All about Feline Gingivitis
Feline gingivitis is a common problem for cats. Just as humans can get gingivitis, so too can cats. In fact, cats and humans share many of the same the diseases, not only because we are both mammals but because of our close interaction over the centuries. Feline gingivitis is one of these shared diseases.
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is an inflammation of gums. Feline gingivitis is often accompanied by feline stomatitis (an inflammation of the back of the throat).
What causes gingivitis and stomatitis in cats?
The most common cause of feline gingivitis is a sensitivity to the build-up of bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria are usually present in the mouth, although certain conditions can increase or decrease the amounts. Cats who suffer from gingivitis often have a lower threshold for bacteria.
Sometimes this sensitivity to bacteria is a side effect of other underlying conditions such as diseases causing immune suppression (like feline leukemia or feline AIDS).
Signs Your Cat Has Gingivitis
Because gingivitis is painful, your cat will probably exhibit specific pain-related signs of gingivitis. Typically, a cat with gingivitis will indicate gum sensitivity at feeding time. Your cat might suddenly start to avoid eating, or eat less often or less enthusiastically than is typical for him or her. You might notice your cat approaching the bowl wearily and then just as they attempt to eat, they might spit out the food and leave. Your cat might also suddenly run away from the bowl as if something has scared him or her.
You might also notice a sudden change in your cat’s temperament. For example, your cat might suddenly become irritable, aggressive, or withdrawn. The reasons for these changes are fairly obvious if you consider how you would feel if you had untreated gingivitis. Signs of depression may result not only from the pain, but also from lack of nutrition.
Cats with gingivitis will often neglect grooming as well and may develop a ragged look and an unpleasant stench. Similarly, the build of bacteria in the mouth may result in chronic bad breath.
It is unlikely that your cat will allow you to examine his or her mouth. If you were to do so however, not only might you see the build up of plaque and tarter along the base of his teeth, but you also might find lesions and other signs of gum disease.
Often you may not notice a change in your cat’s behavior because of the early onset of gingivitis in some cats. Some cases of gingivitis begin as early as 3 to 5 months, just as teeth begin to erupt. In these cases, you may mistake any irritability as having to do with the teething process. Alternatively, because your cat is still young, you might simply think that this is your cat’s actual temperament. However, your veterinarian is likely to catch the condition so long as you accurately report your cat’s behavior. (This is one reason why it is important to take your cat in for regular check-ups even when your cat is not showing any adverse signs.)
Treatment for Feline Gingivitis
Typically, your veterinarian will examine your cat and make sure that there is not some other reason for your cat’s gingivitis. Often, the discomfort involved in your cat’s condition will require that your veterinarian put your cat under while he or she examines her.
The first line of defense will be to clean your cat’s teeth and pull any teeth that have been fatally infected.
Once your cat is at home, you will be required to help keep your cat’s teeth clean by brushing them (if your cat will allow it). You will also need to increase the rate at which you bring your cat in for cleanings.
In certain chronic cases, your veterinarian may recommend removing all of your cats back teeth behind their fangs as a method of treatment.
Overtime, however, feline gingivitis can be managed and your cat can have a full happy life.