What It Is
Stomatitis is a severe, painful inflammation of the mouth in cats. It can affect the gums, inner cheeks, tongue, and the back of the mouth (oropharynx). In its worst form, Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis (FCGS), it causes extreme discomfort, drooling, difficulty eating, and sometimes total avoidance of food.
Stomatitis is believed to be an overreaction of the immune system, not just a dental disease. It can be incredibly frustrating to manage, but with the right treatment plan, many cats can get relief.
🐾 Common Symptoms
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Drooling (sometimes with blood)
- Red, swollen gums
- Pain when eating or grooming
- Pawing at the mouth
- Crying while eating
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Unkempt coat
- Refusal to be touched near the face
In some cats, the inside of the mouth looks raw and ulcerated, like open sores that never heal without intervention.
🦠 Causes
The exact cause of stomatitis isn’t fully understood, but it’s thought to be immune-mediated, where the cat’s immune system attacks its own oral tissues in response to perceived threats.
Potential contributors include:
- Dental plaque and bacteria
- Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1)
- Calicivirus
- Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
- Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
- Genetics (some purebreds like Siamese and Persians are predisposed)
- Chronic inflammation or poor oral hygiene
In short: it’s not just about dirty teeth. It’s a complex immune response that often won’t improve with dental cleaning alone.
🔍 Diagnosis
Your vet may suspect stomatitis during a visual exam, especially if your cat reacts strongly to mouth handling.
Diagnostic steps may include:
- Full oral exam under anesthesia
- Dental X-rays (to assess root and bone health)
- Biopsy (in some cases, to rule out cancer or other conditions)
- Blood tests (to screen for FIV/FeLV or other systemic issues)
💊 Treatment
There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for stomatitis, and some cases require trial and error. The goal is to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and manage the immune response.
Common treatment options:
- Full-mouth or partial dental extractions
- Surprisingly, this is often the most effective treatment
- Removing the teeth eliminates plaque, which reduces immune stimulation
- Many cats feel much better within weeks
- Medications
- Steroids (like prednisolone) for short-term inflammation control
- Immune-modulating drugs (like cyclosporine)
- Antibiotics (temporary relief, not a cure)
- Pain management (e.g., buprenorphine, gabapentin)
- Supportive care
- Soft food or feeding tubes in severe cases
- Regular monitoring and oral care (if tolerated)
🩺 Prognosis
Stomatitis can be very difficult to manage, but many cats improve dramatically after full-mouth extractions. Some even become completely symptom-free. Others may need lifelong medical management.
Early and aggressive treatment tends to offer the best outcome.
💡 Cat Owner Note
If your cat seems hungry but won’t eat, or cries out while chewing, it’s not just picky behavior. Stomatitis hurts, and your cat may be telling you something’s seriously wrong. It’s a tough condition, but not hopeless. Many cats bounce back with the right care. And yes, some even thrive without teeth.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Stomatitis in Cats
Can cats live without teeth?
Yes, and often better than before. Many cats who’ve had full-mouth extractions eat normally, groom themselves, and regain their quality of life.
Is stomatitis contagious?
No. Stomatitis itself isn’t contagious, but some contributing viruses (like FIV or calicivirus) can be spread between cats.
Will antibiotics cure stomatitis?
No. Antibiotics may temporarily reduce inflammation, but they don’t address the root cause, an overactive immune response.
Can stomatitis go away on its own?
Rarely. Most cases require dental intervention, medication, or both.
How do I know if my cat has stomatitis or just gingivitis?
Gingivitis is mild gum inflammation. Stomatitis is much more severe and often affects areas beyond the gums, such as the back of the mouth or tongue.
How much do dental extractions cost?
Costs vary, but full-mouth extractions can range from $1,000 to $3,000+, depending on your location and the complexity of the case.
Is this a lifelong condition?
Sometimes. Some cats need ongoing immune-modulating medication even after extractions. Others improve completely after surgery.