Your cat’s mouth seems a little read. She’s also chewing off to the side of her mouth. You’ve never thought about it before but do cats get gingivitis?
We’ll examine whether a cat can get gingivitis and what the symptoms can be. We’ll also see what can be done to prevent it.
Gingivitis in Cats
Gingivitis is a common oral health issue in both cats and dogs, and it occurs when the gums become inflamed and infected.
Just like humans, cats can develop gingivitis as a result of poor oral hygiene, genetics, and other underlying health conditions. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more serious oral health problems, such as periodontitis and tooth loss.
How to Avoid Gingivitis
Offering a balance diet low in carbohydrates and having routine dental checkups goes a long way in avoiding gingivitis. You also want to brush your kitty’s teeth and provide them with dental chews to help remove plaque.
Many owners may not realize that their cats have a problem until it becomes advanced. It’s important to know the symptoms of gingivitis.
3 Symptoms of Gingivitis in Cats
- Bad breath and drooling: One of the most common signs of gingivitis in cats is bad breath. If you notice a strong, unpleasant odor coming from your cat’s mouth, it could be a sign of an oral health issue. Some cats may drool more than usual if they have gingivitis, as the inflammation and infection can cause discomfort in the mouth.
- Red and swollen gums: If your cat’s gums are red and swollen, this can be a sign of gingivitis. You may also notice some bleeding when your cat eats or when you touch their gums.
- Loss of appetite: Cats with gingivitis may experience pain and discomfort when eating, which can lead to a loss of appetite. If your cat is not eating as much as usual, it could be a sign of an oral health problem.
Here’s another kitty article you’ll like: How Do Cats Indicated Pain: 5 Signs
If you suspect that your cat has gingivitis, it is important to take them to the veterinarian for a check-up. Your veterinarian can diagnose feline gingivitis by performing a thorough oral examination and may also take x-rays to assess the health of your cat’s teeth and gums.
The treatment of gingivitis will depend on the severity of the problem and the underlying cause. In some cases, a simple teeth cleaning may be enough to treat gingivitis. In more severe cases, your veterinarian may need to extract damaged or infected teeth and may also prescribe antibiotics or other medications to manage the infection.