Cat Dental Pain: Signs, Causes & Prevention Tips for Pet Owners
Your cat might be the purr-fect poker face expert when it comes to hiding discomfort. While it may seem like your cat is completely fine, dental pain is one of the most commonly missed health issues in New Zealand cats. That’s because they're masters of hiding it. In this guide, we’ll uncover why your furry friend might keep their mouth shut about dental problems, the signs to look for, and how to protect their pearly whites—so you and your feline can keep smiling together.
Why Cats Conceal Pain
Cats are instinctively wired to hide signs of illness or pain. In the wild, showing weakness could make them a target for predators. While your indoor cat may only be hunted by cuddles, this ancient instinct still kicks in—especially when dealing with something as subtle as dental disease.
To us pet parents, it can seem like nothing is wrong until things get serious. That’s why regular checks and knowing what to look for are so important. We Get Pet, and that means understanding what’s behind your cat's mysterious behaviours.
Common Signs Of Cat Dental Pain
Dental health issues like gingivitis, tartar build-up or resorptive lesions can cause your cat a lot of discomfort—if not pain. But sadly, they likely won’t tell you. Instead, you might notice:
- Drooling more than usual
- Eating less or chewing on one side only
- Pawing at their mouth or rubbing their face
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Avoiding dry food or treats
- Changes in behaviour, like hiding or being irritable
These signs can be easily missed or mistaken for something else—so staying clued-in to your cat's daily habits is key. If you spot any of these symptoms, it’s best to have your vet take a peek.
How Dental Issues Affect Overall Health
Dental disease doesn’t just affect your cat’s mouth—it can impact their overall wellbeing too. Bacteria from infected gums can spread through the bloodstream, potentially affecting major organs like the liver, kidneys or heart. Think of your cat’s mouth like the entrance to a castle—if the gates are weak, everything inside could be at risk.
To help your cat live a long, healthy life, it's essential to prioritise cat dental care as part of their wellbeing routine.
How To Protect Your Cat’s Teeth (And Make It Easy)
Prevention is the best dental plan—and it doesn’t have to be tricky. Here are our top tips for keeping your cat’s teeth in tip-top condition:
- Daily brushing: If your cat tolerates it, brushing with a pet-safe toothpaste can make a big difference.
- Dental treats: These are tasty and functional. Try dental cat treats that help reduce tartar as your cat chews.
- Oral health supplements: Products like Oxyfresh offer water additives or gels if tooth brushing seems like a bitey battle.
- Vet check-ups: Annual exams allow your vet to spot early signs of trouble and recommend treatment if needed.
- Specialist diets: Feeding formulas from trusted names like Hill’s Science Diet or Royal Canin that support dental health can make every bite count.
Trust Your Instincts—And Your Cat’s Routine
You know your feline best. Any shifts in appetite, behaviour or grooming habits might hint at something deeper, like dental pain. Trust your gut and don’t wait until your cat is clearly distressed, as cats often suffer in silence.
Monitoring their dental health is easier with quality support. Explore oral care essentials and make use of our Autodeliver service to ensure you're always stocked with what your cat needs—without lifting a paw.
Final Purrs Of Wisdom
Dental pain is no small matter for our feline friends—but they won’t always tell you they’re hurting. By keeping a close eye on subtle changes, incorporating oral health supplements and dental treats, and checking in with your vet regularly, you’re giving your whiskered pal the best chance at a healthy, happy smile.
Ready to support your cat’s smile? Shop our top-rated cat dental care range and treat their teeth like the treasures they are.
We Get Pet—and we’re here to help you keep your cat happy from whiskers to tail.