What is the difference between gingivitis and stomatitis in cats?
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease. Stomatitis refers to a more generalized inflammation, whereby most and possibly all of the oral tissues including the gums, tongue, inner surfaces of the lips, and/or the floor and roof of the mouth are affected.
How can you tell if your cat has gum disease?
If your kitty is no longer sitting pretty, it may also be a surprising sign of gum disease. A messy, unkempt coat is an oft-missed sign. When a cat’s gums are in pain, using her tongue to groom herself will be painful. In some cases, cats develop stomatitis, or inflammation of the whole oral cavity.
Why does my cat have red gums all the time?
While it can be very damaging and uncomfortable for cats, it is also often not diagnosed for long periods. Since cats are good at hiding pain, they may not alert us to the problem until it is acute. AnimalWised looks into one of the main reasons why your cat has red and swollen gums; stomatitis.
Is it stomatitis or gingivitis in cats?
In this case it is the inflammation of the mouth and gums. However, in cats, it is most commonly seen in the gums alone. It is very closely related to gingivitis. In fact, what we call stomatitis in cats is sometimes referred to as gingivostomatitis.
What’s the best color for a cat’s gums?
Ideal Cat Gum Color. “When it comes to your cat’s gums, the key is to think pink!” begins Dr. Benson. “A healthy cat’s gums are pink, neither too red nor too dull.”. However, a cat may have been born with black gums. In that case, says Dr. Benson, black gums would be this cat’s normal color.
What to do if your cat’s gums are red?
Red, Swollen Gums and/or Throat The gums in the mouth become red and swollen, and the tissue in the throat is also often affected in the same way. You can attempt to gently look in your cat’s mouth but do not force the issue if your cat refuses to let you open her mouth. Instead, let your vet look.
What does it mean when a cat has pink gums?
Dr. Benson explains: “Bright pink or red gums can be a sign of toxicity or dental disease; yellowish gums could point to problems with the liver. Summary: A cat’s gums can be the following colors: regular pink, black, bright pink, red, yellowish, blue, purple, gray and whitish. That’s quite a spectrum.
In this case it is the inflammation of the mouth and gums. However, in cats, it is most commonly seen in the gums alone. It is very closely related to gingivitis. In fact, what we call stomatitis in cats is sometimes referred to as gingivostomatitis.
Why does my cat have blood coming out of his gums?
Stomatitis causes extreme trauma to the gums. This trauma causes the gums to bleed. The drool from a cat with stomatitis is often tinged with blood because of this trauma. You may also notice a metallic smell coming from your cat, which is the smell of iron from the blood.
