Guidelines for the helping veterinary teams deliver a high standard of care for feline oral and dental care has been release by the Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA). The 2025 FelineVMA Feline Oral Health and Dental Care Guidelines are a comprehensive, resource that has been published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.1
“Oral and dental diseases are among the most common health problems in cats, yet they’re often unrecognized,” Heidi Lobprise, DVM, DAVDC, guidelines task force co-chair, said in a news release.1 “These guidelines equip veterinary professionals with practical, evidence-based recommendations to diagnose and manage these diseases early, improving quality of life for feline patients.”
A task force of board-certified veterinary specialists and a veterinary technician specialist in dentistry wrote the guidelines. Supported of an educational grant from Dechra, the guidelines contain the latest knowledge and expert consensus on feline oral health, according to FelineVMA. Figures and tables are included.1,2
“These experts have compiled evidence-guided recommendations for optimal oral health and dental care, including therapeutic interventions, in general feline practice. The focus is on the most commonly encountered oral and dental diseases in cats,” the authors of the guidelines wrote.2
Feline oral and dental diseases addressed in the guidelines include periodontal disease, early-onset gingivitis, chronic osteitis/alveolitis, developmental abnormalities, chronic gingivostomatitis, tooth resorption, masses and growths and miscellaneous conditions. Oral and dental trauma is also covered in the guidelines.2
A section on anesthesia and analgesia provides guidance for pain management during surgery as well as preoperative and postoperative care. Considerations for administering anesthesia and analgesia as well as oral and dental surgical care are also addressed.2
