How to Treat Stomatitis in Cats: Natural Remedies for Gum Relief

Effective Remedies for Feline Stomatitis: A Natural Approach

Stomatitis in cats can be an incredibly painful condition to manage. If your cat is suffering from this, you know how difficult it can be to find an effective treatment. I’m Dr. Andrew Jones, and in this article, I’ll be sharing my top seven remedies for treating feline stomatitis—plus, a surprising new remedy that’s been showing great promise.

What is Feline Stomatitis?

When a cat has stomatitis, their gums look inflamed and painful, much like the example you see here. It’s marked by severe gum inflammation, and just touching these gums can cause bleeding. Think of it as the worst case of gingivitis you can imagine—only worse.

The underlying cause of stomatitis has been linked to bacteria and plaque on the teeth, triggering an inappropriate immune response. The immune system attacks the mouth tissue, leading to inflammation. We also see an increased number of certain cells, called eosinophils, which are involved in allergic reactions.

When a cat is diagnosed with stomatitis, it’s essential to address the condition early, as the common approach of tooth extraction isn’t always the best solution. Many veterinarians, including myself, may recommend removing all of the cat’s teeth, believing this will eliminate plaque buildup and stop the immune response. However, this procedure can be invasive, painful, and sometimes ineffective. About 20-25% of cats who have all their teeth extracted still show signs of stomatitis. That’s why it’s important to explore less invasive options first.

1. Propolis: A Natural Antibacterial Treatment

Propolis, a product of honeybees, is a powerful natural antibacterial agent. It’s also anti-inflammatory and can target gum inflammation specifically. Propolis is available in both capsule and spray form, and I’ve used it successfully for many cats with stomatitis.

For capsules, I recommend 100 milligrams per 10 pounds of body weight daily. Alternatively, you can use propolis as a spray, applying it directly to the cat’s gums twice a day. Start with a minimum of two weeks of treatment, and you should begin seeing improvement within that time.

2. CBD for Pain Management

Stomatitis is incredibly painful, and pain management is essential. Unlike non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which aren’t safe for long-term use in cats, CBD oil can offer a safe and effective solution.

I recommend a dose of 3 mg per 10 pounds of body weight, administered twice daily. For my CBD supplement, that equates to one drop per 10 pounds, twice a day. CBD will help manage your cat’s pain and inflammation naturally.

3. Hydrocortisone or Licorice Root Extract for Inflammation

In some cases, a corticosteroid may be necessary to suppress inflammation. One over-the-counter option is 1% hydrocortisone, which can be applied topically to the inside of your cat’s gums. Use a small amount (about a quarter inch) twice a day.

However, long-term use of corticosteroids can have significant side effects, such as increased drinking, urination, and the risk of diabetes. As an alternative, I recommend licorice root extract, which acts as a natural steroid. It can help reduce inflammation without the long-term risks of prescription steroids. Dose your cat with 4 mL of licorice tincture per 10 pounds of body weight, twice a day.

Licorice root is also not intended for long-term use, so it’s best to use it for a maximum of 14 days, followed by a break of at least 7 days.

4. Probiotics for Immune Support

Probiotics can help normalize the immune system, especially when it’s overreacting as it does in cases of stomatitis. I’ve had great success with my Ultimate Probiotic Formula for cats, which contains eight different strains of probiotics designed specifically for cats.

Sprinkle the contents of one capsule over your cat’s food daily. Probiotics work best when used for at least 30 days, so give it time to start showing results.

5. Lysine for Viral Support

Many cats with stomatitis also have an underlying viral infection, particularly feline herpesvirus, which can cause cold-like symptoms and exacerbate inflammation. Lysine, an amino acid, is a great option for managing viral infections and helping the immune system function more normally.

I recommend giving your cat 100 milligrams of lysine per 10 pounds of body weight daily. This can help reduce viral activity and make it easier for your cat’s immune system to focus on managing the stomatitis.

6. Plaque Off: A Seaweed-Based Dental Supplement

Plaque Off is a seaweed-derived supplement that’s proven effective in managing dental disease in cats. It’s particularly useful for stomatitis, as it has antibacterial properties due to its high iodine content. Plaque Off can be sprinkled onto your cat’s food once a day, with a dose of about half a scoop per day for a typical 10-pound cat.

This supplement has worked well for many cats with stomatitis, but keep in mind that results can vary.

7. Antihistamines: An Over-the-Counter Option

For some cats, an antihistamine like cetirizine (brand name Reactine in Canada, Zyrtec in the U.S.) can be beneficial. Cetirizine works by reducing the number of eosinophils, which are involved in the allergic response that causes inflammation. It’s a great option for cats that have an allergic reaction contributing to their stomatitis.

The standard dose is 0.5 mg per pound of body weight, given once a day. For a 10-pound cat, that would be 5 mg once every 24 hours. You can crush the tablet and mix it with food to make it easier to administer.

Treating Feline Stomatitis Without Tooth Extraction

Stomatitis is a complex and painful condition, but there are many natural treatments that can help your cat without resorting to the drastic measure of tooth extraction. I encourage you to try these remedies and give them time to work. If your cat’s stomatitis isn’t improving, consult with your veterinarian to explore other options.

Thank you for reading this edition of Veterinary Secrets. Be sure to subscribe and hit the bell for notifications, and feel free to click the link below to receive a copy of my free book on natural pet health.