their mouth, it's time for a professional checkup. To prevent periodontal disease and other issues in cats, it's best to schedule dental cleanings at least once a year.

Can dental disease heal on its own?

No, any form of dental disease must be treated professionally. Dental cleaning, which is crucial for removing plaque and tartar buildup, is the cornerstone of prevention.

Is gingivitis in cats contagious to other pets?

Not directly. Gingivitis itself isn’t contagious, but underlying infections that may cause it, such as feline leukemia virus and feline calicivirus, may spread between cats that are in close contact with one another.