What teeth grinding in cats is
Grinding of the teeth is called bruxism. It is not common in cats, and it is not something to dismiss. In many cases it is associated with discomfort, so a cat that grinds or clicks its teeth repeatedly is worth getting checked.
Possible causes
Mouth and dental problems. Gum disease, tooth resorption, broken or loose teeth, mouth ulcers, or something stuck in the mouth can all be painful. See what healthy cat teeth look like for comparison.
Jaw or bite problems. Inflammation in the jaw joint or an abnormal bite (malocclusion) may lead to grinding or odd chewing.
Nausea or illness elsewhere in the body. Digestive upset (see cat nausea causes), pancreatitis, kidney or other internal disease can make a cat feel unwell, and grinding may be one sign. Only a vet can sort this out.
Stress. Stress or anxiety may play a role in some cats, but it is usually considered after pain and illness are ruled out.
Other signs to look for
- Dropping food, chewing on one side, or refusing food
- Pawing at the face or mouth
- Drooling or bad breath
- Lip-smacking, vomiting, or other signs of nausea
- Hiding, low energy, or changes in grooming
- Not wanting the face or head touched
How to tell if a cat is in dental pain
Cats are good at hiding pain. Subtle signs include eating more slowly, favouring soft food, being head-shy, or a change in grooming. A broken tooth is one common source of pain; read about a broken canine tooth.
What to do
Make a vet appointment rather than waiting to see if it stops. Note when the grinding happens (while eating, at rest, when touched), and take a short video if you can. Do not give human pain medication, which can be dangerous to cats. If your cat is not eating, is drooling heavily, or seems very unwell, contact your vet promptly.
What the vet may do
Expect a physical exam and a look in the mouth. If dental disease is suspected, your vet may recommend an exam under anesthesia with X-rays; see what to expect from a cat dental procedure. If the mouth looks normal, further tests may check for other causes.
FAQ
Is grinding teeth a symptom of something? It can be. Pain and nausea are the most commonly discussed reasons, so it deserves a vet check.
What is the silent killer of cats? No single condition has that name. Cats tend to hide illness, which is why regular checkups matter.