🩺 Red Gums in Cats – Vet Guide 2025

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc – Ask A Vet Blog Writer

1. What Are Red Gums (Gingivitis)? 🦷

Red, inflamed gums—known as gingivitis—signal inflammation of the gingival tissues around teeth. It’s the earliest stage of periodontal disease and often painful for cats, even if behavior changes are subtle.

2. Why It Matters

• Discomfort & pain: Affects grooming, appetite, quality of life.
• Progressive disease: Can lead to periodontitis (gum recession, bone loss).
• Systemic impact: Dental bacteria may enter the bloodstream, affecting heart, kidneys, and liver.

3. Common Causes of Red Gums

3.1 Plaque & Tartar Buildup

Food particles and saliva form plaque, which hardens to tartar. Bacteria release toxins, causing gum inflammation.

3.2 Stomatitis & Gingivostomatitis

Severe, widespread inflammation beyond gums, often linked to immune-mediated disease, calicivirus, or chronic kidney disease.

3.3 Feline Tooth Resorption

Resorptive lesions cause gum inflammation around affected teeth—a common and painful condition.

3.4 Systemic Illnesses

Cats with kidney disease, diabetes, or immune disorders may show red gums as part of general inflammation.

3.5 Medications & Toxins

Some drugs (e.g., doxycycline) can irritate gums; exposure to chemical irritants may aggravate tissues.

4. Recognizing Signs of Red Gums

• Bright red or swollen gum edges
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Mild bleeding during chewing or brushing
• Drooling, decreased appetite, or difficulty eating
• Behavioral changes—irritability, reduced grooming
• Yellow or brown tartar accumulation near gum line

5. Diagnostic Approach

• Oral exam under sedation: Necessary for full assessment and cleanings.
• Dental charting & X-rays: Reveal bone loss, tooth resorption, or hidden disease.
• Biopsy or cytology: For suspected stomatitis or unusual lesions.
• Blood tests: Rule out systemic disease (kidney, liver, diabetes).
• Viral testing: For calicivirus, FIV, or FeLV in severe or chronic cases.

6. Treatment Strategies

6.1 Professional Dental Scaling

• Ultrasonic and hand scaling to remove plaque & tartar both above and below gum line
• Polishing to smooth enamel and reduce plaque reaccumulation

6.2 Periodontal Therapy

• Root planing and irrigation for cleaning deep pockets
• Antibiotic gels or local medications placed in gum pockets

6.3 Treatment for Stomatitis

• Full-mouth or partial extractions for refractory cases
• Immunomodulatory drugs like cyclosporine
• Interferon therapy or oral hygiene rinses

6.4 Address Tooth Resorption

• Extract affected teeth or perform crown amputation
• Manage pain with NSAIDs or gabapentin

6.5 Treat Underlying Systemic Disease

• Manage kidney, endocrine, or viral conditions as needed
• Adjust diet and home care to support overall health

7. Home Dental Care & Prevention

• Daily or regular brushing with cat-safe toothpaste
• Oral rinses or gels (e.g. chlorhexidine)
• Dental diets and chews designed for tartar control
• Water additives to reduce plaque formation
• Periodic professional cleanings (annually or biannually)

8. Monitoring Progress

• Track gum color, swelling, and breath quality at home
• Note ease of eating and any bleeding during meals
• Regular vet check-ups for oral evaluation and possibly X-rays

9. Role of Ask A Vet, Woopf & Purrz 🛠️

• Ask A Vet: Send photos of your cat’s gums, ask about brushing frequency, or check early signs of gingivitis remotely.
• Woopf: Offers easy-to-use dental pads and gentle toothpaste applicators to simplify at-home oral care.
• Purrz: Supplies enzymatic dental gels, plaque-reducing water additives, and soft kibble designed to promote dental health.

10. Prognosis & Outlook

• Early-stage gingivitis is reversible with good home care and dental cleanings.
• Periodontal disease is manageable but may recur without preventive efforts.
• Stomatitis and resorptive lesions often need extractions—many cats improve dramatically afterward.
• Oral health supports overall wellness—helping the heart, kidneys, and general comfort.

11. When to Have the Vet Review Again 🚨

• Gums remain red or swollen after a few weeks of home care
• Persistent bad breath despite dental efforts
• Mixed signs of systemic illness during dental exams

12. Key Takeaways ✅

• Red gums are an early warning sign of dental and possibly systemic disease.
• Early detection and cleaning prevent progression to periodontal disease.
• Home oral care—brushing, gels, diets—is essential in maintaining gum health.
• Stomatitis and tooth resorption may require extractions—prompt veterinary diagnosis is key.
• Use Ask A Vet, Woopf, and Purrz resources to support dental health routines.

13. Final Thoughts ❤️

Your cat’s mouth is a window to their overall health. Seeing red gums is a signal—don’t wait! With timely dental cleaning, home care, and vet collaboration, you’ll help your cat eat comfortably and stay healthy for years to come. If you’re unsure, send a photo via Ask A Vet or schedule a dental check-up soon. A little attention today prevents bigger problems tomorrow.