Feline Stomatitis in Maine Coons: The Immune System Gone Wrong#

It starts with bad breath. Then, your Maine Coon starts dropping food. Finally, he runs away from his bowl, hissing, as if the food bit him.

This is Feline Stomatitis (also known as Lymphocytic-Plasmacytic Stomatitis). It is not just “gingivitis.” It is a catastrophic overreaction of the immune system to the plaque on the teeth.

While Maine Coons are generally healthy, their immune systems can sometimes be too robust. When this happens, the body attacks the gum tissue, turning the entire mouth into an open, angry ulcer.

If your cat has been diagnosed with “Maine Coon Juvenile Gingivitis” that never went away, this guide is for you.

What is Stomatitis?#

In a normal cat, a little plaque on the teeth causes mild gum redness. In a Stomatitis cat, the immune system sees that plaque as a deadly invader. It sends waves of lymphocytes and plasma cells to attack the bacteria. The result is massive inflammation that spreads from the gums to the back of the throat (the fauces).

The Signs:

Drooling: Often thick, ropey saliva.
The “Yelp”: Crying out when yawning or eating.
The “Ungroomed” Look: Because it hurts to lick their fur, Maine Coons with Stomatitis often look greasy and matted.

The “Juvenile Gingivitis” Connection#

Maine Coon kittens are famous for having “Juvenile Gingivitis” during teething (4-9 months).

Normal: Red gums during teething that resolve by 12 months.
Abnormal: Redness that persists, worsens, and bleeds. This is the precursor to Stomatitis.

Amelia’s Advice: If your 1-year-old Maine Coon has red gums, do not “wait and see.” Start aggressive dental hygiene immediately.

The Cure: Full Mouth Extraction#

It sounds barbaric, but it is the only cure for 80% of cases. Because the cat is allergic to the plaque on the teeth, you must remove the surface the plaque lives on. You must remove the teeth.

The Surgery: All teeth behind the canines (and often the canines too) are removed. The roots must be drilled out completely.
The Result: Within 2 weeks, the cat is pain-free. They eat better without teeth than they did with painful teeth. They can still eat dry kibble (they gulp it), but wet food is preferred.

Management (If You Can’t Do Surgery)#

If surgery isn’t an option yet, medical management can buy time.

Steroids: Reduce inflammation (but have long-term side effects).
Antibiotics: Pulse therapy (Antirobe/Clindamycin) to knock back the bacteria.
Laser Therapy: Can reduce pain and inflammation in the gums.

Conclusion#

Stomatitis is painful, expensive, and scary. But a toothless Maine Coon is a happy Maine Coon. Don’t let them suffer to “save the teeth.” Save the cat.

References#

Pedersen, N.C. Feline Husbandry. “Infectious Diseases: Calicivirus and Stomatitis,” p. [cite_start]170. [cite: 1]
American Veterinary Dental College. Feline Stomatitis Information.
Journal of Feline Medicine. Efficacy of tooth extraction in stomatitis.
Cornell Feline Health Center. Gingivostomatitis.
Walsh, L.G. The Maine Coon Cat. “Health Watch,” p. [cite_start]88. [cite: 2136]