Feline stomatitis is a very painful mouth condition for cats. It occurs when the soft tissues in the mouth are frequently inflamed. The condition can affect cats of any breed or age.

Causes

There are various causes of feline stomatitis. Some cats develop the condition because they are overly sensitive to bacterial plaque. Others are affected due to allergies to fleas or certain foods. Another reason cats develop stomatitis is because of viral or bacterial infections which suppress your cat’s immune system. Three of the most common viruses to blame are the feline leukemia virus, immunodeficiency virus, and feline calicivirus.

Symptoms

As mentioned earlier, feline stomatitis is a very painful condition. Therefore, your cat may be reluctant to eat which in turn leads to weight loss. Other common symptoms include bleeding gums and excessive drooling. Also, your cat may stop grooming himself properly because of the pain. Some cats with this disease change their behavior. These changes include irritability, aggression, and depression.

Diagnosis

Because of the pain caused by feline stomatitis, the veterinarian may have to sedate your cat prior to the physical exam. This disease usually causes ulcers or lesions to form on your cat’s gums, tongue, and back or roof of the mouth. A biopsy may also be performed to make sure the lesions aren’t caused by other diseases such as cancer.

Treatment

Unfortunately, feline stomatitis is a difficult condition to treat. Your cat may need to have a significant number of teeth removed in order to control the condition. If stomatitis is caused by sensitivity to bacterial plague, then your cat will have to have his teeth cleaned on a regular basis. It may also be necessary for your cat to take medications such as corticosteroids and antibiotics.