If you've noticed that your cat's gums have black spots on them, you may understandably be concerned. Any kind of blemishes, marks, or lesions on the skin of any animal
One of the most common causes of black spots on
Periodontal Disease
You might be surprised to learn that 85% of cats may develop dental disease once they're past the age of three. Unfortunately, unlike
Black spots on the gums in association with periodontal disease generally indicate that the teeth, roots of the teeth, or even the
Determining Cause
There are a few easy ways to tell the difference between
- Sensitivity - Cats with poor oral health may avoid being petted on the face, or lash out if you touch them near their mouth.
- Smell - Oral disease is often accompanied by a very bad smell. If your cat's breath smells particularly bad, they may have
periodontitis . - Bleeding - If the gums are sick enough to be changing colors, chances are your cat's mouth is bleeding. If you don't see blood in their water after they drink, try gently poking their
gumline and see if it bleeds.
If your cat has none of these additional symptoms, it's probably
Prevention of Periodontal Disease
Whether your cat has periodontal disease or not, it's important to protect them from it. Make sure to brush your cat's teeth regularly, and take them to see a vet for professional cleanings.
Through the information in this guide, you can determine whether your cat has