As a carnivore, the cat has formidable jaws. Anybody who has had the misfortune to find themselves on the wrong end of a cat’s teeth will have come away with a painful memory possibly followed by an infection.  As a companion animal with increasing status within the family, current healthcare and feeding with a complete processed food increases the longevity of our domestic felines. Unfortunately it does not necessarily apply to their dental health. However, we do know that the shape, size and texture of certain dry foods contribute to a mechanical scraping action that helps to clean an animal’s teeth (Servet, 2003). A better understanding of dental health from a young age helps to reduce the impact of oral diseases.

A carnivore in nature, the cat is in possession of tools ideally suited to its predatory way of life. Its teeth are narrow, prominent and sharp. These characteristics need to be taken into account whenever handling a cat.  A cat’s oral mucosal tissue contains numerous immune cells looking after local defenses (Harley et al, 2003). In addition to its “non sterile” prey, the hygiene habits of this animal, which spends many hours grooming itself, require effective defense mechanisms. A cat’s mouth is packed with potentially disease causing bacteria, the role of which in oral diseases is not always clear. Research on the immunoglobulin concentrations in saliva using the ELISA test (the most reliable method) has demonstrated that IgA is the major type of immunoglobulin in saliva and that the concentration is relatively constant over time (Harley et al, 1998).

Viral infections are also factors that should not be overlooked. It is recommended that tests (Calicivirus, FIV, FeLV) be carried out on cats presented for treatment of mouth problems.