Stomatitis in cats can be a scary thing, but once you know what it is, you can take the right steps to treat it.

I first heard the word “stomatitis” from my vet on Tippy’s last November visit. Despite its name, stomatitis has nothing to do with the stomach.

Tippy has been suffering from red gums and bad breath for awhile, and I thought that gingivitis was the culprit. I figured she was going through the same thing that Misha had (which resulted in all of Misha’s teeth being removed). So what’s the difference between gingivitis and stomatitis? What IS stomatitis? Is it treatable? Is it curable?

Those are the questions I want to answer in this blog post so that other cat owners can be more proactive in treating and preventing stomatitis in cats.

What Is Stomatitis In Cats?

Dr. Karen Becker explains the definition of stomatitis in cats very well in one of her educational Youtube videos.

To put it simply, the soft tissues (membranes, glands, squishy stuff) in your cat’s mouth can become inflamed/red, causing pain and discomfort. Stomatitis is common in cats with auto-immune diseases (FIV, FeLV, the calicivirus), but it can happen to otherwise healthy cats as well.

What Is The Difference Between Stomatitis And Gingivitis?

Stomatitis in cats can be preceded by dental disease such as gingivitis. That means that your cat can suffer from gingivitis and gum disease before it progresses to full-on stomatitis.

Stomatitis is typically characterized by severe inflammation and ulcers of the mouth. My vet noticed that Tippy’s throat has become inflamed, as well as her gums, which she sees as the beginnings of stomatitis. Even though Tippy doesn’t have a significant build-up of tartar/plaque around her gums, the inflammation is still a problem.

Veterinary Practice News has more details on the difference between gingivitis and stomatitis in cats.

Common Symptoms Of Stomatitis In Cats

Tippy’s symptoms included the obvious, such as inflamed gums and throat, but she also began urinating outside the litter box on a regular basis. Her discomfort was enough that she began to exhibit these behavioral symptoms, I think, in an effort to alert me to the pain she was experiencing.

There’s no way to know this for sure, but after having ruled out everything else (UTIs, illness, conflict with other cats), my mama instincts tell me she isn’t doing it because she’s a jerk: she’s doing it because she’s in pain. This symptom may not appear in all cats, but just remember that cats never do anything out of spite. They are usually just trying to communicate in the only way they know how.

Other symptoms of stomatitis in cats can include:

• Decreased appetite (or not eating at all)
• Drooling
• Pawing at the mouth/face
• Stinky breath
• Poor grooming/self care
• Ulcers in the mouth
• Build-up of plaque/tartar

What Are The Causes Of Stomatitis In Cats?

Plaque/tartar build-up can definitely cause stomatitis, but there are a variety of ways your cat can ‘acquire’ it.

There is no one set way that stomatitis in cats happens. Sometimes cats can develop an immune-mediated response to an infection (when your cat’s immune system attacks the body) that leads to inflammation of the mouth . According to PetMD, “several metabolic disorders” can also play a role, including diabetes and lymphoma.

The best way to determine whether your cat has stomatitis and what the cause may be is to visit your vet and have him/her examine your cat’s mouth.

Can Stomatitis In Cats Be Treated?

Stomatitis in cats can be treated, but you probably won’t like the options. I didn’t.

Keeping your cat’s mouth clean and free of plaque is the best defense against them getting stomatitis in the first place. However, once your cat has it, you essentially have two options:

• For mild stomatitis, anti-inflammatory and pain meds are used to manage the condition
• For moderate to severe stomatitis, you’re probably looking at getting your cat’s teeth removed

Stomatitis doesn’t really go away. It can be kept at bay in mild cases, but once it gets bad enough, removal of the teeth is the best option. I have been struggling with this for some time, and I find myself saying “Tippy’s going to lose all of her teeth, isn’t she?”.

Why Removing Your Cat’s Teeth Helps ‘Cure’ Stomatitis

Stomatitis starts as inflammation around the gums, which is why it was easy for me and the vet to mistake it for simple gingivitis. The immune-mediated response to plaque that causes the inflammation will keep happening until the teeth are removed, which is why managing stomatitis isn’t a ‘cure’.

According to Dr. Karen Becker (see full statement in video above):

…removing all the teeth, and thereby the source of the immune-mediated reaction, and infection in most cases, is actually the most humane treatment in most of the cases of feline stomatitis.”

Stomatitis is PAINFUL. Removing the teeth can remove the pain, and that was certainly true in Misha’s case. She improved SO MUCH after having her teeth removed.

Should I Just Get My Cat’s Teeth Removed?

You and your vet should try all other options before taking drastic measures like getting your cat’s teeth removed. It can be very hard on your cat, depending on how many teeth need to be removed. Although tooth extraction can greatly improve your cat’s chances of getting rid of stomatitis, it’s not a guarantee.

A study from 2000-2013 by the University of Pennsylvania revealed that “extraction of teeth in areas of oral inflammation provided substantial improvement or complete resolution of stomatitis in more than two-thirds of affected cats.” Two-thirds of cats saw improvement, which means one-third did not.

It is also unlikely that your veterinarian will just allow you to have your cat’s teeth removed before stomatitis has progressed far enough.

How Can I Prevent Stomatitis In Cats?

The best way to prevent stomatitis in cats is to keep a regular dental routine. That means brushing your cat’s teeth daily, along with a yearly dental exam and cleaning. Starting young is the best way to get your cat used to the idea of having their teeth brushed.

Some cats, however, just won’t let you brush their teeth. It’s okay. You’re doing the best you can as a pet parent, and as long as you try your best to take care of your cat’s teeth, you’ve done your job. Your cat may still get stomatitis, even with the extra oral care.

Do your best to be observant of your cat’s mouth (looking for redness/irritation) and watch for abnormal behavior, even when they’re young. A cat’s developmental years are a crucial time to establish good habits and good health.

Does your cat or any cat you know suffer from stomatitis? What treatment options has your vet suggested? Let us know in the comments!