Symptoms, Causes & Natural Remedies

Gingivitis is a common dental condition in cats that can cause pain, discomfort, and even lead to more severe health issues when left untreated. In this guide, we will cover the symptoms, causes, and natural treatments for gingivitis in cats.

Symptoms of Gingivitis in Cats

The symptoms of gingivitis in cats can be easy to miss because of a feline’s stoic nature, but they can also be quite noticeable once the issue progresses. If you see any of these symptoms (or yellow tartar on your cat’s teeth), it’s best to consult with your veterinarian to check for dental disease. Here are some of the most common symptoms of gingivitis in cats:

• Bad breath: If your cat has bad breath, it could be a sign of gingivitis.
• Red, swollen gums: Red and swollen gums are a classic symptom of gingivitis in cats. Pay attention to the color of your cat’s gums.
• Bleeding gums: If your cat’s gums bleed when you touch them or when they eat, this is a sign of gingivitis.
• Loss of appetite: Cats with gingivitis may refuse to eat because of the pain and discomfort they feel in their mouths.
• Tooth loss: If the condition is left untreated, cats teeth can rot and fall out due to the severe inflammation.

Causes of Gingivitis in Cats

Gingivitis in cats is caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth, which can lead to the inflammation of the gums. Other causes of gingivitis in cats include:

• Poor dental hygiene: Cats who do not receive regular dental care are more likely to develop gingivitis.
• Diet: Poor nutrition & foods that contain starches and carbohydrates (kibble) can also contribute to the development of gingivitis in cats.
• Health conditions: Certain health conditions such as feline leukemia (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and diabetes can increase the risk of developing gingivitis.
• Genetics: It’s thought that some breeds of cats are more prone to developing gingivitis.

Natural Treatments for Gingivitis in Cats

There are several natural treatments that can help alleviate the symptoms of gingivitis in cats and help fight more mild cases at home. These natural treatments can also help prevent gingivitis. 

1. Brushing teeth: Regular brushing of your cat’s teeth is an excellent way to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, which can lead to gingivitis. Use a cat specific toothbrush and cat-friendly toothpaste.
2. Diet: Feeding your cat a healthy, balanced, fresh food diet can help prevent dental issues. Offering your cat raw meaty bones (never cooked bones) to chew on can also strengthen their teeth and help knock off plaque & tartar. 
3. Coconut oil: Organic coconut oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can be applied directly to your cat’s gums to reduce inflammation. You can also apply this to the toothbrush. 
4. Vitamin C: Vitamin C can help boost your cat’s immune system and reduce inflammation. You can add vitamin C to your cat’s diet or apply it directly to their gums.
5. Herbs: Certain herbs such as chamomile, calendula, and aloe vera can help reduce inflammation and soothe your cat’s gums.
6. Natural anti-bacterial supplements: Certain mineral-based supplements can be applied to the toothbrush, food or directly on the gums to fight plaque, infection and tartar on gums.