SYMPTOM
Chronic gingivitis
Owners may observe chronic gingivitis in their pet.
Various conditions
This symptom can occur in multiple conditions and warrants further assessment.
Periodontal Disease (Plaque-Induced Gingivitis)
Bacterial plaque accumulating along the gumline triggers a localised inflammatory response confined mainly to the gum margin. This is the most common cause of gingivitis in cats and tends to progress gradually with age in the absence of routine dental care.
Tooth Resorption
Odontoclastic resorptive lesions erode tooth structure from within, and the surrounding gum often becomes inflamed and grows over the affected area. This is a very common finding in cats over five years of age and can affect one or several teeth at once.
Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis
An exaggerated immune response to oral bacterial and viral antigens produces inflammation that extends well beyond the gumline into the back of the mouth, out of proportion to the amount of visible plaque present. Calicivirus infection is frequently implicated, and the condition typically develops in young to middle-aged cats.
Retroviral Infection (FIV/FeLV)
Feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus alter immune regulation within the mouth, allowing gingival inflammation to become more severe and harder to resolve than plaque levels alone would suggest. Testing is often considered in cats whose gingivitis is disproportionately severe or resistant to routine dental care.
Juvenile-Onset Gingivitis
A mild band of gum inflammation sometimes appears along the incisors and canines as adult teeth erupt in cats between roughly six months and two years of age. This form is generally self-limiting and settles as the permanent dentition and surrounding periodontal tissues mature.
Why timing matters
Early observation
Early recognition allows prompt assessment and intervention if needed.
Later presentation
Persistent or worsening signs may indicate progression requiring attention.
The significance of this symptom depends on its context, duration, and associated findings.
Conditions commonly associated
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Oral inflammation is common in FIV-positive cats and may be more severe than in uninfected individuals.
Dental Disease in Dogs
Chronic gingivitis in dogs often reflects progressive dental disease, where bacterial accumulation along the gum line triggers sustained inflammation of the gingival tissues. In many cases, gingivitis represents an early stage of dental disease that may precede changes in the deeper supporting structures of the teeth.
Dental Disease in Cats
Chronic gingivitis in cats can be a feature of dental disease, where plaque and calculus accumulation provoke ongoing gingival inflammation. The condition may develop silently over time, with inflammation persisting even in the absence of overt discomfort signals.
Tooth Resorption
Tooth resorption in cats may be accompanied by chronic gingivitis, as the progressive destruction of tooth structure often triggers localised inflammation of the surrounding gum tissue. The gingivitis in this context can reflect the immune response to exposed or degrading dental material beneath the gum line.
Feline Calicivirus
Feline calicivirus infection can cause chronic gingivitis in some cats, particularly in cases where the virus triggers a persistent inflammatory response in the oral tissues. This pattern tends to occur in cats with ongoing viral activity or those who develop chronic stomatitis following initial infection.
Bartonellosis
In cats, this infection is linked with persistent gum inflammation that does not settle with routine dental care.
When to explore further
When the symptom is persistent or worsening
When other signs are present alongside
When daily activities or quality of life are affected
When there is uncertainty about the cause
Noting when this symptom occurs, any triggers, and how it changes over time can provide useful information for veterinary discussions.
Last reviewed: 24 April 2026 · Dr Alastair Greenway MRCVS