Dealing with a cat in pain is distressing for any pet owner. When it comes to oral discomfort, stomatitis in cats stands out as a particularly challenging condition. Feline stomatitis, often clinically termed feline chronic gingivo-stomatitis (FCGS) by veterinary dental experts, is a severe and painful inflammatory disease affecting the entire oral cavity, encompassing the gums (gingiva) and the delicate mucous membranes within the mouth. This condition is not uncommon, impacting up to 10% of the feline population, and understanding it is crucial for cat owners.
Gingivitis vs. Stomatitis: Spotting the Difference
It’s important to distinguish stomatitis from gingivitis. Gingivitis is a milder form of gum disease, confined to the gingiva, specifically where the teeth meet the gum line. Think of it as inflammation limited to the edges of the gums.
Stomatitis in cats, however, is far more extensive and severe. It’s not just about the gum line; stomatitis is characterized by widespread inflammation throughout the mouth. This can include the gums, lips, tongue, the roof of the mouth (hard palate), and the floor of the mouth.
While cats often tolerate gingivitis with relatively minor discomfort, stomatitis is intensely painful and can significantly impair a cat’s quality of life. Recognizing this difference is the first step in seeking appropriate care for your feline companion.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Stomatitis in Cats
Early detection of stomatitis can make a significant difference in managing the condition and alleviating your cat’s suffering. The first noticeable sign is often a distinctly foul odor emanating from your cat’s mouth, a condition known as halitosis. This bad breath is a key indicator of oral health issues.
Beyond bad breath, you might observe other symptoms such as excessive drooling, also called ptyalism. Inflammation in the mouth stimulates saliva production, leading to noticeable drooling. Additionally, cats with stomatitis may neglect their grooming habits due to oral pain, resulting in matted fur.
Changes in eating behavior are also common. You might see your cat dropping food from their mouth while eating, or even crying out in pain when they attempt to chew. The pain can become so intense that cats become hesitant to eat altogether, leading to a decreased appetite and potential weight loss. If you notice any combination of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian promptly.
Unraveling the Causes of Stomatitis in Cats
The precise cause of stomatitis in cats remains a medical mystery. Veterinary researchers understand that stomatitis arises from an abnormal and exaggerated immune system response within the cat’s mouth.
The prevailing theory suggests that stomatitis is likely an overreaction to the presence of viruses, bacteria, or plaque on the teeth. In a normal immune response, the body would combat these irritants effectively. However, in cats with stomatitis, the immune system appears to overreact, leading to excessive inflammation that damages the oral tissues. Despite extensive research, the exact trigger for this abnormal immune response is still not fully understood. This makes stomatitis a complex and idiopathic condition, meaning it arises from an unknown cause.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Stomatitis in Cats
Diagnosing stomatitis in cats typically begins with a comprehensive oral examination performed by your veterinarian. The visual signs of severe inflammation in the gums, inner cheeks, and the back of the mouth are often highly indicative of stomatitis.
To ensure a complete diagnosis and rule out other underlying health issues, veterinarians will often recommend additional diagnostic tests. Baseline blood work and urine testing are essential to exclude systemic metabolic diseases that could present with similar symptoms.
Viral screening is also a crucial step, particularly for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV). These viral infections are known to compromise the immune system and can be contributing factors to stomatitis in cats.
In cases where the inflammation is localized or presents atypically, a biopsy of the affected tissue may be necessary. This helps to rule out other conditions such as localized infections or even oral cancer. Furthermore, dental X-rays are often recommended to assess for concurrent dental issues like tooth resorption and periodontitis (inflammation of the bone around the teeth), which are frequently observed alongside stomatitis.
Stomatitis in Cats Treatment: Addressing the Pain and Inflammation
The cornerstone of successful stomatitis treatment in cats is to minimize the bacterial load within the oral cavity as much as possible. Unfortunately, achieving this goal is rarely possible through routine at-home dental care or even professional dental cleanings under anesthesia alone. Cats with stomatitis exhibit an extreme sensitivity, where even minimal bacteria or plaque can trigger a significant inflammatory response.
