Home Remedies for Treating Cat Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a common yet often overlooked issue in cats, and it can lead to serious oral health problems if left untreated. Just like in humans, gingivitis in cats is an inflammation of the gums, typically caused by plaque and tartar buildup. If you notice your cat suffering from signs like bad breath, red gums, or difficulty eating, you may be dealing with gingivitis. Fortunately, there are several ways to treat and manage this condition at home, using simple, safe methods. In this article, we will explore how to treat cat gingivitis at home effectively, focusing on prevention, natural remedies, and home treatments.

What is Cat Gingivitis?

Gingivitis in cats is an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup on their teeth. Over time, if the plaque isn't removed, it can turn into tartar, which irritates the gums and leads to infection. If untreated, this condition can progress to periodontal disease, which can cause tooth loss and other health complications.

Early Signs of Gingivitis in Cats

Recognizing gingivitis early in your cat’s life can save them from experiencing more severe oral health issues. Common signs of gingivitis in cats include:

• Red or swollen gums (especially along the gum line)
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Drooling or excessive salivation
• Reluctance to eat or difficulty chewing
• Changes in behavior (irritability or avoidance of touch around the mouth)

If your cat is showing any of these symptoms, it's time to start treatment and seek professional advice if necessary.

How to Differentiate Between Gingivitis and Stomatitis?

Causes

• Gingivitis: It is mainly due to the accumulation of plaque in the gingiva-dental bond and the harmful substances in it acting on the gums for a long time, causing inflammation. Together with the presence of tartar, bad restorations, food impaction, misalignment and crowding of teeth and mouth breathing, it aggravates plaque accumulation and inflammation of the gums. 
• Stomatitis: can occur due to vitamin deficiencies, fire or immune deficiency. Bacterial infectious stomatitis is often caused by streptococcus and staphylococcus as the main causative organisms, these bacteria in acute infections, prolonged diarrhoea and other conditions of low body resistance, if the oral cavity is not clean, it will lead to a large number of bacterial reproduction, which will lead to acute oral mucosal injury. 

Inflammation site

• Gingivitis: limited to the gingival area connected to the teeth. 
• Stomatitis: Generally inflammation beyond the gums, beyond the blue line is called anterior stomatitis, and inflammation on both sides of the inside of the mouth is caudal stomatitis. Stomatitis is a general term for inflammation of the oral cavity, most of which refers to inflammation of the mucous membranes, which can affect the tongue, gums, buccal mucosa, palate and other locations. 

Clinical symptoms

• Gingivitis: self-conscious symptoms often bleeding gums when brushing teeth or biting hard objects, some patients may feel local itchy gums, swelling, discomfort and bad breath and other symptoms. Local manifestations of the free gingiva and gingival papilla bright red or dark red, severe patients with inflammation and congestion can spread to the attached gingiva; gingival tissue swelling, gingival margin thickening, interdental papillae rounded, no longer close to the surface of the teeth, the disappearance of the spot colour, the surface of the bright; gingiva becomes soft and fragile, lack of elasticity, and sometimes can become hard and fat; gingival sulcus can be up to 3 cm or more; gingival grooves can be gingival gutter to bleed; gingival sulcus oozing fluid increased. 
• Stomatitis: oral mucosal congestion, oedema, ulceration, erythema, herpes, etc. can occur. For example, herpes stomatitis onset of fever up to 38 ℃ - 40 ℃, 1 - 2 days later, the gums, lips, tongue, buccal mucosa and other parts of the oral mucosa appeared single or clusters of small herpes, diameter of 2 - 3mm, surrounded by a red halo, rapid rupture after the formation of ulcers, with a yellowish-white fibrinous secretion cover, multiple ulcers can be fused into a large irregular ulcers, and sometimes involves the palate and the pharynx. Sores also often occur in the corners of the mouth and perioral skin, with severe pain, refusal to eat, salivation, irritability, and frequent enlargement of submandibular lymph nodes. Body temperature returns to normal after 3 - 5 days and the disease lasts 1 - 2 weeks. Local lymph node enlargement may last for 2 - 3 weeks. 

Related: Stomatitis in Cats

How To Treat Cat Gingivitis At Home?

Managing your cat’s gingivitis at home can be effective if you use the right approach. There are a few simple and easy-to-implement home treatments that can improve your cat’s dental health.

1. Brushing Your Cat's Teeth

One of the most effective ways to manage gingivitis is by brushing your cat's teeth regularly. Brushing helps remove plaque before it can harden into tartar. Ideally, you should brush your cat's teeth every day, but doing it 2–3 times a week can make a big difference.

Using Oral cleaning for cats

Always use toothpaste that is specially formulated for cats. Regular human toothpaste contains fluoride, which is toxic to cats. The best cat dental powder is usually poultry- or fish-flavored, which most cats find appealing.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Get your cat comfortable with you handling their mouth. Gently rub your finger along their gums for a few days.
2. Introduce the toothpaste, and allow your cat to lick it off your finger.
3. Use a cat toothbrush (or a soft-bristled human toothbrush) to brush their teeth gently, focusing on the gum line where plaque builds up.

