Studies show that 70 percent of cats show signs of gum disease by age three. Symptoms include yellow and brown build-up of tartar along the gumline, red inflamed gums and persistent bad breath.

Feline Odontoclastic Lesions (FORL), commonly called cervical line lesions, are the most common dental disease of domestic cats. The disease was virtually unrecognized until the mid-1970's. Recent studies show about 28 percent of domestic cats show at least one lesion. The lesions often begin below the gumline, so they can develop undetected. Often, the first sign to the pet owner is a severely inflamed gum around a tooth. Cat owners should seek veterinary care if their cat exhibits pain or inflammation around the gums.