In fact, it’s common for cats with stomatitis to experience a rapid return of severe inflammation shortly after a thorough dental cleaning performed by their veterinarian. This is because the underlying immune system overreaction persists.
Currently, the gold standard and most effective treatment for stomatitis in cats is partial or full-mouth tooth extraction surgery. While this might seem like a drastic measure, removing the teeth eliminates the surfaces where bacteria accumulate and incite the exaggerated immune response. Tooth extraction provides the most substantial and long-term relief for cats suffering from stomatitis.
This surgery can be extensive, and your veterinarian may recommend consulting with or seeking a referral to a board-certified veterinary dentist (an American Veterinary Dental College specialist) to ensure the best possible outcome for your cat.
Recovery and Long-Term Management After Stomatitis Treatment
Fortunately, studies have demonstrated a high success rate with tooth extraction for stomatitis. Approximately 90% of cats undergoing partial or full-mouth tooth extractions experience a complete resolution or significant improvement in their stomatitis symptoms.
Post-operative care is crucial for a smooth recovery. For cats that primarily eat dry kibble, a gradual transition to canned food is recommended before surgery. Maintaining a softened diet for at least two to three weeks following surgery is important to allow the oral tissues to heal properly.
During the initial days after surgery, some cats may exhibit a reduced appetite. In such cases, your veterinarian can prescribe appetite stimulants to encourage eating. Pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs will also be provided to manage post-surgical discomfort and inflammation.
As the gum tissue heals, many cats are able to return to eating dry kibble if desired. Pet owners often observe rapid and dramatic improvements in their cat’s demeanor, appetite, and overall quality of life once the chronic pain and inflammation of stomatitis are alleviated.
Prevention Strategies for Stomatitis in Cats
Preventing stomatitis in cats is challenging due to the unknown underlying cause in most cases. However, promoting optimal oral hygiene is the most effective approach to minimize the risk and severity of oral health issues in general.
Daily tooth brushing with a cat-specific toothpaste is highly recommended. Regular professional dental cleanings performed by your veterinarian are also essential. These routine measures help to control bacterial buildup in the mouth, which is thought to be a significant contributing factor in stomatitis development, even if not the primary cause.
Furthermore, specialized dental diets, such as Hill’s® Science Diet Oral Care, are formulated to reduce plaque and tartar accumulation. These diets often contain added nutrients like antioxidants, which can support a healthy immune system and potentially reduce the risk of inflammatory responses in the mouth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stomatitis in Cats
Can stomatitis in cats be treated at home?
No, unfortunately, once stomatitis develops, effective treatment requires veterinary intervention. Home remedies are not sufficient to address the severe inflammation and underlying immune response.
Is stomatitis contagious between cats?
In most instances, stomatitis is not contagious as it stems from an individual cat’s altered immune system. However, in rare cases where a virus is implicated in the development of stomatitis, it could potentially be contagious to other cats.
Is stomatitis in cats a deadly condition?
Severe cases of stomatitis can indirectly be life-threatening, particularly if the associated pain leads to anorexia (loss of appetite). Anorexia in cats can trigger hepatic lipidosis, a form of liver failure that is often fatal even with aggressive treatment. Additionally, if a viral infection is the underlying cause of stomatitis and is left untreated, it can also be life-threatening. Prompt and appropriate veterinary care is crucial for managing stomatitis and preventing serious complications.
References
Lommer MJ. Efficacy of cyclosporine for chronic, refractory stomatitis in cats: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical study. J Vet Dent. 2013; 30(1):8-17.
Hennet P. Feline chronic gingivostomatitis: Extraction and what else? Veterinary Dental Forum. 2010.
Hennet P. Chronic gingiva-stomatitis in cats: Long-term follow-up of 30 cases treated by dental extractions. J Vet Dent. 1997;14(1):15-21.
WRITTEN BY
Kasey Stopp, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian
Dr. Kasey Stopp was born in rural Illinois but spent most of her life in Cincinnati, Ohio. She attended the University of Cincinnati where…
