Feral Cats & Gum Disease

Feral cats differ from strays in that feral cats are wild and have never had a home. A stray cat is most likely a former house cat that has lost his home.Feral cats do not have any more diseases than other cats. However, if they do become infected with a gum disease, the chances that the disease will become more serious are great. Feral cats do not have access to routine health care so there is very little chance that there will be a diagnosis and chance for treatment of the disease unless the cat is part of a managed feral cat colony.

  1. Causes of Gum Disease in Feral Cats

    • Cats with sore mouths cannot eat.

      The medical term for gum disease is gingivitis. It is best described as an inflammation of the gums. It can affect the area surrounding a single tooth, or it can inflame a larger area, and is caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth. When plaque builds up, it causes tarter. Tarter is the yellowish substance that is found along the gum lines.

      Gum disease can also be secondary to FeLV or FIV (feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency virus).

    Symptoms

    • The symptoms of gingivitis are pain, swollen gums, redness, salivating (drooling), lack of interest in food and loose teeth. Bad breath is also associated with gum disease, as is bleeding and receding gums.

    Dangers

    • A cat suffering with gum disease needs to be seen by a veterinarian.

      Gingivitis can be a life-threatening disease in homeless, feral cats. The gums are vascular and bleed easily. Bacteria from the gum disease can infiltrate the blood system, causing major internal damage. Another danger of gum disease in feral cats is that they will not eat because they are unable to or because it is painful to try.

    Diagnosing

    • If you are concerned that a feral cat in a colony that you have been managing may have become sick due to gingivitis or other gum disease, it is important to try to get the cat to the veterinarian for treatment. A clue that a feral cat is suffering from gingivitis will be leftover food in the cat's dish. The cat may run to the food dish but then be unable to eat. It will take some observation and patience on your part to determine if a particular feral cat is behaving in this manner.

    Treating a Feral Cat with Gum Disease

    • Once you have identified a feral cat with gum disease, try trapping the cat using a humane trap made especially for this purpose. Humane traps are widely available through your veterinarian, rescue organization or animal control facility. Getting the feral cat to a veterinarian as quickly as possible is important for the health of the cat. Your vet will most likely sedate the cat and tend to his teeth. Aftercare will involve anti-inflammatory drugs and/or prophylactic antibiotics.