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Nutrition for Cats with Gum Disease: A Feeding Guide

Nutrition for Cats with Gum Disease: A Feeding Guide

Mar 13,2025 | puaintapets

Gum disease, also known as feline periodontal disease, is a common health issue that affects many cats, especially as they age. It can cause painful inflammation, bleeding gums, bad breath, and difficulty eating. If your cat is struggling to chew or has lost interest in food due to gum pain, you may be wondering: What should I feed a cat with gum disease?

The right diet can reduce discomfort, support healing, and promote overall oral health. In this guide, we’ll explore the best foods for cats with gum disease, what to avoid, and how to make mealtime easier for your feline friend.

cat with gum disease

Symptoms of Gum Disease in Cats

The symptoms of gum disease in cats can be categorized into two main stages: gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis

  • Red, swollen gums: The gums become inflamed and may appear redder than normal, especially around the area of the inner cheek.
  • Bad breath: Halitosis is a common sign of gum disease in cats.
  • Plaque and tartar buildup: Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, accumulates on the teeth and can harden into tartar if not removed.
  • Painful mouth: Cats may paw or rub their mouth/face, indicating discomfort.
  • Dropping food: Cats may drop food from their mouth while eating.
  • Bleeding gums: Gums may bleed, especially during brushing or eating.
  • Only eating soft food: Cats may prefer soft food over dry food due to pain or discomfort.
  • Turning head excessively while eating: Cats may turn their head to avoid using a particular side of their mouth.

Periodontitis

  • Loose teeth: As the disease progresses, teeth may become loose and eventually fall out.
  • Tooth loss: Advanced periodontitis can lead to the loss of teeth.
  • Exposed tooth roots: The roots of the teeth may become exposed as the gums recede.
  • Teeth chattering: Cats may chatter their teeth, which can be a sign of pain or discomfort.
  • Tooth resorption: This is the destruction of the crown and tooth roots, leading to holes in the teeth and intense pain.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, it is important to take them to a veterinarian for an oral examination. Early detection and treatment can help prevent the progression of gum disease and improve your cat's oral health.

How Gum Disease Affects a Cat’s Diet

Gum disease can have a significant impact on a cat's diet in several ways:

Changes in Food Preferences

  • Preference for Soft Food: Cats with gum disease may develop a preference for soft food over dry kibble. This is because chewing dry food can be painful, especially if the gums are inflamed or the teeth are loose. Soft food is easier to chew and swallow, causing less discomfort.
  • Avoidance of Certain Textures: Cats may also avoid foods with certain textures that are difficult to chew or that exacerbate their pain. For example, they may shy away from crunchy treats or kibble that requires a lot of chewing.

Difficulty in Eating

  • Pain and Discomfort: Gum disease can cause pain and discomfort in the mouth, making it difficult for cats to eat. They may paw at their mouths, drool, or turn their heads to one side while eating to avoid using the affected side.
  • Reduced Appetite: The pain associated with gum disease can lead to a reduced appetite. Cats may eat less than usual or stop eating altogether, which can lead to weight loss and other health problems.

Nutritional Deficiencies

  • Inadequate Nutrient Intake: If cats are unable to eat a balanced diet due to gum disease, they may not be getting all the necessary nutrients. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies, which can further impact their overall health.
  • Malnutrition: In severe cases, cats may become malnourished if they are unable to eat enough food or if they are only eating a limited variety of foods.

Impact on Digestive Health

  • Poor Digestion: Chewing is an important part of the digestive process, as it helps break down food and aids in digestion. If cats are unable to chew properly due to gum disease, it can lead to poor digestion and nutrient absorption.
  • Gastrointestinal Problems: The inability to eat a normal diet can also lead to gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.

Related: Understanding Feline Constipation

cat with gum disease

 What Causes Gum Disease?

1.Poor Dental Hygiene

  • Lack of Tooth Brushing:

Cats are not naturally inclined to keep their teeth clean like humans do. If owners do not regularly brush their cat's teeth, plaque can build up quickly. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. Over time, if not removed, it can harden into tartar, which is much more difficult to remove and is a major contributor to gum disease.

Most cats do not tolerate tooth brushing well initially, but with proper training from a young age, it can become a routine part of their care. If your cat is very resistant to brushing his teeth, you can use a teeth cleaning powder for him.

