Effective Treatments for Feline Stomatitis: Expert Tips

1. AtHome Care: When a cat is suffering from stomatitis, it's advisable for pet owners to select their pet's diet based on the results of an allergen test, opting for lowallergen foods. Additionally, it's crucial to use ceramic or metal bowls for the cat's feeding, as plastic bowls can harbor bacteria. Pet owners should regularly use an oral antiseptic spray to sanitize the cat's mouth, reducing the bacterial load. It's important to choose a product with minimal or no irritation. If the cat is accustomed to brushing, this routine should continue even during the stomatitis phase.

2. Dental Cleaning: In the early stages of feline stomatitis, a dental cleaning can be beneficial, as it can significantly reduce the buildup of tartar and calculus, and decrease bacterial irritation to the gums. However, dental cleaning for cats requires anesthesia, which carries some risks. If a cat is significantly overweight, pet owners should proceed with caution.

3. Medication: Cats can be treated for stomatitis with medication, such as steroids, which often improve the condition in most cases. However, it's not recommended to combine steroids with other medications, as steroids are hormones and can have significant side effects when used longterm. Antibiotics can also be used to treat stomatitis, as bacterial infections can occur in the mouth, but they should be used as an adjunct to treatment due to the risk of developing antibiotic resistance.

4. Prevention: Chronic feline stomatitis is often caused by the feline calicivirus, so during regular veterinary checkups, pet owners should ensure their cat receives a PCR test for the virus. If the cat tests positive for the virus, it's essential to pay closer attention to the cat's oral health and adjust the diet accordingly.

Preventing feline stomatitis is more critical than treating it, as the condition is often difficult to cure and can pose significant health risks to the cat. For those looking to deepen their understanding of feline stomatitis, continue reading "Can Feline Stomatitis Lead to Kidney Failure?"