Periodontal disease in cats under primary veterinary care in the UK: frequency and risk factors

Abstract

Objectives Periodontal disease is a multifactorial inflammatory disease that can have major welfare implications in cats. This study aimed to report the frequency and demographic risk factors of periodontal disease and to explore associations with common comorbid disorders in cats in the UK. Methods The study included a random sample of 18,249 cats obtained from 1,255,130 cats under primary care during 2019 from clinics participating in the VetCompass programme. All disorders recorded during 2019 were extracted and reported. Risk factor and comorbid disorder analysis used multivariable logistic regression modelling. Results Periodontal disease had a 1-year period prevalence of 15.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 14.72–15.76). Breeds with the highest prevalence included Siamese (18.7%, 95% CI 12.24–26.72) and Maine Coon (16.7%, 95% CI 11.37–23.18). The median age of cats with periodontal disease (9.47 years, interquartile range [IQR] 5.96–12.97) was higher than for cats without periodontal disease (4.94 years, IQR 1.95–9.51; P <0.001). Increasing adult body weight, increasing age and sex–neuter status were significantly associated with rising odds of periodontal disease. Cats with periodontal disease had a higher median count of comorbid disorders per individual cat (3, IQR 2–4, range 1–14) than cats without periodontal disease (1, IQR 0–2, range 0–15; P <0.001). Cats with periodontal disease had 1.79 times the odds (95% CI 1.62–1.99, P <0.001) of diagnosis with at least one comorbid disorder disease than cats without periodontal disease. Conclusions and relevance Periodontal disease is the most common specific diagnosis in cats and is confirmed as a leading health issue in cats. Ageing is identified as the strongest predictor of periodontal disease risk in cats, suggesting the potential for increasing health gains from emphasis on dental care and health in cats as they age. The study offers evidence on a close link between periodontal disease and reduced overall health in cats.