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  • Inadequate Dental Check - Ups:

Regular veterinary dental check - ups are essential. If cats do not see a vet for dental examinations at least once a year (more frequently for older cats or those with pre - existing dental issues), problems may go unnoticed until they become more severe.

Vets can detect early signs of gum disease, such as slight redness or swelling of the gums, and take preventive measures.

2.Diet - Related Factors

  • High - Carbohydrate Diets

Diets high in carbohydrates, such as some commercial dry cat foods with a high grain content, can contribute to gum disease. These foods tend to stick to the teeth more easily than protein - based foods.

When food particles remain on the teeth, bacteria in the mouth feed on them, producing acids that can damage the gums and tooth enamel.

  • Soft Foods

Soft or canned foods that are not formulated for dental health can also be a problem. They do not provide the mechanical abrasion that helps keep teeth clean.

For example, if a cat is only fed a diet of pureed or minced wet food without any added dental - friendly ingredients, plaque and tartar can accumulate more rapidly.

3.Genetic Predisposition

  • Breed - Specific Tendencies

Some cat breeds are more prone to developing gum disease. For example, Persian cats often have flat faces and shorter muzzles, which can lead to overcrowding of teeth. This overcrowding makes it difficult to keep the teeth clean, increasing the risk of gum disease.

Siamese cats may also have a genetic predisposition to certain dental problems, including gum disease, although the exact genetic mechanisms are still being studied.

4.Stress and Immune System Suppression

  • Stress - Induced Hormonal Changes

High levels of stress can affect a cat's hormonal balance. Stress hormones can suppress the immune system, making the gums more vulnerable to bacterial infections.

Changes in the household, such as the introduction of a new pet or a move to a new home, can cause stress in cats.

  • Underlying Illnesses

Certain underlying medical conditions, such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or feline leukemia virus (FeLV), can weaken the cat's immune system.

Also Read: FIV in Cats

A weakened immune system is less able to fight off the bacteria that cause gum disease, allowing infections to take hold more easily.

cat with gum disease

What Foods Should Cats with Gum Disease Eat

Cats with gum disease require a diet that is easy to chew and swallow, while also promoting oral health. Here are some of the best foods for cats with gum disease:

Dry Food

  • This cat food is designed for cats with existing dental disease. The kibble helps control plaque accumulation and supports healthy gums.
  • Formulated to reduce plaque and tartar formation, this food is suitable for cats with dental issues.

Wet Food

  • Dried Raw Cat Food: This raw food option is easy to chew and provides a natural diet for cats.

Dental Treats and Chews

  • Feline Dental Chews: These are designed to clean teeth and gums as cats chew on them.
  • Best Cat Dental Sticks: These dental chews in stick form can help keep teeth clean.

Homemade Options

  • Soft, cooked meats: Such as chicken or fish, can be easily chewed by cats with gum disease.
  • Pate-style wet food: This type of wet food is smooth and easy to eat.

Dietary Considerations

  • Avoid hard kibble: Hard kibble can be difficult for cats with gum disease to chew.
  • Limit sugary and starchy foods: These can contribute to dental problems.
  • Ensure high-quality protein: To support overall health.
  • Consult your vet: Before making any dietary changes, it's important to consult your veterinarian for personalized advice.

cat with gum disease

FAQs

Can I still give my cat dry food if it has gum disease?

While it's better to focus on wet food, you can soften dry food to make it more manageable for the cat.

Are there any specific treats I can give?

Look for dental - friendly treats that are low in sugar and have a texture that can help clean teeth.

How long will it take to see improvement in my cat's gum disease with the right diet?

It varies depending on the severity of the gum disease, but with consistent proper feeding, improvement can be seen within a few weeks to a few months.

Conclusion

Cats with gum disease need a special diet. Soft and easily chewable foods are key. Dental treats play a role in maintaining oral health. Homemade options like cooked soft meats are suitable too. Avoid hard kibble and foods high in sugar and starch. High - quality protein is essential for overall health. Most importantly, always consult a vet before changing a cat's diet. This ensures the diet meets the cat's specific needs during gum disease.

Related: Cat Gum Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

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