Updated September 25, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS), usually called stomatitis, is a painful, long-term inflammation of a cat’s gums and mouth. It’s thought to be an overreaction of the immune system to dental plaque, and it’s often associated with feline calicivirus. The most effective treatment is removing most or all of the teeth. Many cats are cured or greatly improved, and cats eat well without teeth. Medications can ease pain but rarely control the disease on their own long term.
Signs
- Bright red, swollen, or bleeding gums and tissue at the back of the mouth
- Bad breath
- Drooling, sometimes with blood
- Pawing at the mouth, or crying out while eating
- Dropping food, preferring soft food, or refusing to eat
- Weight loss and a messy, unkempt coat (it hurts to groom)
- Hiding or irritability
Causes
The exact cause isn’t fully understood. It appears to be an abnormal immune response to plaque bacteria on the teeth. Feline calicivirus is found in many affected cats. Cats with FIV or FeLV may be affected too. Stress and multi-cat environments may play a role.
When to see a vet
See your vet if your cat has red gums, bad breath, drooling, or trouble eating. Go sooner if your cat hasn’t eaten for more than a day, since cats that stop eating can develop fatty liver disease.
Diagnosis
Your vet will examine the mouth, often under anesthesia, with dental X-rays to look for tooth resorption and retained roots. A biopsy may be taken to rule out oral cancer, and tests for FIV, FeLV, and calicivirus may be recommended.
Treatment
Tooth extraction
Removing all teeth behind the canines, or all teeth, is the most effective treatment. In a large study, most cats were cured or substantially improved after extractions. It’s essential that every root fragment is removed, confirmed with dental X-rays. Some cats need additional medical treatment afterward.
Medical management
- Pain relief before and after surgery, and for flare-ups
- Anti-inflammatory or immune-modulating drugs, such as cyclosporine, for cats that don’t fully respond to extractions
- Steroids: can help short term, but long-term use has side effects and tends to lose effect
- Antibiotics: may help temporarily but don’t treat the underlying problem
- Other therapies such as feline interferon (available in some countries) or stem cell therapy (still under study)
Home care
- Soft food: pate-style wet food, warmed slightly, or kibble soaked in water.
- Give pain medication as prescribed, and watch for signs of pain like drooling or not eating.
- Weigh your cat regularly.
- Gentle grooming help, since sore cats groom less.
- Reduce stress, especially in multi-cat homes.
What to avoid
- Human mouthwash, toothpaste, or oral gels: many contain xylitol, fluoride, alcohol, or numbing agents unsafe for cats.
- Tea tree oil or other essential oils in or near the mouth.
- Repeated steroid shots alone as the long-term plan.
- Human pain relievers, which can be fatal to cats.
Frequently asked questions
Can cats eat without teeth?
Yes. Most cats eat wet food and even kibble comfortably after full-mouth extractions, often better than before because the pain is gone.
Is stomatitis contagious?
Stomatitis itself isn’t, but calicivirus, often linked to it, spreads between cats.
How long does recovery from extractions take?
The mouth usually heals within about 2 weeks, though full improvement in inflammation may take a few months.
Sources
- Jennings MW, et al. Effect of tooth extraction on stomatitis in cats: 95 cases (2000–2013). JAVMA. 2015
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Stomatitis in cats
- AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. 2019
- Cornell Feline Health Center: Stomatitis
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.