Symptoms of Periodontal Disease in Cats

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is the most common health condition in cats, according to veterinarian Eric Barchas, and it can cause problems that reach far beyond the cat's mouth. The infection and inflammation of gum disease can damage the heart, liver and kidneys and can lead to such chronic illnesses as sinus infections, diabetes and even cancer, Dr. Barchas says on his website, Drbarchas.com. Knowing the symptoms of periodontal disease can not only save your cat's teeth but can help prevent other health problems.

  1. Bad Breath

    • Aside from a whiff of tuna right after they've finished a meal, cats generally do not have smelly breath. But when tartar builds up on the teeth, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria that can produce a noticeable odor. That odor is an almost sure sign of periodontal disease.

    Change in Gumline

    • Healthy gums bulge where they meet the teeth and create a wavy gumline, says veterinary dentist William Rosenblad on the website, PetPlace.com. Red, inflamed gums, gums that bleed easily and gums that form a straight line along the tooth are symptoms of periodontal disease in cats.

    Discolored Teeth

    • Yellow or brown deposits on the cat's teeth along the gums are also a symptom of periodontal disease.

    Pawing the Face

    • Gum disease can be so painful it causes a cat to paw or rub its face.

    Difficulty Chewing

    • A cat with periodontal disease may chew on the sides of its mouth or chew less. Another symptom of periodontal disease is food falling out of the cat's mouth onto the floor.

    Drooling

    • Increased salivation or drooling can be a symptom of periodontal disease and indicates that the cat is in pain.

    Not Eating

    • Gum disease can be so uncomfortable that some cats refuse to eat.

    Irritability or Depression

    • Like other illnesses, periodontal disease causes irritability and depression in some cats.

    Malodorous Fur

    • When a cat with gum disease and bad breath grooms, it transfers the odor from its mouth to its fur.

    Lack of Grooming

    • A cat with periodontal disease may stop grooming because opening the mouth and maneuvering the tongue are so painful.

    Swollen Face

    • A tooth root abscess may cause the cat's face to swell below the eye or on the jaw.

    Avoiding Touch

    • Cats with painful periodontal disease may not want to be touched around the mouth or face.