Stomatitis in cats: what is feline stomatitis and could your cat be at risk?

Stomatitis is a nasty condition that can affect your cat’s mouth, gums, and even lead to tooth loss...

black and white cat having check-up with vet

Overview

Cat stomatitis (also called feline stomatitis or chronic gingivostomatitis), is a serious and painful condition causing inflammation of a cat's mouth and gums. Studies show that it affects up to 26% of cats but 70% to 80% of cats experience significant improvement of symptoms following dental extractions.

If you've noticed your cat having difficulty eating or showing signs of discomfort in their mouth, it could be feline stomatitis. The condition is often linked to long-term viral infections and is seven times more common in multicat households.

Taking your cat to the vet regularly and catching any dental issues early is important to help manage their pain and improve their quality of life.

What is feline stomatitis?

Symptoms of feline stomatitis

Causes of feline stomatitis

Diagnosing feline stomatitis

Treating feline stomatitis

Managing and preventing feline stomatitis

Medically reviewed by Lizzie Youens BSc(Hons) BVSc MRCVS

Published on 12/03/2019 • Reviewed on 11/09/2024