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2. Providing Dental Chews

Dental chews are another excellent way to help reduce gingivitis and plaque buildup. These chews are designed to scrape off plaque as your cat chews, preventing it from turning into tartar.

Benefits of Dental Chews for Cats

Dental chews also help stimulate saliva production, which naturally cleans teeth. Look for dental treats that are designed to combat plaque and tartar, and avoid treats that are too hard or sugary.

3. Natural Remedies for Cat Gingivitis

Several natural remedies can help soothe inflamed gums and improve your cat’s oral health. However, it’s important to consult your vet before using any home remedies.

Herbal Remedies

Certain herbs have natural antibacterial properties that can help manage gingivitis. Herbs such as chamomile and aloe vera can be used to rinse the cat’s mouth or applied topically to the gums.

Coconut Oil for Cats

Coconut oil has natural antimicrobial properties, making it an excellent addition to your cat's oral care routine. You can rub coconut oil on your cat’s gums or add a small amount to their food.

Related: Coconut Oil in Food: Is It An Allergen for Cats

4. Diet and Nutrition for Oral Health

The right diet can help prevent and treat gingivitis. Foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids and have a crunchy texture can assist in maintaining healthy gums and teeth.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Adding omega-3 fatty acids to your cat's diet through supplements or certain fish-based foods can reduce inflammation and improve gum health.

Foods That Promote Healthy Gums

Dry cat food (especially those designed for dental health) can help scrape off plaque from the teeth while your cat eats. Make sure to provide a balanced diet that includes high-quality protein and necessary vitamins for overall health.

How to Adjust Diet for Gingivitis in Cats?

1. Choose suitable food

Cats with gingivitis should choose soft, easy-to-digest foods to minimise gum irritation. The following foods can be considered:

Wet food: wet food is usually softer than dry food, easier to chew and swallow, and less irritating to the gums.
Soft food: such as cooked chicken, fish or beef, which can be cut into small pieces or made into puree for easy consumption by cats.
Specialised oral care cat food: there are cat foods on the market that are specially designed for oral health, the particle size and texture of these cat foods help reduce the formation of plaque and calculus.

2. Avoid irritating food

Avoid feeding cats with gingivitis spicy, greasy, too cold or too hot foods, which may aggravate the inflammation of the gums.

3. Supplement vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C and B vitamins are important for gum health and can be provided through food or supplements. For example, you can feed your cat fruits rich in vitamin C (such as oranges and strawberries) or specialised vitamin supplements.

4. Adjust the feeding method

If your cat's gingivitis is severe, you can heat the food slightly to make it softer and easier for your cat to chew and swallow. At the same time, you can also divide the food into small portions and feed it several times to reduce the discomfort of the cat when eating.

5. Encourage drinking more water

Keeping the mouth moist helps to relieve the symptoms of gingivitis, so make sure your cat has fresh water available at all times.

It is important to note that dietary adjustments are only part of the treatment for gingivitis, and need to be combined with oral cleaning, medication and other measures to fully treat gingivitis in cats. If the symptoms of gingivitis in cats are severe or persistently unimproved, it is recommended to consult your veterinarian for professional treatment advice.

How to Prevent Gingivitis in Cats ?

• Regular Oral Examination

It is recommended to take your cat to the veterinarian for an oral examination every 3 to 6 months for timely detection of swollen gums, calculus or other abnormalities. 

• Healthy diet

Choose a cat-friendly diet containing nutrients such as vitamin C, D and calcium to help maintain dental health. In addition, providing your cat with a fresh water source on a regular basis and controlling the sugar intake in the food will help prevent inflammation of the gums. 

• Dental Cleaning

Regular cleaning of your cat's teeth is an important measure to prevent periodontitis. A cat-specific toothbrush and toothpaste can be used to gently clean your pet's teeth. The toothbrush can be chosen with soft bristles and moderate size to reduce the cat's sense of revulsion. Note that human toothpaste should never be used as they may contain ingredients that are harmful to cats. 

• Tartar Removal

Tartar is one of the main causes of periodontitis. Tartar can be reduced from its harmful effects on your cat's oral health by removing it on a regular basis. Professional removal of tartar can be carried out by a specialist pet dentist. In addition, regular provision of chew toys can help remove tartar and promote oral cleanliness in cats. 

• Feed Selection

Choosing the right feed for your cat's dental health is also a key to preventing periodontitis in cats. Some feeds specifically designed to improve a cat's oral health have the ability to help remove tartar and clean teeth while providing complete and balanced nutrition. Feeding these special diets can help reduce the formation of tartar and maintain healthy pet cat teeth. 

• Regular Bathing

Periodontitis is also linked to the cleanliness of your cat's coat. Regular bathing of cats and kittens to maintain the cleanliness of their skin and fur can help prevent bacterial growth and indirectly prevent periodontitis. 

By taking these preventative measures, you can effectively reduce the risk of feline gingivitis and keep your cat's mouth healthy.

FAQs

Can gingivitis be reversed in cats?

Conclusion

Gingivitis is a preventable and treatable condition that many cats experience. By adopting a good oral care routine at home, including regular brushing, providing dental chews, and feeding a healthy diet, you can manage and even reverse gingivitis in its early stages. However, always consult with your veterinarian if the symptoms persist or worsen, as professional care may be required.