Feline Stomatitis
Symptoms of Stomatitis in Cats (with Photos)

Symptoms of Stomatitis in Cats (with Photos)

Typically, the symptoms of stomatitis are clearly noticeable.

To prevent the development of feline stomatitis, pay attention to a combination of certain symptoms that should alert you and prompt a visit to your veterinarian.

Symptoms
  • ✔ Your pet eats less or even stops eating due to pain in the gums and tongue.
  • ✔ Rejection mainly of dry food like kibble.
  • ✔ Red and inflamed gums that may even bleed (gingivitis).
  • ✔ Redness in the mouth.
  • ✔ Dental plaque.
  • ✔ Bad breath (halitosis).
  • ✔ Excessive salivation (ptyalism).
  • ✔ Tongue kept outside the mouth.
  • ✔ Frequent rubbing of the face with the paw.
  • ✔ Enlargement of the lymph nodes located under the lower jaw, involved in fighting infections.
  • ✔ Weight loss.
  • ✔ Lack of energy, especially for grooming, giving a dirty appearance.
  • ✔ Tendency to isolate.
  • ✔ Aggressiveness and frequent yawning.
  • ✔ Tooth loss.
Do not wait until your cat develops the entire list of stomatitis symptoms before seeking veterinary care! While bad breath, lack of appetite, or low energy may justify a few days of observation, refusal to eat, a hanging tongue, or mouth redness should prompt you to visit the veterinarian immediately.

This will help prevent unnecessary suffering for your feline. Early treatment of symptoms increases the likelihood of a full recovery for your pet.


Feline stomatitis - symptoms

Feline stomatitis - symptoms



Missing a few teeth?

A cat can eat perfectly well even after losing some teeth. However, tooth extraction is a source of stress for your pet. Additionally, it requires general anesthesia, which impacts its health. By consulting your veterinarian promptly, you will reduce the medical interventions needed to treat your companion and the associated costs.

Symptoms of ulcerative stomatitis

In ulcerative stomatitis, the animal may exhibit the following symptoms:
  • Copious salivation (drooling)
  • Halitosis (bad breath)
  • Redness of the gums and mucous membranes in the mouth
  • Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
  • Whitish plaque on the tongue, along with ulcerative lesions on the gingival mucosa and the inner surfaces of the upper and lower lips
  • Inflammation of the corners of the mouth (sometimes present)
Symptoms of ulcerative stomatitis in cat

Ulcers in the caudal oral region


The emergence of advanced-stage catarrhal stomatitis is contributed to by the impact of spore-forming anaerobic infections (Clostridia), as well as dental caries and tartar, particularly in older animals.

Improper treatment of a peptic ulcer or the absence of treatment for any form of inflammation can lead to gangrenous stomatitis. The gangrenous form is a severe, acute type of stomatitis characterized by progressive autolysis (decomposition) of the mucosa, submucosal tissue of the gums, tongue, and cheeks.

Symptoms of gangrenous inflammation

Symptoms of gangrenous stomatitis include deep tissue damage in the oral cavity, presenting as limited ulcerative defects covered with a brownish-green loose patina, accompanied by a very foul odor. The mandibular lymph nodes may also become enlarged.

As with other forms of stomatitis, the affected animal refuses to eat and experiences excessive salivation. Gangrenous stomatitis develops when the body's natural resistance deteriorates, making it more vulnerable to infectious, toxic, or traumatic lesions in the oral mucosa.
▶ Gangrenous stomatitis in a cat (Click to view) Gangrenous stomatitis in a cat

Symptoms of papillomatous stomatitis

The development of papillomatous stomatitis is associated with HPV infection. It manifests as multiple growths, mainly in the area of the lips and cheeks. In the early stages, papillomas are small, pinkish-gray, but they gradually enlarge, taking on a cauliflower-like shape.

After 6–12 weeks, the warts usually disappear on their own. However, if the papillomas do not regress, appropriate treatment should be prescribed.
▶ Feline viral papillomatosis (Click to view) Feline viral papillomatosis

Veterinary Diagnosis

Stomatitis is diagnosed by elimination to determine the origin of the problem.

Your cat will undergo a comprehensive examination, often including blood biochemistry, a urine test, and other tests to check for the absence of FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) or FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus).

The veterinarian must identify the causes of stomatitis and the factors that worsen it in order to propose an appropriate and effective treatment.

To detect calicivirus, a PCR test is performed using an oral swab. If a tumor is suspected, a biopsy will be conducted.

Finally, an X-ray of the oral cavity will help identify dental lesions and assess the stage of stomatitis progression.

Your veterinarian will determine the necessary investigations based on your cat’s condition and medical history.