Feline Stomatitis

Feline stomatitis is a frustrating condition that results in extreme pain and often irritability with decreased appetite and associated weight loss. Affected cats may go to their food bowl to eat and then vocalize or run away when they try chewing their food.  Severe halitosis (bad breath) may also be noted. It is frequently overlooked because cats do not often willingly allow oral examination at home. Cats are also notoriously skilled at hiding any sign of pain.  Steroids are not a good long term solution for stomatitis because they do not treat the variety of underlying causes. Because there are conditions that can precipitate or worsen disease, an accurate diagnosis is important for management of the disease. While early inflammation from periodontal disease can often be treated with frequent dental cleanings and good dental home care, stomatitis requires more aggressive therapy. Often cats require extraction of most or all of their teeth to remove the source of the inflammation. Some cats will require ongoing medical therapy as well.