How gingivitis can affect cats: signs, risks & treatments

Cats can suffer from gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums that often marks the start of periodontal disease. Recognising the early signs of gingivitis allows cat owners to take prompt action that can reverse the condition and prevent painful complications later.

Gingivitis primarily affects the gums rather than the teeth themselves, causing redness, swelling, and discomfort. Without intervention, it can progress to affect the structures supporting the teeth.

In this guide, we explore why gingivitis occurs in cats, which cats are most at risk, how to identify the condition, and effective treatments that promote your cat’s oral health and overall wellbeing.

Why does gingivitis occur in cats?

Like humans, cats develop dental problems largely due to the accumulation of bacteria and food debris on their teeth. The initial culprit is dental plaque, a sticky bacterial film that adheres to tooth surfaces.

Because most cats do not receive regular teeth brushing, plaque isn't effectively removed, and it hardens into tartar, a much tougher substance that firmly attaches to teeth.

Tartar gradually extends below the gumline, irritating the gums and damaging the collagen that maintains their elasticity. This leads to the gums becoming swollen, red, and sometimes painful.

Over time, bacteria trapped under the gumline release toxins that destroy gum tissue, causing irreversible damage to the gingiva and increasing the risk of tooth decay and loss. Early identification can lead to veterinary dental cleaning to halt progression and ease discomfort.

Which cats are at risk of gingivitis?

Any cat can develop gingivitis, but it’s unusual in those younger than three years. Immunosuppressive conditions like Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) increase susceptibility.

Older cats, especially those over five years without dental care, commonly develop some degree of gingivitis. Regular dental hygiene can reduce this risk significantly, even if started later in life.

Can gingivitis be prevented in cats?

Individual cats vary in their tendency to develop dental disease, but a few habits can help reduce risk. Gently brushing your cat's teeth twice weekly can markedly decrease plaque formation.

Starting dental care when your cat is young is ideal, but it’s never too late to begin. Regular brushing also helps you monitor their oral health and spot emerging issues early.

How can you identify gingivitis in your cat?

Annual veterinary check-ups include dental examinations, providing professional assessment for potential gingivitis or other issues. However, regular at-home checks are equally valuable.

Signs to watch for include persistent redness or a thin, inflamed red line where the gums meet the teeth, bleeding gums, reluctance to eat hard food, or eating cautiously. Bad breath and excessive drooling can also indicate oral problems.

What treatments exist for gingivitis in cats?

Early, mild gingivitis may be managed at home with gentle tooth brushing and dental rinses specifically designed for cats, reducing inflammation and bacterial load.

More severe cases require a veterinary dental procedure under general anaesthesia. This involves thorough scaling and polishing to remove plaque and tartar beneath the gumline, and treatment of any cavities or broken teeth. Follow-up care and hygiene maintenance are crucial to prevent recurrence.

Understanding how gingivitis impacts your cat’s health

Quick Answer: Gingivitis causes gum inflammation that can lead to pain, difficulty eating, bad breath, and if untreated, serious dental disease and tooth loss.

Gingivitis significantly impacts a cat’s quality of life. Affected cats may show changes in eating behaviour, become less active, and groom less due to oral discomfort. If the condition progresses, it can cause permanent damage to teeth and gums and may also contribute to systemic health problems.

What are the signs of gingivitis in cats?

Typical signs include red, swollen gums, bad breath due to bacterial buildup, bleeding gums especially when eating or during handling, excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, and in advanced cases, tooth loss. Behavioural changes like eating more slowly or favouring soft food are also common.

Why do cats develop gingivitis?

The primary cause is the buildup of plaque and tartar due to insufficient dental care. Bacteria release toxins that inflame and damage gum tissue. Genetic factors, malocclusion (crooked teeth), tooth fractures, immune conditions like FIV, and infectious diseases such as Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) may increase risk.

How is gingivitis treated and prevented?

Professional dental cleaning under anaesthesia is the cornerstone of treatment for moderate or severe cases. This removes plaque and tartar comprehensively and takes care of underlying dental problems.

Maintaining dental hygiene at home, including regular tooth brushing and dental diets or products recommended by your vet, supports long-term gum health. Regular veterinary dental check-ups will help detect and prevent recurrence.

Prevention and early treatment of gingivitis helps maintain not only oral health but overall quality of life for your cat.