Understanding Feline Stomatitis: Causes, Care, and Long-Term Relief

When your cat suddenly becomes reluctant to eat, drools excessively, or starts pawing at their mouth, it’s easy to assume it’s just a simple dental issue. But for some cats, those signs point to something much more painful and complex: feline stomatitis. At Just Cats Clinic in Reston, Virginia, we see this condition more often than most cat owners expect—and we’re here to walk you through what it is, what causes it, and how we treat it.

What Is Feline Stomatitis?

Feline stomatitis, also known as chronic ulcerative paradental stomatitis (CUPS) or feline chronic gingivostomatitis, is a severe, painful inflammation of a cat’s mouth. It often affects the gums, inner cheeks, tongue, and back of the throat. While some cats may only experience mild redness and swelling, others suffer from deep ulcers and extensive oral inflammation that drastically impact their quality of life.

According to DVM360, this condition is immune-mediated, meaning the cat’s immune system is inappropriately attacking the tissues in the mouth—often in response to plaque on the teeth. Why certain cats develop this extreme reaction is still being studied, but it’s likely multifactorial.

Common Signs of Feline Stomatitis

It’s easy to miss the early signs. Cats are notoriously good at hiding pain. But when stomatitis progresses, the symptoms become difficult to ignore.

Symptoms may include:

  • Difficulty or refusal to eat
  • Excessive drooling, sometimes tinged with blood
  • Bad breath
  • Weight loss
  • Decreased grooming
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Crying out while eating or yawning
  • Swollen or bleeding gums
  • Visible ulcers in the mouth

If you notice any of these signs, urgent veterinary care is recommended. This isn’t a condition to wait on—your cat is likely in significant pain.

Diagnosing Feline Stomatitis

Diagnosis typically starts with a thorough oral examination under sedation. In many cases, dental X-rays are needed to assess bone involvement and root health. Bloodwork may also be recommended to rule out underlying systemic diseases like feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), both of which may play a role in immune dysfunction.

We’ll often take a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and rule out oral cancer or other causes of ulceration, as detailed in the Merck Veterinary Manual.

Treatment Options: It’s All About Management

There’s no one-size-fits-all cure for feline stomatitis, but with the right treatment plan, most cats can live more comfortable lives.

1. Dental Extractions

The cornerstone of treatment for moderate to severe stomatitis is full-mouth or partial dental extractions. As daunting as this sounds, cats generally do very well without their teeth. Removing the teeth eliminates the surfaces where plaque builds up—essentially removing the trigger that sends their immune system into overdrive.

At Just Cats Clinic, our veterinarians are highly skilled in oral surgery and pain management.

2. Multimodal Pain Management

Pain control is essential. We use a multimodal analgesic approach, combining medications that target pain from different angles. This may include opioids, anti-inflammatories, nerve pain medications, and local anesthetics. Learn more about this approach in Today’s Veterinary Nurse.

Drugs commonly used include:

  • Buprenorphine (opioid pain relief)
  • Gabapentin (nerve pain modulation)
  • NSAIDs (when appropriate and safe)
  • Steroids (in specific cases to reduce inflammation)
  • Local Analgesics and dental blocks using medications like lidocaine and bupivacaine.

For a deeper dive, check out this pain management reference from Merck.

3. Immune-Modulating Therapies

For some cats, even after extractions, inflammation persists. These cases may benefit from immune-modulating drugs such as cyclosporine or interferon. They’re not first-line therapies but can be critical for refractory cases.

Long-Term Maintenance and At-Home Care

Post-extraction, many cats show a dramatic improvement in appetite, demeanor, and overall comfort. But this isn’t always a “fix it and forget it” situation.

Ongoing care may include:

  • Regular rechecks to monitor for recurrence
  • Routine dental cleanings as needed
  • Oral hygiene products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)
  • Diet adjustments, such as soft food during recovery

And of course, we recommend that all dental care be done in a cat-friendly environment like ours. As a certified Cat Friendly Practice, we prioritize reducing fear, stress, and anxiety during every visit.

Why Choosing the Right Vet Matters

Treating feline stomatitis requires skill, patience, and a deep understanding of feline behavior and physiology. At Just Cats Clinic, we’re not just a veterinary clinic that sees cats—we’re a veterinary clinic built for cats. From our specialized training to our quiet, dog-free environment, we’ve designed everything with your cat’s comfort in mind.

Every detail of your cat’s visit—from exam to recovery—is planned to make their experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Common Questions About Feline Stomatitis

Is feline stomatitis contagious?

No, stomatitis itself is not contagious. However, underlying viral infections like FeLV or FIV can be contagious to other cats.

Will my cat still be able to eat after a full-mouth extraction?

Absolutely. Most cats eat better after extractions because they’re no longer in pain. Soft food is recommended during recovery, but many cats return to dry food once healed.

Can stomatitis come back?

Yes, but recurrence is less likely after full-mouth extractions. About 60–80% of cats experience significant improvement or complete resolution.

When Your Cat’s Mouth Hurts, We’re Here to Help

Feline stomatitis can be one of the most painful conditions a cat experiences—but with prompt diagnosis, strategic treatment, and expert care, many cats go on to live happy, comfortable lives.

If your cat is showing signs of mouth pain, drooling, or appetite changes, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment or learn more about urgent cat care options at Just Cats Clinic. We’re dedicated to helping cats feel better, one mouth at a time.