Gingivitis in Cats: How to Spot It Early + Bruno’s Story

Brenda Cardoso
Dec 4, 2025
3 min read

Dental health is something many cat parents don’t think about until a problem appears — and that’s exactly what happened with my roommate’s kitten, Bruno. He was only 5 months old when we discovered he had chronic gingivitis in cats, a form of cat gum disease that can develop early due to genetics or an overactive immune response.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through:

Bruno’s story
The most important signs of gingivitis in cats
Why gingivitis happens
What happens if it’s not treated
Treatment and prevention tips for cat dental disease

Bruno’s Story: Chronic Gingivitis in a 5-Month-Old Kitten

Bruno was still a playful, energetic kitten when I noticed the first sign: cat bad breath. Kitten breath should never smell sour or foul, so I knew immediately something was off.

Other signs I spotted:

Very red and inflamed gums
Mild discomfort while eating
Hesitating to chew dry food
A bit of drooling

A vet visit confirmed it: Bruno had chronic gingivitis, a persistent form of cat gum inflammation. Because it had progressed quickly, he eventually needed cat tooth extractions to remove the painful, damaged teeth.

Thankfully, Bruno recovered beautifully — but his situation showed how easy it is to miss early cat dental disease.

What Is Gingivitis in Cats?

Gingivitis in cats is inflammation of the gums caused by plaque and bacteria. It is the first stage of cat dental disease, and it’s very treatable when caught early. In some kittens, like Bruno, it becomes chronic gingivitis, often due to genetics or immune response.

Signs of Gingivitis in Cats

The earlier you spot these signs, the easier it is to treat cat gum disease:

Strong or unpleasant bad breath in cats
Red or swollen gums
Bleeding gums
Yellow/brown plaque or tartar buildup
Drooling
Difficulty eating or chewing
Refusing dry food
Pawing at the mouth

Why Do Cats Get Gingivitis?

Common causes of cat gum inflammation include:

Plaque and tartar buildup
Genetics (some cats and breeds are more prone)
Immune-mediated issues (common in kittens with chronic gingivitis)
Viral infections like FIV or calicivirus
Poor dental hygiene
Age or underlying disease

For very young cats like Bruno, the cause is often immune sensitivity paired with normal plaque.

What Happens if Gingivitis Is Not Treated?

Untreated gingivitis in cats can lead to:

1. Periodontitis

A more advanced cat dental disease that destroys bone and tissue.

2. Tooth loss

Severe gum damage leads to loose or painful teeth that need removal.

3. Chronic pain

Cats hide mouth pain extremely well.

4. Oral infections

Bacteria can spread into the bloodstream and affect major organs.

5. Poor nutrition or weight loss

Painful gums cause cats to avoid food.

6. Stomatitis

A serious, extremely painful mouth condition.

Catching gingivitis early prevents almost all of these complications.

How to Treat Gingivitis in Cats

Depending on the severity, a veterinarian may recommend:

Professional dental cleaning

Deep plaque removal under the gums.

Medications

Antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications for infection or pain.

Tooth extractions

For chronic or severe gingivitis cases, cat tooth extraction can drastically improve comfort.

Immune support treatments

For kittens with chronic gingivitis, vets may address immune-related inflammation.

How to Prevent Gingivitis in Cats

To reduce the risk of cat gum disease, try:

Weekly brushing (or daily if tolerated)
Cat-safe dental gels or toothpastes
Dental treats & chews
Dental diets
Water additives
Routine vet dental checkups

Final Thoughts

Bruno’s journey taught me how important it is to pay attention to even the smallest signs — especially bad breath in cats and red gums. Early treatment can prevent tooth loss, infections, and chronic pain.

Your cat can’t tell you when something hurts, but you can learn to spot the early signs of gingivitis in cats.

At PetswithBrenda, I’m here to support you and your fur babies with practical pet health tips every step of the way. 🐾💛

Sources: Information gathered from trusted veterinary resources such as the AVMA, AAHA dental guidelines, Cornell Feline Health Center, and personal experience caring for a kitten diagnosed with chronic gingivitis.