What is stomatitis in cats? Causes, treatment, and prevention tips

If your cat suddenly seems hesitant to eat, drools more than usual, or pulls away when you touch their face, it's natural to wonder: Is this something, or is it nothing?

In some cases, those changes can be signs of stomatitis in cats, a painful inflammatory condition that affects the mouth and can make everyday activities uncomfortable. Left untreated, cat stomatitis can have a significant impact on your cat's quality of life. The good news is that treatment options are available, and many cats experience meaningful improvement with the right care.

Here's what pet parents should know about stomatitis in cats, including what causes it, how it's treated, and when it's time to seek veterinary care. 

What is stomatitis in cats?

Stomatitis in cats is a severe inflammation of the tissues inside the mouth. Unlike mild gum irritation, stomatitis can affect multiple areas of the mouth, including the gums, cheeks, tongue, throat, and tissues surrounding the teeth.

The condition develops when a cat's immune system overreacts to bacteria and plaque in the mouth, creating widespread inflammation and pain. Even routine activities like eating, drinking, grooming, or yawning can become uncomfortable.

Many pet parents first notice subtle changes, such as their cat chewing differently or avoiding hard food. Because cats are skilled at hiding pain, the condition is often more advanced by the time symptoms become obvious.

What causes stomatitis in cats?

While veterinarians understand a great deal about feline stomatitis, there isn't always a single cause.

Researchers believe the condition is often linked to an abnormal immune response. In affected cats, the body's immune system reacts excessively to normal plaque and bacteria found in the mouth, creating chronic inflammation.

Several factors may increase a cat's risk of developing stomatitis, including:

• Dental disease and plaque buildup  

• Certain viral infections, such as feline calicivirus (FCV)  

• Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)  

• Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)  

• Genetics and individual immune system differences  

• Chronic oral inflammation

It's important to understand that even cats with excellent home dental care can develop stomatitis. That's why prevention focuses on supporting overall oral health rather than guaranteeing the condition won't occur. 

Is stomatitis in cats contagious?

The answer is generally no. Stomatitis itself is not considered contagious.

However, some underlying conditions associated with stomatitis, such as feline calicivirus, can spread between cats. While the virus may contribute to inflammation, it does not mean another cat will automatically develop stomatitis.

If you have multiple cats in your household, your veterinarian may recommend testing for certain infectious diseases and discussing preventive health measures for all pets in the home. 

How can I tell if my cat may have stomatitis?

The symptoms of stomatitis can range from subtle to severe. Because cats often hide discomfort, some signs can be easy to miss.

Common stomatitis in cats symptoms include:

• Excessive drooling  

• Bad breath  

• Difficulty eating  

• Chewing on one side of the mouth  

• Dropping food while eating  

• Reduced appetite  

• Weight loss  

• Pawing at the mouth  

• Reduced grooming  

• Irritability or behavioral changes  

• Hiding more often  

• Red, inflamed gums 

Some cats continue trying to eat despite significant pain, which can make the condition appear less serious than it actually is.

If you've noticed any of these changes, it's worth having your cat evaluated.

If your cat suddenly stops eating, appears lethargic, or seems to be in significant pain, finding care sooner can help identify the cause and provide relief. 

How is cat stomatitis diagnosed?

Diagnosing cat stomatitis starts with a thorough physical examination and oral assessment.

Your veterinarian will look for signs of inflammation, oral pain, infection, and dental disease. Depending on your cat's comfort level, a complete oral examination may require sedation.

Additional diagnostics may include: 

• Dental X-rays  

• Blood work  

• Testing for FIV or FeLV  

• Evaluation for other oral conditions  

These tests help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of mouth pain, such as oral tumors, severe dental infections, or traumatic injuries. 

What is the treatment for cat stomatitis?

Cat stomatitis treatment varies depending on the severity of the disease and your cat's individual needs.

The primary goal is reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and improving quality of life. 

Medical management

For some cats, treatment may include:

• Pain medications  

• Anti-inflammatory medications  

• Antibiotics when infection is present  

• Prescription dental products  

• Specialized diets 

While medication can help manage symptoms, it may not fully control the disease in every case. 

