9 Common Signs of Dental Problems in Cats

Your cat’s dental health affects their well-being more than pet owners may realize. Cats are usually subtle about their pain and discomfort, so it’s important to watch out for potential oral health issues before they escalate.

The Complete Pet Animal Hospital is here to help with these common signs of dental problems in cats. Catching these signs can be the first step toward taking preventative action or seeking veterinary care so your fuzzy feline soon feels their best again.

1. Bad Breath That Worsens Over Time

It’s normal for your cat to have bad breath after eating fish or strong-flavored food, but if they have consistently bad breath that you can smell when they’re meowing or yawning, it’s likely a sign of a serious problem. Bacteria buildup on teeth and gums creates an unpleasant odor, and this smell typically worsens as dental disease progresses.

Gauge changes in the smell of your cat’s breath, looking for anything out of the ordinary that may be the cause. The odor may become particularly strong or take on a peculiar, out-of-place smell that’s almost fruity. In that case, it’s time to see a vet immediately, as the fruity odor could be due to diabetic ketoacidosis.

2. Changes in Eating Behavior

A sudden change in your cat’s eating habits could be a sign of dental pain or other issues. Your cat may approach the bowl with their usual enthusiasm but suddenly appear more hesitant to eat or eat more slowly. Cats in pain may start and stop eating several times or try to tilt their heads when eating to favor one side of their mouth.

Your cat may also have changing preferences, avoiding hard kibble in favor of wet food or refusing treats they previously enjoyed. Cats will usually adapt their eating behaviors to minimize pain, even if they’re not showing obvious physical signs of distress.

3. Excessive Drooling

Cats often drool when they’re content, but excessive drooling could be a sign of discomfort or oral health problems. Gum complications may cause your cat to produce more saliva to soothe the irritation in their mouth.

If your cat doesn’t normally drool much, it may be easier to pick up on sudden changes in how much saliva they produce. Examine the drool itself if possible, as it may come out thicker or have traces of blood in it. If you notice these complications, seek immediate veterinary attention.

4. Pawing at the Face or Mouth

Cats experiencing dental pain may paw at their face or mouth more often. In the same way that we may rub our cheek around a sore tooth or pick at something caught in our gums, your cat may use their paw to relieve oral discomfort.

Some cats will rub their face against furniture or other objects more frequently than normal. While face rubbing can be a sign of affection, increased rubbing combined with other symptoms may indicate oral pain.

5. Visible Tartar Buildup on Teeth

Another common sign of dental problems in cats is the buildup on tartar on their teeth. This substance usually appears as brown or yellow deposits around the gumlines. Unlike plaque, which is softer and easier to remove with brushing, tartar hardens and requires professional cleaning tools to remove it.

You can check your cat’s teeth by gently lifting their lips when they’re calm or relaxing. Healthy teeth should appear white or cream-colored with pink gums. Substantial tartar buildup creates rough surfaces where bacteria thrive, leading to further dental complications.

6. Red, Swollen, or Bleeding Gums

When checking your cat’s mouth for signs of tartar, you should also pay attention to their gums. Healthy gums should appear firm and pink. Common gum conditions like gingivitis may cause redness and swelling in the gums. If you notice a thin red line along where the gums and teeth meet, that’s a clean sign of serious gum problems. Any sign of visible blood from your cat’s mouth should call for immediate veterinary attention.

7. Loose or Missing Teeth

Loose teeth could be an early sign of periodontal disease, which is the deterioration of the supporting structures around your cat’s teeth. If you find one or more of your cat’s teeth on the floor or around their food bowl, you should seek veterinary help right away. Tooth loss may occur from other causes like stress or trauma, but it’s more likely a serious oral health condition that’s worth following up on.

8. Behavioral Changes and Withdrawal

Normally social, affectionate cats may avoid being petted, especially around their facial area. In general, cats experiencing pain are likely to hide away and become less active. Some cats grow irritable when experiencing dental discomfort, showing aggression when touched near the mouth or displaying uncharacteristic grumpiness during interactions. Behavior changes usually revert back to normal after solving the underlying cause of the discomfort.

9. Weight Loss and Poor Grooming

Since cats experiencing dental pain may avoid eating, it’s normal for them to lose weight in the process. Weight loss may not be physically obvious right away depending on the build of your cat, but keeping an eye out for changes in their body structure can be a helpful indicator.

Cats may also groom themselves less thoroughly when experiencing oral pain since grooming requires extensive use of the mouth and teeth. If you notice your cat has stopped grooming as often and has developed duller, more matted fur, it could be a sign that they’re experiencing dental pain.

Taking Action for Your Cat’s Dental Health

Recognizing these warning signs enables you to seek veterinary care before your cat’s dental problems become severe and painful. Your veterinarian can perform a thorough oral examination and recommend appropriate treatments, which may include professional dental cleaning, tooth extractions, or antibiotic therapy.

At The Complete Pet Animal Hospital, we want to help you keep your furry friend healthy and happy. If you’re concerned about your cat’s dental health or just want to be sure they’re receiving the best possible care, you can count on our experienced team to help. Schedule an appointment with our pet hospital today to take the first step toward improving your pet’s overall well-being.