Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 6th June 2024
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Study identifies gingivitis risk factors for cats
Cats with orange coats were found to be more at risk of gingivitis.
Wet food diet and not hunting among risk factors found.

A new study has identified factors that increase the risk of pet cats developing gingivitis.

The research looked at data from owner-completed questionnaires and veterinary surgeon-completed oral health scores for 860 cats aged up to six years. All of the cats were enrolled in the Bristol Cats Study, a longitudinal study run by the University of Bristol.

Focusing on cats aged three to four years old, the researchers found that the odds of a cat having gingivitis were higher when fed a wet only or mixed wet diet compared to cats fed a dry diet only.

The data also showed that cats not reported to hunt prey were more likely to have the condition, as were cats with variants of orange in their coat and cats which were reported to dribble whilst being stroked when they were six months old. The sex of the cats was not found to be a risk factor.

The study also found that the prevalence of gingivitis increased with age. While it was found in 24.5 per cent of cats less than 12 months old, 56.3 of cats aged between five and six years old had gingivitis.

The researchers hope the findings will help veterinary surgeons to identify cats at greater risk of gingivitis, allowing them to advise owners about preventative measures.

Jess Williams, lead author of the study, said: “Periodontal disease is one of the most common conditions in cats, potentially causing issues with eating and behaviours like grooming.

“Our study showed that even young cats may have signs of gingivitis, so it is important to discuss and monitor dental health regularly and early on in a cat’s life, especially for those cats who may be more at risk.”

The study, which was funded by BSAVA PetSavers, has been published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice.

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Animal Medicines Amnesty returns this November

News Story 1
 Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty.

Organised by the Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E), the initative is supported by a range of cross-sector organisations.

Practices are encouraged to use the campaign to engage the whole practice team and raise awareness of the safe disposal of medicines with clients. Learn how your practice can get involved at rumacae.org.uk 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue RZ extended across Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced an extension to a Bluetongue Restricted Zone that is in place in south-west Scotland.

From 3 October, the Restricted Zone will be extended to cover the whole of Scotland. The Animal, Plant and Health Agency (APHA) says this is in response to further disease spread, as well as simplify trading conditions ahead of the autumn.

Since the whole country will share a disease status, it will no longer be necessary to have a movement license to move susceptible livestock around the country. Restrictions on germinal products remain.

As of 1 October 2026, there were 1,979 cases of BTV-3 in England, 389 cases in Wales and 40 cases in Scotland.