Feline Stomatitis: Understanding, Treating, and Managing Oral Inflammation in Cats

Learn about feline stomatitis (feline chronic gingivostomatitis) — a painful oral disease in cats. Discover its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options from the specialists at Tribeca Veterinary Dentistry & Oral Surgery in NYC.

What Is Feline Stomatitis?

Feline stomatitis, also called feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS), is a severe, painful

inflammatory condition of a cat’s mouth. Unlike mild gingivitis that affects only the gumline, stomatitis involves widespread inflammation of the gums, cheeks, tongue, and back of the mouth (the fauces).

In cats with this disease, the immune system overreacts to normal oral bacteria and plaque, attacking the tissues of the mouth as if they were foreign invaders. The result is intense, chronic pain and difficulty eating.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Cats often hide pain, but stomatitis symptoms can include:

• Drooling, sometimes tinged with blood

• Bad breath (halitosis)

• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums

• Reluctance to eat or sudden preference for soft food

• Weight loss or poor grooming

• Pawing at the mouth or hiding behavior

If you notice any of these signs, schedule a veterinary dental exam as soon as possible. Early intervention greatly improves comfort and prognosis.

Causes and Risk Factors

While the exact cause of feline stomatitis is not fully understood, research shows it’s an

immune-mediated condition—meaning the cat’s immune system attacks its own oral tissues.

Several contributing factors include:

• Dental disease and plaque buildup

• Viral infections, such as feline calicivirus (FCV) or herpesvirus (FHV-1)

• FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) or FeLV (feline leukemia virus)

• Bacterial overgrowth

• Genetic predisposition

Some cats develop this condition despite excellent home care. Because it’s driven by the immune system, even routine bacteria can trigger inflammation.

Diagnosis: How Veterinarians Identify Stomatitis

A diagnosis of stomatitis requires a comprehensive oral examination under anesthesia,

allowing the veterinarian to fully evaluate the mouth and perform dental radiographs (X-rays).

Diagnostic steps often include:

• Full-mouth X-rays to evaluate tooth and bone health

• Bloodwork and viral testing (FIV/FeLV)

• Oral biopsy (if necessary) to rule out other diseases or cancer

• Review of clinical history and behavioral changes

At Tribeca Veterinary Dentistry & Oral Surgery, our board-certified specialists use advanced imaging and anesthetic protocols tailored to each patient to ensure accurate diagnosis and maximum safety.

Treatment Options for Feline Stomatitis

1. Full-Mouth or Near-Full-Mouth Dental Extractions

For most cats, the most effective long-term treatment is the removal of most or all teeth. This procedure eliminates plaque-retaining surfaces that trigger immune reactions.

• 60–80% of cats experience complete or dramatic improvement after extractions.

• Many cats return to normal eating habits and comfort within weeks.

2. Medical Management

While extractions are the cornerstone of treatment, medications may also be used to reduce inflammation and pain:

• Corticosteroids or cyclosporine (to suppress immune overreaction)

• Antibiotics to address secondary bacterial infections

• Pain control with NSAIDs or other analgesics

3. Adjunctive and Supportive Therapies

• Laser therapy for inflammation reduction

• Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation

• Interferon-omega or other immune-modulating treatments

• Regular dental hygiene maintenance (as tolerated)

Each cat’s treatment plan is individualized based on their health status, viral history, and degree of oral inflammation.

Prognosis and Long-Term Outlook

With proper care, cats with stomatitis can live comfortable, pain-free lives. Even cats that

undergo full-mouth extractions adjust well—most can eat canned or softened dry food normally.

Regular recheck exams and oral cleanings (as needed) are essential to maintain oral health and detect any recurrence early.

Why Choose Tribeca Veterinary Dentistry & Oral Surgery

Our NYC-based specialty hospital provides advanced dental and oral surgical care by board-certified veterinary dentists. We specialize in diagnosing and treating complex oral conditions such as stomatitis, oral tumors, jaw fractures, and periodontal disease.

Our compassionate team ensures every cat receives pain management, personalized

treatment, and gentle care throughout the process.

If your cat shows signs of mouth pain or inflammation, contact us today to schedule a

consultation with Dr. Jin Jung, DVM, DAVDC, and the TVDOS team.