Feline stomatitis is one of the most common oral diseases in cats, causing severe inflammation, ulcers, and intense pain in the mouth, preventing cats from eating normally. If you notice your cat refusing to eat, drooling, or having bad breath, these may be warning signs of feline stomatitis. This article provides a veterinary perspective on the causes, symptoms, treatment methods, and daily care for cat mouth inflammation to help your beloved cat rediscover the joy of eating.

What Is Feline Stomatitis?

Feline stomatitis is a severe oral inflammatory condition affecting the cat's gums, tongue, oral mucosa, and throat. Unlike ordinary gingivitis, feline stomatitis often involves the entire mouth, including areas without teeth, and is a chronic disease resulting from an overreactive immune system.

Types of Feline Stomatitis

• Gingivostomatitis: The most common type, with widespread inflammation of the gums and oral mucosa
• Caudal Stomatitis: Concentrated at the back of the mouth near the throat, particularly painful during eating
• Ulcerative Stomatitis: Obvious ulcers in the mouth with bleeding and pus

Causes of Feline Stomatitis

The exact causes of cat mouth inflammation are not fully understood, but the following factors are closely associated with feline stomatitis:

Immune System Abnormalities

Feline stomatitis is believed to be an overreaction of the immune system to oral bacteria or viruses. The cat's immune system perceives normal oral flora as a threat, triggering a persistent inflammatory response.

Viral Infections

• Feline Calicivirus: The most commonly associated virus, can cause oral ulcers
• Feline Herpesvirus: An upper respiratory virus that can cause oral inflammation
• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): Weakens the immune system, increasing stomatitis risk
• Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV): Also affects immune function

Other Factors

• Periodontal Disease and Tartar: Accumulation of oral bacteria exacerbates inflammation
• Genetic Factors: Certain breeds such as Siamese cats are more susceptible
• Allergic Reactions: Reactions to food or environmental allergens
• Malnutrition: Deficiency in vitamins or minerals

Feline Stomatitis Symptoms: 8 Warning Signs

Below are common symptoms of cat gum inflammation and stomatitis that owners should watch for closely:

1. Decreased Appetite or Refusal to Eat

A cat refusing to eat is the most obvious symptom of feline stomatitis. Due to severe oral pain when eating, cats will:

• Approach the food bowl but refuse to eat
• Attempt to eat then immediately back away or cry out
• Only accept soft food or liquid food
• Tilt their head to one side when eating

2. Drooling (Hypersalivation)

Oral pain stimulates saliva production. The fur on the cat's chin and chest will often be wet, and the drool may even contain traces of blood.

3. Bad Breath

Severe cat mouth inflammation produces a foul, rotten smell, indicating bacterial infection and tissue necrosis.

4. Oral Redness, Swelling, and Ulcers

When examining the cat's mouth, you may see:

• Bright red, swollen gums
• Ulcers or white patches on the oral mucosa
• Bleeding at the junction of gums and teeth

5. Face Scratching

Cats may scratch their face or mouth with their paws due to oral discomfort.

6. Weight Loss

Long-term difficulty eating leads to obvious weight loss in cats.

7. Unkempt Coat

Oral pain causes cats to groom less, resulting in a dishevelled appearance.

8. Behavioural Changes

• Becoming withdrawn and hiding
• Resisting being touched on the head
• Increased irritability and aggression

Feline Stomatitis Diagnostic Methods

Veterinarians diagnose feline stomatitis through the following examinations:

• Oral Examination: Observing the degree of inflammation in the gums, tongue, and oral mucosa (sedation may be required)
• Dental X-rays: Checking for lesions or resorption at the tooth roots
• Blood Tests: Ruling out FIV and FeLV infection, assessing overall health
• Tissue Biopsy: Ruling out the possibility of oral tumours

Feline Stomatitis Treatment Methods

Feline stomatitis treatment requires a multi-pronged approach, with treatment plans depending on disease severity:

Medical Treatment

*Medical treatment usually only provides temporary symptom relief and cannot cure the condition

Dental Surgery: Full Mouth Extraction

For severe feline stomatitis or cases that respond poorly to medication, full mouth extraction (or near-full mouth extraction) is currently the most effective treatment:

• Success Rate: Approximately 60–80% of cats show significant improvement or complete recovery after extraction
• Principle: Removing teeth reduces oral bacteria and plaque accumulation, decreasing stimulation to the immune system
• Surgical Scope: Usually requires extraction of all molars and premolars; canines and incisors may be retained depending on the situation
• Post-Surgery Eating: Cats without teeth can still eat soft food and even dry food; quality of life improves significantly after adaptation

Other Treatments

• Dental Scaling and Periodontal Treatment: Removing tartar to improve the oral environment
• Laser Therapy: Reducing inflamed tissue and promoting healing
• Stem Cell Therapy: An emerging treatment still in the research stage

Daily Care for Feline Stomatitis

In addition to medical treatment, daily care is equally important for managing cat gum inflammation:

Dietary Adjustments

• Provide soft wet food or soak dry food until soft
• Slightly warm food to enhance aroma
• Feed small, frequent meals to reduce discomfort during each feeding
• Consider hypoallergenic diet formulas

Oral Care

• Use cat oral rinses (e.g., Oratene, Dentisept)
• Gently brush teeth when the condition permits
• Regular veterinary examinations of oral condition

Boosting Immunity

• Ensure balanced nutrition
• Reduce environmental stress
• Supplement with Omega-3 fatty acids (anti-inflammatory)
• Keep the indoor environment clean

Feline Stomatitis FAQs

Petcore Veterinary Clinic Feline Stomatitis Services

Petcore Veterinary Clinic provides comprehensive feline stomatitis diagnosis and treatment services:

• Oral Examination: Detailed assessment of inflammation extent and severity
• Blood Tests: FIV/FeLV testing, overall health assessment
• Dental X-rays: Examining tooth root lesions
• Dental Scaling and Periodontal Treatment: Removing tartar, improving the oral environment
• Tooth Extraction Surgery: Professional dental surgery to relieve cat suffering
• Medical Treatment: Anti-inflammatory, pain relief, and antibiotic prescriptions
• Post-Operative Care Guidance: Dietary advice and home care instructions

Contact Us

• Yuen Long Clinic: G/F, 30A Fuk Tak Street, Yuen Long, N.T. | Phone: 2394-7300
• Sai Kung Clinic: Shop 2, 66 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung, N.T. | Phone: 2394-4228
• WhatsApp: 9889-5518
• Website: www.petcore-vet.com

If you notice feline stomatitis symptoms such as your cat refusing to eat, drooling, or bad breath, please bring your cat for examination as soon as possible. Stomatitis causes cats tremendous suffering, and early treatment can significantly improve your cat's quality of life. The professional team at Petcore Veterinary Clinic is dedicated to providing the best medical care for your beloved cat.