Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) is a painful, long-lasting inflammation that affects the gums and the mucous membranes inside a cat’s mouth—not just the gumline. Drooling, blood-tinged saliva, bad breath, trouble eating, or weight loss warrant a veterinary examination. Treatment often involves removing some or all teeth, followed by additional care based on the cat’s response. Only a veterinarian can assess whether a cat has FCGS or another oral condition.
What is stomatitis in cats?
“Stomatitis” describes inflammation inside the mouth and can refer to different conditions. This article focuses on feline chronic gingivostomatitis, commonly abbreviated FCGS and also called feline or caudal stomatitis. It causes severe, chronic inflammation of the gums and oral mucosa—the soft tissue lining the mouth. Unlike ordinary gingivitis, FCGS extends beyond the gumline and often affects tissue toward the back of the mouth.
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Lesions may also occur beneath the tongue, on the lips, or on the roof of the mouth. The extent and location vary, so a cat’s symptoms alone cannot establish the diagnosis.
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The cause of FCGS is not fully established. A leading explanation is that an abnormal or excessive immune response to plaque and other persistent substances in the mouth drives inflammation. Cornell Feline Health Center’s dentistry and oral surgery chief, Jennifer Rawlinson, DVM, describes the immune system as becoming overly reactive to plaque, with inflammation spreading from around an affected tooth into nearby tissue.
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Viral infections, including feline calicivirus and retroviruses, are associated with the disease and may contribute to disease processes. However, an association does not prove that a virus directly causes FCGS in every cat. Cornell notes that a direct causal relationship with associated viral, bacterial, nutritional, or hormonal conditions has not been established.
What are the signs of stomatitis in cats?
Mouth pain can make everyday behaviors—eating, grooming, or being touched around the face—uncomfortable. Signs can include:
- Drooling or saliva tinged with blood
- Red, swollen, ulcerated, or bleeding gums, or sores elsewhere in the mouth
- Bad breath
- Pawing at the mouth
- Reduced appetite, difficulty eating, or approaching food but being unable to eat comfortably
- Weight loss
These signs can occur with other oral problems, too. A cat that cannot eat, has visible mouth bleeding or ulcers, or is losing weight needs prompt veterinary attention. Do not try to brush a mouth that may be affected: Cornell specifically discourages brushing in affected cats because it can be painful.
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How common is feline stomatitis?
Published estimates use different populations and measures, so they should not be treated as one universal rate.
| Estimate | Population or measure |
|---|---|
| 3–5% | Jennifer Rawlinson, DVM, as quoted by the Cornell Feline Health Center; the page does not state the estimate’s study year. |
| 0.7%–12% | Share of feline cases seen in veterinary practices, as reported in a 2023 Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine news item. |
| Up to 26% | Domestic cats, depending on the population studied, according to the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC), in a position adopted in October 2023. |
| 26.6% | Feral cats studied in Korea; this population-specific result is listed in the 2025 FelineVMA oral health guidelines. |
The figures describe different groups and contexts. In particular, the Korean feral-cat result is not a general estimate for household cats.
How does a veterinarian diagnose FCGS?
A veterinarian evaluates the mouth along with the cat’s overall health. A painful cat may not tolerate a complete conscious examination; Merck Veterinary Manual notes that sedation is often needed to examine the mouth fully. Cornell reports that many cases can be recognized by examining the mouth, but a biopsy may be needed for a conclusive diagnosis in some cases. A visual examination does not rule out other oral disease.
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Dental radiographs and assessment for other mouth problems can help the veterinarian plan treatment. Radiographs are also important after extractions to check for retained tooth roots or fragments.
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How is stomatitis in cats treated?
Treatment is individualized, but extraction surgery is often central to care. The veterinarian considers where and how extensively the lesions are distributed, the cat’s health and ability to undergo surgery, and the response to treatment. The AVDC describes surgical management as the primary intervention when a cat can undergo extractions; medication may be added or continued according to the response.
Partial or full-mouth extraction
Depending on disease distribution, a veterinarian may remove the premolars and molars or recommend full-mouth extraction. A veterinary dental specialist may be appropriate to consider because these procedures can be extensive and the inflamed tissues are fragile. Owners should discuss the options with the veterinarian rather than trying to choose a procedure from symptoms alone.
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Medical and supportive care
Medication may be used to control inflammation or bacterial proliferation, and further medical management may be needed after surgery. Antibiotics and other medicines must be selected by a veterinarian; they are not owner-directed remedies. Pain control and nutritional support around treatment should also be discussed with the veterinary team for the individual cat.
Recovery and likely outcome
Merck Veterinary Manual says that after early full-mouth extraction, with radiographs confirming no retained roots or fragments, 60–80% of affected cats appear cured or dramatically improved. Cornell reports that about 60% of cats need no further medical management after full-mouth extraction and can have a good quality of life. These are different reported outcomes, not guarantees for an individual cat. Cornell’s overview gives a recovery period of about five to ten days after full-mouth extraction.
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Can stomatitis in cats be cured?
Some cats improve dramatically after extraction, while others need ongoing medical management. The outcome figures above measure different results and do not guarantee a cure. Your veterinarian can explain what response is realistic for your cat and how follow-up will be assessed.
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Will my cat need all its teeth removed?
Not necessarily. Depending on lesion location and extent, the veterinarian may recommend removing the premolars and molars or all teeth. The choice is based on the cat’s disease and treatment plan, not on a general rule that every cat with stomatitis needs the same operation.
Can I brush my cat’s teeth if it has stomatitis?
No—not when the mouth is actively affected and painful. Cornell specifically discourages brushing affected cats because it can cause pain. Ask the veterinarian whether any oral care is appropriate while the condition is being evaluated or treated.
What to do if you suspect mouth pain
- Arrange a veterinary appointment, particularly if your cat is struggling to eat, has visible bleeding or ulcers, or is losing weight.
- Describe the changes you have noticed, such as drooling, blood in saliva, bad breath, pawing at the mouth, or approaching food without eating comfortably.
- Ask how the mouth will be examined, whether sedation or further testing may be needed, and what treatment options fit the distribution of disease.
- If surgery is recommended, discuss pain control, nutritional support, postoperative radiographs, follow-up, and whether referral to a veterinary dental specialist is appropriate.
Do not try to treat suspected FCGS with brushing, over-the-counter oral remedies, or medication without veterinary guidance.
Quick Recap
Sources
- Cornell Feline Health Center: Gingivostomatitis
- American Veterinary Dental College: Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Mouth Disorders in Cats
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: 2023 report on feline oral health problems
- FelineVMA: 2025 oral health guidelines
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