Dental treatment

Professional dental cleaning and treatment often play an important role in managing stomatitis.

Because plaque and bacteria can trigger inflammation, improving oral health can help reduce the immune system's response. 

Tooth extractions

One of the most effective treatments for severe stomatitis is partial or full-mouth tooth extraction.

This recommendation can sound alarming to pet parents at first. However, the goal isn't simply removing teeth — it's removing the surfaces where plaque accumulates and triggers painful inflammation.

Many cats experience substantial improvements in comfort, appetite, and quality of life following extractions. In fact, some cats become noticeably more active and affectionate after treatment because they're no longer living with chronic oral pain.

If you're weighing treatment options and feeling unsure, you're not alone. This is one of the most common concerns veterinarians help pet parents navigate, so we’re happy to help answer any of your questions. 

Can stomatitis in cats be prevented?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent stomatitis in cats, but supporting good oral health may help reduce risk and allow problems to be identified earlier. 

Helpful steps include: 

• Scheduling regular primary care visits 

• Following recommended dental care plans  

• Monitoring for changes in eating habits  

• Addressing dental disease promptly  

• Keeping up with preventive health recommendations  

Many cats show few outward signs until oral disease becomes advanced. Routine evaluations can help catch issues before they significantly impact comfort and health. 

If it's been a while since your cat's last oral health assessment, find a Lovet location and book your next appointment today. 

What does recovery and aftercare look like?

Recovery from stomatitis depends on the treatment performed and the severity of the disease.

Many cats need a period of adjustment after treatment, particularly if tooth extractions are involved. During recovery, your veterinarian may recommend:

• Soft food temporarily  

• Pain management medications  

• Follow-up examinations  

• Activity and behavior monitoring  

• Ongoing oral health support 

Most pet parents are surprised by how well cats adapt after treatment. Cats can often eat comfortably and maintain an excellent quality of life even after extensive dental procedures. 

When should I seek care for my cat?

Mouth pain can affect nearly every part of your cat's daily routine, from eating and drinking to grooming and social interaction.

It's a good idea to seek urgent veterinary care if your cat is:

• Drooling excessively  

• Refusing food  

• Losing weight  

• Showing signs of oral pain  

• Pawing at their mouth  

• Developing persistent bad breath  

• Acting differently than normal 

Early evaluation can help identify the cause and create a treatment plan before symptoms become more severe. 

At Lovet, we know how stressful it can be when something seems off with your pet and you're not sure what it means. Our veterinarians can help determine whether stomatitis or another condition may be causing your cat's symptoms and guide you through the next steps. 

Can cats live comfortably with stomatitis?

Yes. With appropriate treatment and ongoing veterinary support, many cats with stomatitis go on to live comfortable, happy lives.

The key is identifying the condition early and developing a treatment plan that addresses both pain and inflammation. Every cat's situation is different, but many experience significant improvement after treatment and regain the ability to eat, groom, and interact comfortably.

If you've noticed changes in your cat's eating habits, behavior, or oral health, trust your instincts. Cats rarely stop eating or change their routines without a reason. Getting answers at your local Lovet can help you move forward with confidence — and help your cat feel more like themselves again. 

Cat stomatitis FAQs 

What is stomatitis in cats?

Stomatitis in cats is a severe inflammatory condition that affects the tissues inside the mouth. It can cause significant pain, difficulty eating, drooling, and changes in behavior. 

Is stomatitis in cats contagious?

No, stomatitis itself is not contagious. However, some viruses that may contribute to the condition can spread between cats.

What are the symptoms of stomatitis in cats? 

Common symptoms include drooling, bad breath, difficulty eating, weight loss, pawing at the mouth, reduced grooming, and visible redness or inflammation in the mouth. 

What is the best cat stomatitis treatment? 

Treatment depends on the individual cat, but may include pain management, anti-inflammatory medications, dental treatment, and, in some cases, tooth extractions. Many cats experience significant improvement when the underlying inflammation is effectively managed. 

Can stomatitis in cats be cured?

Some cats achieve long-term relief after treatment, particularly following tooth extractions. Others may require ongoing management and monitoring to keep symptoms under control.