How to Tell If A Cat Has Dental Disease

Your cat is a master of disguise. They’ll purr through a hurricane, nap through a vacuum cleaner, and somehow convince you that 3 AM is the perfect time for a sprinting competition down the hallway. But when it comes to dental disease in cats, their poker face is Olympic level.

Just like humans, cats need proper dental care to stay healthy. The problem? They’re not exactly booking their own dentist appointments or brushing their own teeth. Dental disease in cats is a serious issue, affecting around 85% of cats over the age of three. The trouble is, our feline friends are expert pain-hiders, so by the time we notice something is wrong, their teeth and gums are already in bad shape. That’s why we need to be proactive and not reactive to their dental health.

How do I tell if my cat has dental disease?  

There are visual and behavioural cues to look out for; we’ll break it down into clear signs, monitoring techniques, and the cat-friendly steps you can take to keep your cat’s teeth in check without it turning into a WWE match.

Signs Your Cat Might Have Dental Disease

Cats can’t exactly say, “Hey, my tooth hurts.” Instead, they show subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) signs that their mouth is in trouble. Here’s what to look for:

1. Bad Breath (Halitosis)

If your cat’s breath could knock over a houseplant, it’s time to investigate. While their breath won’t ever smell minty-fresh, an unusually foul odour often signals bacterial build up, gingivitis, or even infection.

2. Drooling or Pawing at the Mouth

Drooling can be a sign of discomfort, especially if it’s not normal for your cat. If they’re also pawing at their mouth like they’re trying to remove something, they could be experiencing tooth pain or gum inflammation.

3. Difficulty Eating or Weight Loss

Is your cat avoiding their kibble or chewing on one side of their mouth? If they’re eating less, taking longer to finish meals, or dropping food, dental pain could be the culprit.

4. Red, Swollen, or Bleeding Gums

Take a peek inside your cat’s mouth (you can watch the cat-friendly way to do this). Redness, swelling, or bleeding gums are signs of gingivitis. Left untreated, this can progress to periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss.

5. Yellow or Brown Tartar Build-Up

Tartar is a hard, discoloured layer on the teeth, and once it forms, brushing won’t remove it. If you see significant build up, your cat may need a professional dental cleaning.

6. Avoiding Face Touching

A cat who usually enjoys chin scratches but suddenly recoils or flinches might be experiencing mouth pain. Also if your cat is grumpier and doesn’t want you to touch him this can be due to systematic pain and is important to get them to a vet.

7. Reduced Grooming

Cats take pride in keeping their coats clean. If they’re grooming less or looking scruffier than usual, it could be because grooming hurts their mouth.

8. Reduced Playing

If your cat refuses to bite on their toys after a chase or prefers softer plush toys all of a sudden these are signs that their teeth are more sensitive and those previous toys are causing discomfort.

The Feline Grimace Scale

Cats in pain often have:

• Squinty eyes

• Flat ears

• A tense muzzle

  
  

(Think of it like their version of "I’m fine." Spoiler: They’re not fine.)

Use the free tool and check your cat for yourself!

How to Check Your Cat’s Teeth at Home

A simple at-home oral exam can help you catch dental disease early.

Don’t worry—you don’t need to be a vet to do this! Watch our how-to video and try at home.

What Causes Dental Disease in Cats?

Several factors contribute to poor feline dental health:

• Plaque and Tartar Build-Up – Bacteria accumulate on teeth and harden into tartar, leading to gum disease.

• Genetics – Some breeds, like Persians and British Shorthairs, are more prone to dental issues.

• Age – Older cats are more likely to develop dental disease.

• Infections – Viruses like FIV and calicivirus can worsen gum disease.

Taking Action: How to Care for Your Cat’s Teeth

1. Daily Toothbrushing

We recommend the Dental Wand, it is a health toy that allows your cat to be 100% in control of the brushing experience. It is great for cats of all ages and allows their hunting instincts to drive the actions of brushing teeth.

Yes, it’s possible to brush your cat’s teeth with a cat toothbrush. It requires a lot of patience and positive reinforcement. Never force your cat to do something it doesn’t want to do. Use a pet-friendly toothpaste (never human toothpaste) and a soft brush or finger brush. Start by letting them taste the toothpaste of your finger, work up to touching their incisors with your finger whilst they lick it and then gradually work up to brushing.

Dental Wand 2.0 (Attachment Only)

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2. Regular Vet Check-Ups

Your vet can catch early signs of dental disease and recommend professional cleanings when necessary. A dental cleaning under anaesthesia is needed to remove any calculus build up.

Getting your cat to like the vets can be tricky, you can check out our article that will help your cat to like the vets.

When to See a Vet

🚨 Emergency signs:

• Swellings on the face (Could mean an abscess.)

• Refusing food for 24+ hours (Cats can’t afford to skip meals.)

• Excessive drooling or bleeding

  
  

If your cat is showing any of the signs mentioned above it is important to speak to a vet to get a plan of action in place. Dental problems can lead to infections that affect the heart, kidneys, and liver, so early intervention is key.

Please be aware that we have to give our cat a professional dental clean at the vets. Normally it is once a year, if you carry out daily oral home care with the Dental Wand or another cat toothbrush you can possibly do it once every two years.

Conclusion: A Healthy Mouth Means a Happy Cat

Caring for your cat’s teeth doesn’t have to be stressful. Prevention is the goal. Regularly checking their mouth, incorporating a home care routine, and scheduling vet visits can help prevent dental disease, keep your cat pain-free and save you money.

For more tips on cat care, check out our guide to brushing your cat’s teeth or visit International Cat Care for more expert advice.