Stomatitis
in cats & dogs
Hungry.
But eating hurts.
Inflamed, sometimes ulcerated mouth tissues can make eating, grooming, and everyday life painful. Finding the cause is the first step toward relief. 1, 2
A clue at the food bowlThey want to eat.
Then pull away.
The clues can look
like “just a change.”
Watch what happens around meals and grooming. These signs can occur with several oral conditions. [2, 3]
Approaches.
Then retreats.
Dropping food, chewing cautiously, or stopping mid-meal.
Drool.
Odor. Blood.
Excess saliva, bad breath, or blood-tinged saliva.
Less grooming.
Less themselves.
A scruffy coat, pawing at the mouth, or pulling away from touch.
Mild Irritant.
Severe Over-reactions.
Even mild discomforts can be severely painful.
More than
sore gums.
“Stomatitis” means inflammation of the mouth lining. It describes a finding—not one single cause. [1, 4]
Stomatitis invades the entire mouth.
In feline chronic gingivostomatitis, the hallmark of true stomatitis is that there will be caudal mucositis, which is defined as redness and inflammation in the back of the mouth on both sides of the throat.
Simplified illustration · Not a diagnostic tool
Tap a label to highlight the area. These are different locations of inflammation, not stages of one disease. Gingivitis and stomatitis may occur together. [4]
Similar pain.
Different patterns.
Feline chronic
gingivostomatitis
A persistent inflammatory condition involving an abnormal immune response. Plaque, oral microbes, and other factors may contribute; no single cause explains every cat. Red, inflamed tissue may extend toward the back of the mouth. [4, 5]
Why teeth can be part of the treatment
Removing selected teeth or all teeth can reduce plaque-associated stimulation of the immune response. Your dentist uses the pattern of inflammation and dental findings to recommend the extent of extraction. [2, 5]
Canine chronic
ulcerative stomatitis
Also described as CUPS or CCUPS, this condition causes painful mouth ulcers, often where the lining contacts plaque-bearing teeth. Immune involvement is suspected. It requires its own assessment and treatment plan. [1, 3]
Why the diagnosis matters
Other diseases can resemble CCUS. Treatment may involve dental care, extractions, medication, and ongoing plaque control when comfortable enough. A cat’s extraction plan should not automatically be applied to a dog. [1, 3]
See the inflammation.
These photographs show feline chronic gingivostomatitis. The amount of visible tartar does not tell the whole story.
Inflammation can involve a broad area of the mouth lining, with teeth still present.
Some cats still have inflamed tissue after extractions and need further treatment.
Different patients—not a before-and-after pair or DVDP treatment results. Cropped from Figure 1, Soltero-Rivera et al. (2024), Pathogens, under CC BY 4.0. Photos do not diagnose an individual pet.
Comfort first.
A plan that fits.
Address the pain
Assess comfort, hydration, and food intake. Provide pain relief and nutritional support as needed.
Find the cause
Oral assessment and dental X-rays; bloodwork, infection testing, or biopsy when indicated.
Tailor the care
For feline FCGS, extractions are a major treatment option. Other diagnoses may need different care.
Track the response
Recheck eating, comfort, and tissue healing. Adjust medication or seek specialist support when needed.
Dental procedures require anesthesia, appropriate monitoring, and pain control. Persistent disease may need additional medical management. [1, 5, 8]
There is room
for real improvement.
Following tooth extractions, with medical management as needed. This is a study result, not a prediction for your cat. [6]
- 27
- Complete resolutionStomatitis resolved.
- 37
- Substantial improvementMeaningful improvement, without full resolution.
- 31
- Little or no improvementFurther care remained important.
Of the 64 cats with a positive response, 44 needed an additional period of medical treatment. Healing and disease control take time; extractions are not a guaranteed cure. Jennings et al., 2015. [6]
Be gentle with
a painful mouth.
Help them stay comfortable
- Ask your vet which food texture is appropriate.
- Track how much they eat and drink.
- Use prescribed medicines exactly as directed.
- Keep rechecks, even if appetite improves.
Avoid adding discomfort
- Do not force the mouth open to inspect it.
- Do not brush actively painful, inflamed tissue.
- Do not give human pain medicines.
- Do not wait for weight loss before seeking help.
Your veterinary team can advise when and how oral home care should resume. [2, 3]
You might be wondering…
Is stomatitis the same as periodontal disease?
No. Stomatitis affects the mouth lining. Periodontal disease affects the tissues supporting the teeth. They can coexist, and both may need treatment. [3, 4]
Does stomatitis mean every tooth must come out?
Not automatically. In cats with FCGS, partial-mouth or full-mouth extractions may be recommended after assessment. Dogs with CCUS and pets with other causes of mouth inflammation need diagnosis-specific plans. [1, 5]
Can my cat eat without teeth?
Many cats adapt well after healing and enjoy a good quality of life. Your team will give feeding instructions for recovery and reassess any ongoing pain or inflammation. [2]
Will antibiotics alone fix it?
Antibiotics may have a role in selected cases, but chronic gingivostomatitis involves an abnormal inflammatory response. Antibiotics alone are not a dependable long-term solution. Treatment may combine dental surgery, pain control, and medication. [5]
What if treatment does not fully resolve it?
Persistent disease calls for reassessment, including the diagnosis, dental findings, and pain control. Some pets need ongoing medical treatment or specialist input. The goal is a comfortable pet who can eat and enjoy daily life. [1, 5, 6]
Help them get back
to being themselves.
Concerned about mouth pain, unusual eating, or a stomatitis diagnosis? Let’s discuss the next step for your pet.
Serving Delaware pet families and the surrounding region.