Inflammation of the gums or gingivitis is a well-known disease in cats. Most cats will experience inflamed gums occasionally or regularly throughout their lives. Read here which symptoms are typical for the disease and which treatment options are available.
Inflammation of the Gums in Cats
- Inflammation of the gums is uncomfortable and painful for cats.
- Gingivitis is often associated with other dental diseases such as tartar.
- Some breeds of cats are genetically more prone to gum problems.
- Regular dental care and veterinary treatment are necessary for therapy.
Symptoms of inflammation of the gums in cats
If the cat’s gums are inflamed, the disease manifests itself through a number of symptoms. In the beginning, there is a reddening of the gum line along with the teeth. The inflammation can be recognized quickly, especially in cats with light skin. But other symptoms are also typical of gingivitis:
- Reddened, swollen gums
- Bad breath
- Increased salivation
- Bleeding gums
- Increased licking or cleaning of the mouth
- Pain when eating up to refusal to feed
Gingivitis in cats: causes
Gingivitis in cats can have several causes. The inflammation can be promoted by certain factors. General diseases of the teeth are often the cause of inflammation of the gums.
Tartar in cats and the painful FORL dental disease, in particular, can lead to inflammation of the gums. Other diseases or infections with certain viruses such as the feline leukemia virus FeLV or the cat disease FIV are also considered to be possible causes of gingivitis.
Genetic inflammation of the gums
The cause of inflammation of the gums in cats cannot always be clearly explained. It cannot be ruled out that genetic predisposition also plays a role and that some cats are naturally more prone to inflamed gums than others.
Gum infections also appear to be more common in some cat breeds. Siamese cats, Maine Coons, Burma, and Persian cats, in particular, are often reported to have a corresponding clinical picture.
Some cats have inflammation around their teeth, especially in the first two years of life. This clinical picture is called juvenile gingivitis, which can be traced back to genetic causes and a weakened immune system.
Inflammation of the gums in cats: medications and treatment
Depending on the cause and severity of the inflammation, the veterinarian should decide which therapy makes sense. While dental treatment can quickly relieve the symptoms of acute dental problems, regular dental care is particularly important in chronic gingivitis in order to treat the cat’s teeth and gums over the long term.
Dental treatments by the veterinarian
If the veterinarian makes the diagnosis of gingivitis, it must first be assessed whether dental treatment is necessary. If the cat also has tartar or other abnormal changes in the teeth, treatment under anesthesia may be necessary. It may also be necessary to pull out individual teeth to relieve the cat of the pain.
Dental care for gum infections in cats
Daily dental hygiene is also particularly important in cats with gum infections. With special dental care products, cat owners can brush their fur noses’ teeth and regularly remove tartar from their cats.
Unfortunately, however, few cats endure the procedure, so dental care can be very difficult. In addition, cats with inflamed gums often suffer from pain and can only be touched in the area of the mouth with protest.
Gingivitis therapy with medication and home remedies
As an alternative or in addition to brushing teeth, special feed, care products, and medication are often used. In severe cases, antibiotic therapy to combat bacterial inflammation of the gums may be necessary.
Special mouthwashes for animals, dental care gels, and dental care snacks are also used in the treatment.
In homeopathy, globules and colloidal silver are recommended for the treatment of inflammation in the cat’s mouth. As home remedies in mild cases or as support, anti-inflammatory herbal teas made from chamomile and aloe vera pastes can alleviate the symptoms.
Course and prognosis of gingivitis
Inflammation of the gums in cats is often chronic. The affected animals suffer from the disease constantly or at irregular intervals, with recovery in phases.
In the case of chronic gingivitis, it is particularly important to take care of the teeth as well as possible and to regularly present the house tiger to the vet.
If left untreated, complications such as loss of teeth and severe inflammation as well as restricted eating can occur.
