Gingivitis in cats

Gingivitis is a common condition that causes your cat’s gums to become inflamed. The main symptoms include inflamed or bleeding gums, difficulty eating and bad breath.

It is usually caused by a build-up of plaque and bacteria on your cat’s teeth, causing inflammation and infection along the gumline. At this stage, the inflammation is limited to the gums, and has not yet caused permanent damage to the teeth or supporting bone.

A few things can cause gingivitis. Plaque and tartar buildup are the main culprits. Overcrowding of the teeth can also be a cause. This is a problem common in flat-faced (​brachycephalic​) breeds like Persians. If you don’t brush your cats’ teeth, the plaque and tartar build up over time, causing oral pain and tooth decay. The longer that gingivitis is left untreated, the worse the condition gets.

If your cat has underlying conditions like feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukaemia virus, cat flu (feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus), or diabetes, their immune system will be weaker, making them more prone to gingivitis.

There are several signs of gingivitis in cats to watch out for, but some can be tricky to spot. The main symptoms are:

• red, inflamed gums
• showing signs of discomfort when eating
• bad breath
• drooling or salivating
• bleeding from the mouth or gums

Sometimes cats might not show any symptoms. But you can help by keeping their teeth clean and getting them checked by a vet once a year.

Veterinarian Dr Corinne Wigfall says, “As a vet, I see many cats suffering from gingivitis and tooth decay. Cats don’t always let us know they are in pain. Having a vet check their teeth at least once a year can help spot the early signs of dental disease. The sooner the disease is spotted, the easier it is to reverse or treat.”

Routine teeth brushing with pet safe toothpaste to remove plaque build-up is the best prevention for gingivitis. If your cat has more advanced gingivitis, then the following treatment options might be recommended by your vet.

Medications

When gingivitis is acutely inflamed, anti-inflammatories or antibiotics can help ease the inflammation and infection in your cat’s mouth. Antibiotics are not routinely used for gingivitis alone, but may be prescribed if there is evidence of infection or in cats with underlying illness. Medications are usually supportive rather than curative.

Dental cleaning with X-rays

Decay and plaque build-up can push down into your cat’s gums, so x-rays can help your vet find any disease below the gumline.

Dental extraction

In more severe cases, your vet may recommend removing affected teeth. This is particularly important if teeth are loose, painful, or affected by resorption or advanced disease. Cats generally cope very well after extractions and can eat comfortably once pain is removed.

Gingivectomy

In selected cases, particularly where there is excessive gum tissue or chronic inflammation, your vet may recommend a gingivectomy (partial removal of inflamed gum tissue). This is not suitable for all cats and is typically reserved for specific cases and performed by a specialist.

The outlook for gingivitis depends on the underlying cause and how early it is treated. Mild gingivitis can often be well controlled with dental treatment and ongoing home care.

Some cats, however, develop more severe inflammatory conditions, such as chronic gingivostomatitis, which can be difficult to manage and may require long-term treatment or tooth extractions. Not all cases can be completely cured, but most can be improved to maintain a good quality of life.

“In my years of practice, I often see gingivitis quietly creeping up. Many owners assume their cat’s breath is just normal, or mistake mild gum reddening for messiness after eating.

“It’s important to note that early signs such as occasional reluctance to chew hard food, drooling or subtle pawing at the mouth can suggest gingival inflammation before it becomes painful or causes tooth loss.

“Prompt veterinary dental checks and regular tooth‑brushing (even just the gums) can make a real difference. In my experience, cats whose oral care is maintained early tend to avoid more serious periodontal disease, are spared discomfort, and can often enjoy a longer, happier life with fewer vet interventions.”

Emma Chandley – BVetMed PGCert SAS MRCVS

Treatment for gingivitis can be costly when it comes to tooth extraction. If you’re taking out cat insurance, it’s worth considering dental illness cover as an optional extra in case your cat develops gingivitis.

Has your cat had gingivitis before? If you do choose to add dental illness cover as an optional extra to your policy, make sure you tell us about any medication or symptoms they’ve had in the last 2 years. Cover is subject to acceptance*.

Find out more about pre-existing medical condition insurance.