Bad Cat Breath? Understanding Feline Dental Disease
Published date: 30 January 2025

Ever wondered what is going on inside your cat’s mouth? Well, if you haven’t, now is the best time to start.
Dental disease is, unfortunately, very common in our feline friends. Research from the Royal Veterinary College indicates that approximately 1.8 million cats are diagnosed with periodontal disease every year.
So, with this alarming statistic in mind, here is our guide to feline dental disease.
What is Dental Disease?
There are three common cat dental diseases: Gingivitis, Periodontitis, and Tooth Resorption. All of these will vary in severity, but all cause pain and discomfort.
Gingivitis eventually causes the plaque* in the mouth and on the tooth surface to begin to migrate below the gum line. This results in inflammation, sometimes bleeding from the gums and of course bad breath.
Over time plaque hardens (this is referred to as calculus or tartar) into a brown/yellow coating on the teeth. This provides a base for further bacteria build-up and will need to be removed clinically.
Eventually, gingivitis will progress into Periodontitis, a serious and irreversible condition that causes great discomfort in our moggies. This is where the tissues and supporting bone structures in the mouth are compromised. This leads to weakness in the teeth and, eventually, Tooth Resorption.
At this stage of dental disease, the tooth structure starts to break down, resulting in tooth loss.
Dental disease causes our feline friends an immense amount of pain and discomfort. However, the good news is that with thought and preventative care dental disease can be prevented!
*Plaque is talked about in every toothpaste advert but what is it? It’s a mixture of salvia, food and bacteria that builds up on the teeth over time.
Risk Factors for Cat Dental Disease
While dental disease can occur in every cat, some risk factors make this condition more likely.
- Age – wear and tear can lead to a higher likelihood of disease. Cats over the age of 9 are 6.7 times more likely to have periodontal disease.
- Shortened Faces- brachycephalic cat breeds such as Persians have small often overcrowded mouths which are hard to clean. Want to know the perfect cat breed for you – Take our Best Pet for Me Quiz.
- Abnormal Jaw Shape- Much like people some cats can be born with an under or overbite. Cats with misaligned teeth can also be more likely to suffer from dental issues.
- Disease & Illness- Infectious diseases such as Cat Flu and Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) can increase the likelihood of dental disease.
Signs of Cat Dental Disease
Our cats are experienced in hiding signs of pain and discomfort. So dental diseases, particularly during the early stages might not be noticeable.
Being aware of the common signs and habitually checking their teeth will keep owners informed about their moggies’ mouths. Here are some symptoms to watch out for:
- Sore and red gums
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Changes in eating habits
- Difficulty eating or favouring one side of the mouth
- Drooling
- Swollen face
- Looking less well-groomed
- Weight Loss
If you are noticing these symptoms in your cat, a vet visit will be required to determine the cause and possible stage of dental disease.
How Can I Prevent Cat Dental Disease?
There is much you can do to prevent your cat from developing a dental disease, here are some tips for keeping their teeth healthy:
Brush Your Cat’s Teeth
As much as this may be difficult to hear, tooth brushing is number one on this list. Starting early is key, but cats can be desensitised to brushing at any age. For some, it just requires more time and patience. Read our Stress-Free Guide to Tooth Brushing.
Check Their Mouth
Much like above, this is something that you can desensitise your cat to. Checking their mouth regularly, particularly those hidden back teeth is important for spotting signs of a problem.
Give Your Cat Chews
Chewing is not just for dogs! It is natural for cats to chew, in the wild (and sadly, sometimes in the home) they would chomp down on bones. Chewing releases endorphins in the brain and helps keep their teeth clean.
Try using something with a tempting scent and texture, like the King Catnip Dental Sticks.
Watch our video on Why Cats Need to Chew.
Use A Supportive Dental Diet
Diet plays a huge role in dental health and the right food can support your cat’s dental health. Use high quality foods like Canagan that contain clinically proven dental ingredients.
Use Professional Services
We go to the dentist regularly (I hope!), so it makes sense that routine visits to the vet or groomers can keep cats’ teeth strong and healthy.
Our Dogwood Natural Grooming Salons offer a revolutionary teeth cleaning treatment for cats and dogs. Regular health checks at the vet are also important for spotting any issues early.
By implementing important lifestyle changes you can reduce the chance of dental illnesses and save yourself the hassle and cost of veterinary intervention.