Symptoms of Feline Gingivitis: Key Indicators Explained

Section 1: Causes of Feline Gingivitis

While bacterial infections are a common cause of feline gingivitis, there are several other factors that might contribute to this condition. These include:

1. Deficiencies in vitamins, particularly the Bcomplex vitamins, which can lead to gum inflammation. Gum issues can also be a complication of viral infections such as feline rhinotracheitis or feline calicivirus. Moreover, chronic kidney dysfunction, such as diabetes or kidney disease, can trigger gingivitis in cats. Hypothyroidism or other thyroidrelated disorders can also be culprits. Therefore, if your cat's gingivitis is severe, it's crucial to monitor for other underlying health issues.

Section 2: Symptoms of Feline Gingivitis

Cats with gingivitis often exhibit symptoms such as swollen gums, bad breath, cloudy saliva, difficulty chewing, and a decrease in appetite. Some may also show signs of fever and weight loss. During this time, cats tend to prefer soft foods and may refuse to eat hard foods. If the pain is severe, they may even refuse to eat at all.

Section 3: Treating Feline Gingivitis

For the management of gingivitis, it's advisable for pet owners to maintain good oral hygiene by regularly rinsing their cat's mouth. After rinsing, applying a dental gel or using a small spray can help. Ensuring proper oral health is key. If the gingivitis is due to a viral infection like the calicivirus, hormonal medications may be necessary, along with interferonbased antiinflammatory drugs.

Dr. Oxygen Pet Tips: For less severe cases of oral inflammation in cats, a combination of oral antibiotics and dental spray treatments is typically sufficient. Most cats recover within about a week of treatment.