Dealing with Red and Swollen Cat Gums: Quick Tips

Cats, unlike us, do not brush their teeth daily, which leads to a higher presence of bacteria in their mouths. This often results in issues like swollen gums, mouth ulcers, and bad breath. But why do cats' gums become swollen? And how can we prevent and treat this condition? This article will provide a comprehensive guide to cat dental care and treatment methods, helping you to better care for your feline friend.

What Causes Cats' Gums to Swell?

Plaque Buildup: Without regular dental care, cats can develop plaque on their teeth, leading to swollen gums.

Tartar Formation: Accumulated plaque can harden into tartar, irritating the gums and causing swelling.

Oral Infection: Bacterial or viral infections in the mouth can lead to gum swelling and ulcers.

Nutritional Deficiencies: A diet lacking in essential nutrients like vitamins B and E can contribute to mouth ulcers and swollen gums.

Teething: During the 45 month mark, kittens are shedding their milk teeth and growing permanent ones, which can also cause gum swelling.

How to Treat Swollen Gums in Cats

Medication: For mild gum swelling without other symptoms, a pet oral antiseptic spray can be used. For more severe cases, antibiotics like metronidazole or ceftriaxone may be prescribed.

Surgical Treatment: For issues like tartar or periodontal disease, dental cleaning or tooth extraction may be necessary to alleviate pain.

Home Care: During treatment, offer your cat soft, wet food to ease chewing. Additionally, use pet mouthwash after meals to clean the mouth and reduce food residue, preventing bacterial growth and infection.

Seek Immediate Veterinary Care: If your cat exhibits symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, loss of appetite, or fever along with gum swelling, it may be infected with feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus, or other contagious diseases, and should be seen by a vet promptly.

How to Prevent Swollen Gums in Cats

Regular Brushing: Regular dental brushing can prevent bad breath, mouth ulcers, and gum swelling. It's recommended to brush your cat's teeth 23 times a week.

Oral Hygiene Products: If your cat resists brushing, use pet mouthwash or oral gels after meals to clean the mouth and combat bad breath and prevent dental diseases.

Balanced Diet: Feed your cat a wellrounded diet and supplement with a multivitamin to boost oral mucosal immunity. Avoid feeding wet food longterm, as it can stick to teeth and promote bacterial growth.

Regular Checkups: Schedule regular dental checkups to detect and address serious oral issues like loose teeth, severe bad breath, or ulcers promptly.

In summary, preventing dental issues like gum swelling, ulcers, and tartar is crucial. Don't hesitate to make dental care a regular part of your cat's routine to ensure their oral health and overall wellbeing.