Does your cat have persistently inflamed gums, terrible breath, or trouble eating? Feline stomatitis may be the culprit. Stomatitis is more common in cats than you think–about 1 in 100 cats suffers from it, with 72% of vets seeing at least one gingivostomatitis case every week.

Stomatitis is a painful oral condition in cats. It will reduce their desire to eat, cause drooling, and in extreme cases cause the cat to cry out in pain. Find out what stomatitis’ symptoms are and how it’s treated in this guide.

What is Feline Stomatitis (and How is It Different from Gingivitis)?

Feline stomatitis (also known as feline gingivostomatitis and lymphocytic plasmacytic gingivitis-stomatitis (LPGS)) is a severe, chronic inflammation of a cat’s mouth. The inflammation is widespread and can affect the gums, inner cheeks, tongue, throat, and the back of the mouth (areas like the fauces or palatoglossal folds).

Stomatitis is very different from gingivitis. Gingivitis is inflammation limited to the gums, usually due to plaque build-up on the teeth. Stomatitis, on the other hand, is an aggressive immune-mediated inflammation. In essence, it’s as if the cat’s immune system has launched an all-out attack on the mouth’s tissues.

Make no mistake, the condition is extremely painful, and it will definitely impact the cat’s quality of life.

Whereas stomatitis can affect any cat, no matter breed or age, certain breeds may be more prone to developing stomatitis, such as Siamese, Abyssinian, Persian, and Himalayan cats. 

What Causes Feline Stomatitis?

Unfortunately, the exact cause of feline stomatitis is not fully understood. What is generally agreed upon is that there can be multiple factors leading up to stomatitis, including:

• Exaggerated immune response to dental plaque 
• Routine dental problems like periodontal disease
• Infections and viruses, such as Feline calicivirus (FCV)
• Genetic predisposition

🐱 No, feline stomatitis is not contagious. No, since feline stomatitis is an inflammatory condition caused by the cat’s own immune system, it is not contagious.  However,the root cause of stomatitis can be ‘contagious’. For example, a virus that causes stomatitis in one cat can be transmitted to others.

Signs and Symptoms of Stomatitis in Cats

Cats are masters at hiding pain, so it’s important to be vigilant. Here are the common signs and symptoms that a cat with stomatitis may exhibit:

• Cats with stomatitis often approach the food bowl eagerly (they’re hungry) but then back away or cry out when trying to eat.
• You might notice saliva dripping from the mouth, sometimes tinged with blood. Halitosis (bad breath) is almost always present.
• the inside of the mouth will look bright red, swollen, or ulcerated.
• You might notice your cat pawing at the mouth or face, as if trying to wipe away the pain. They may shake their head or yawn.
• Over time, the prolonged discomfort will cause your cat to lose weight and muscle mass.

Given the severity and seriousness of the condition, you should bring your cat to a vet immediately if you notice any of the symptoms above. The longer you wait, the longer treatment will take and the longer your feline friend will be in suffering.

How Do Veterinarians Diagnose Stomatitis?

There is no specific “stomatitis test”. It’s diagnosed by recognizing the pattern of inflammation and excluding other causes. 

The vet will first try to examine your cat’s mouth to observe the extent of inflammation. Often, the mouth is so painful that cats won’t allow a thorough exam while awake. Under light anesthesia, the vet can see all the lesions. 

Stomatitis is usually diagnosed by its characteristic appearance: widespread oral redness and ulceration that’s far worse than typical dental disease would cause. The vet will also check for any loose teeth, tooth resorption lesions, or abscesses that might be contributing to the oral problems.

Your vet will likely also recommend blood tests. A complete blood count and biochemistry can assess your cat’s overall health. The vet may perform FIV/FeLV tests to see if your cat has either of those viruses, and check for feline calicivirus (there isn’t a simple in-clinic test for calicivirus). 

A full evaluation typically includes X-rays of the mouth. X-rays can reveal hidden dental problems such as retained roots, severe periodontal disease, or tooth resorption below the gumline. In addition to helping diagnose stomatitis, X-rays can guide treatment options as well, making them extremely important.

In rarer cases the vet may perform a biopsy. Biopsy means removing a small piece of tissue under anesthesia and sending it to a lab for microscopic analysis. The purpose is mainly to rule out other diseases.  In stomatitis, a biopsy usually shows a massive infiltration of immune cells (lymphocytes and plasma cells), confirming chronic inflammation

This isn’t an exhaustive list. If these indications are unclear, your vet may consider other dental diseases, other oral issues, and broader health concerns to diagnose stomatitis.

