Stomatitis is a severe form of gum disease that can cause your cat quite a bit of pain. Our Mamaroneck vets explain the potential causes of stomatitis, how to recognize it in your kitty, and how to get it treated.
What is stomatitis in cats?
Feline stomatitis is an excruciatingly painful inflammation and ulceration of the gums, cheeks, and tongue of your cat. The open sores caused by this mouth condition can cause significant discomfort and pain in your cat, leading to food avoidance or refusal. 10% of domesticated cats are affected by this vexing disease.
While breeds such as Persians and Himalayans are more genetically susceptible to the stomatitis, any cat can develop it.
Causes of Feline Stomatitis
Unfortunately, the exact cause of stomatitis is unknown.
Some professionals believe that your cat's stomatitis is caused by both viral and bacterial components, but the exact source of this type of bacteria is unknown. Whatever the trigger, it is believed that cats with stomatitis have an already altered immune state, which allows the condition to grow and thrive.
Inflammatory dental disease, such as periodontal disease, has also been linked to the development of feline stomatitis.
Regardless of the cause, most vets will advise that you can help your cat avoid developing this painful condition by brushing their teeth regularly. Some breeds can have their teeth brushed once daily to remove food particles and any bacteria, while other breeds should only have their teeth cleaned once a week or during professional grooming appointments. Consult your veterinarian for what is the best at-home dental routine for your kitty.
Symptoms of Stomatitis in Cats
The most obvious symptom of stomatitis in cats is a change in their eating habits. Cats with stomatitis are frequently in excruciating pain and have diminished appetites as a result. Food avoidance can become so severe in some cases that cats become malnourished because it is so painful for them to eat. If you notice your cat avoiding food, you'll then want to get closer and see if there is a foul odor coming from their mouth.
These are the two most common symptoms of stomatitis, but there are others.
Other stomatitis symptoms in cats to watch out for include:
- Red patches/blisters of the mouth
- Oral bleeding
- Excessive salivation/drooling
- Less grooming than is typical
- Dropping food/crying out while eating
Treatment for Stomatitis in Cats
When you bring your cat in for irritation or bleeding of the mouth, your vet will first perform an oral exam.
If your cat has mild stomatitis, at-home care might be enough to treat their stomatitis. Severe cases will require surgical intervention. Consult your vet for a better understanding of how to best treat your kitty.
In the scenario where your veterinarian deems surgery necessary, they will likely recommend the extraction of the affected teeth in order to make your cat comfortable again and allow the area to heal.
Instead of just general routine wellness exams, dental checkups will probably be added to your cat's medical regimen in addition to treatment.
The severity of your cat's stomatitis will dictate how frequently she needs dental exams. Again, your vet may advise tooth extraction if your adult cat's teeth are crowded or if it still has its "kitten" teeth.
Aside from medical intervention, your vet should show you how to properly clean your cats teeth and schedule follow-up appointments to review your feline's dental health.
Preventing Stomatitis in Cats
Like most things when it comes to your cat's health, prevention is key. Along with regular dental cleanings as part of their annual exams, it is important to keep up your kitty's dental hygiene at home.
To make cleaning your cat's teeth at home as easy and stress-free as possible, begin establishing a daily oral hygiene routine for your cat while they are still a kitten. This way, your cat will be accustomed to having its teeth brushed and mouth touched from a young age.
Strive to make brushing your cat's teeth a stress-free and easy part of your kitty's daily routine. Start by waiting until your cat is calm and relaxed, then follow these steps:
- Gently lift your cat's lips, then use your finger to massage their teeth and gums for just a few seconds.
- Don't expect too much from your cat at first. You may only be able to reach a couple of teeth the first few times you try this process. That's okay though. This is about building trust in your cat to help prevent them from becoming agitated.
- Remain calm and be sure to give lots of praise and a yummy treat after your teeth-and-gum massage. You're trying to build your cat’s tolerance to the experience, gradually increasing the length of time you spend on the task each day.
- Once your feline friend is used to you massaging their gums each day, you will be able to gradually introduce a soft-bristled toothbrush you can acquire from your vet and some special cat toothpaste. Toothpaste can come in a range of excellent flavors for cats like beef or chicken.
- Begin using the toothbrush as gradually as you did the teeth-and-gum massage; your cat may begin by licking just a small dab of toothpaste from your finger.
The level of success you achieve when it comes to cleaning your cat's teeth will largely depend on your pet's temperament. Make sure you are calm, relaxed, flexible, and willing to adapt your approach to your cat's level of tolerance. Many cat owners have a very easy time cleaning their pet's teeth with some gauze, others find a finger brush works well and others apply a dental gel with their fingers that they allow to do the work for them.
When you finally begin brushing your cat's teeth successfully, move along the gum line, working quickly but stopping before your cat becomes irritated. It could be weeks before your kitty tolerates having all of its teeth cleaned during a single session.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.