Gingivitis in cats, is it hereditary?

My cat is only one year and have gingivitis. She's treated with the toothbrush and clorhexidine gluconate. Since she's supposed to become a breeding queen I'm worried about the risk for her kittens. Do you know if there is such a risk?

  • Vetinfo

    By: Erika Raines El Segundo, CA

    Replied on 04/19/2011

    At this point we do not know much about the hereditary nature of most dental disease. From my experience with dog breeds, I would say that many dental conditions are hereditary. If your cat has severe dental disease with lesions that cause her teeth to be absorbed into her facial bones, I would be more concerned about her passing that on. There is still a chance that general dental health is hereditary, but it is unlikely a simple mechanism of heritability. One thing you may consider is switching to a commercial raw diet. Few studies have been done but at least in dogs who are fed raw food and raw meaty bones, there can be significant improvement of dental condition through generations. This may help your breeding cats and any offspring you save for future breeding. Erika, DVM

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