Treating Feline Stomatitis

Can feline stomatitis be cured? Yes, but there is no quick fix, and it often requires a multi-pronged approach. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and relieve the cat’s pain.

Dental Extractions (Tooth Removal)

Data source: Canadian Veterinary Medical Association

Tooth extraction is the gold standard for treating feline stomatitis, as it removes the plaque-covered teeth that trigger the immune response. Most cats require full or partial extractions.

The idea may seem drastic, cats adapt well and typically feel much better afterward. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association says full-mouth extractions can eliminate the need for long-term medication in over 95% of cases.

Medications to Control Inflammation and Pain

When surgery isn’t possible or additional support is needed, medications are used to reduce pain and inflammation. 

Antibiotics are used short-term for infection, and immunosuppressants like cyclosporine may be prescribed for long-term control. Steroids like prednisolone, NSAIDs, opioids such as buprenorphine, and nerve pain relievers like gabapentin help manage discomfort. 

Proper Dental Care and Cleaning

Regular professional dental cleanings remove tartar and reduce plaque buildup. At-home care like brushing or oral gels can help in early stages or during recovery, but always stop if your cat seems in pain. 

Dietary Changes

Switching to soft or wet food can help cats with sore mouths eat more comfortably. Mixing water into food or offering smooth-textured meals can improve intake. Besides that, ensure your cat stays hydrated.

In some cases, a hypoallergenic or high-protein diet may reduce inflammation. Make sure to consult with your vet before making dietary changes. 

Other Therapies

Supportive treatments like vitamin supplements, appetite stimulants, and low-level laser therapy can aid healing and reduce discomfort. These are not curative, but they can improve comfort and support your cat’s recovery.

Recovery and Healing Timeline 

Data source: Every Cat Health Foundation

Can feline stomatitis be cured? In a manner of speaking, yes. The condition cannot be entirely cured in all cases, but it can be effectively managed.

Teeth extraction offers the best chance of significant improvement. Most cats recover well after dental surgery, though it can take several weeks for the gums to fully close over and for the cat to adjust. 

A study examining the efficacy of tooth extractions in stomatitis found about 67% of cats experienced either substantial improvement or full resolution following surgery.

The median follow-up time is about 231 days after surgery. Simply put, you’ll likely be taking your cat to the vet for regular follow-ups for 7 to 8 months after surgery. Again, that’s an average timeframe, and your cat’s recovery period may be shorter or greater.

Don’t be discouraged if your cat still needs prednisone or other treatments after surgery. Even if tooth extraction is successful, about 2 in 3 cats have to continue on medications (like steroids or immunosuppressants) during healing. Fortunately, in many cases the medication is finite, not lifelong.

The other side of the coin: some cats see little or no improvement from extractions and medication. For them (and you), the condition will require long-term management. 

Your vet may explore other therapies for them (such as different immunosuppressant combinations or therapy trials). In some cases, cats will need to stay on ongoing medication to manage pain and inflammation.

Your Role in Your Cat’s Recovery from Stomatitis

Regular follow-up exams with your vet are critical. Your vet will want to monitor your cat’s mouth over time. A typical follow-up is at 2-4 weeks post-surgery, then a few months later. 

Continue to observe your cat’s behaviour and appetite at home and report any relapses. Cats can eat soft food the day after extractions (they actually often eat better with the bad teeth gone), and within a week many are eating normally. By the time the gums heal, most cats don’t even miss their teeth and can eat even dry nuggets.

Some cats might need “pulse therapy”, such as a steroid injection if they have a flare-up. Others might need low-dose daily meds for life. 

Here’s the heartening news every cat parent wants to hear: once past the initial recovery, the cat is much happier. Many cats end up medication-free after their mouth heals.

Are You Seeing Any Signs of Stomatitis?

Feline stomatitis only gets worse with time and can dramatically affect quality of life. If you feel your cat is exhibiting the signs and symptoms of stomatitis, email or call us to book a dental assessment for your cat.
You can self-refer or come to us through your regular vet. Stomatitis can be scary for cats and cat parents, which is why we walk you through everything from treatments to post-surgery healing, and lifestyle changes to manage the condition. Plus, we offer flexible financing, meaning you never have to choose between your budget and your cat’s comfort.