Is Stomatitis Contagious in Cats?

Feline stomatitis is a painful and serious inflammation of a cat’s mouth, gums, and throat. It can make eating, grooming, and even purring uncomfortable for your cat. If you have more than one cat at home, you might wonder—is stomatitis contagious in cats? 

The short answer is: stomatitis itself isn’t directly contagious, but some of its possible causes can be.

Let’s break this down clearly so you know how to protect all your cats and manage this condition safely.

What Is Feline Stomatitis

Feline stomatitis (also called Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis or FCGS) is a severe immune reaction that causes inflammation in a cat’s mouth. The body’s immune system overreacts to plaque on the teeth or certain viruses, leading to redness, ulcers, and swelling.

Common signs include:

• Drooling (often with blood)

• Bad breath

• Difficulty eating or chewing

• Pawing at the mouth

• Weight loss or lack of appetite

Stomatitis can affect any cat but is more common in adults and those with weakened immune systems.

Is Stomatitis Contagious to Other Cats?

Stomatitis itself is not contagious, meaning one cat cannot “catch” stomatitis directly from another. However, the underlying causes that trigger stomatitis sometimes can spread between cats.

Here’s how it works:

• The inflammation is caused by the cat’s own immune response, not a contagious bacteria or fungus.

• But some viruses linked to stomatitis, such as Feline Calicivirus (FCV), Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1), and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), can be contagious.

• If your cat has one of these viruses, they might transmit it to another cat, and that second cat could later develop mouth inflammation or related issues.

So, while stomatitis isn’t contagious by itself, some viral infections that increase the risk of stomatitis are.

Common Causes Linked to Feline Stomatitis

Stomatitis usually develops because of a combination of immune, viral, and dental factors. Here are the most frequent causes:

• Viral infections: Calicivirus, FIV, and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) can trigger or worsen mouth inflammation.

• Dental plaque: The cat’s immune system may overreact to normal bacteria on the teeth.

• Autoimmune response: Some cats’ immune systems attack their own oral tissues.

• Underlying diseases: Diabetes or chronic infections can make stomatitis worse.

Understanding the root cause helps your vet design the right treatment and prevent future flare-ups.

How to Prevent Stomatitis from Spreading in Multi-Cat Homes

If you have multiple cats, it’s smart to take a few precautions—especially if one cat’s stomatitis is linked to a viral infection.

Here’s what you can do:

• Isolate the affected cat during active illness or flare-ups, especially if viral infection is confirmed.

• Disinfect bowls and litter boxes regularly using mild bleach solution or pet-safe cleaners.

• Avoid sharing food and water bowls among cats.

• Keep all cats vaccinated against FHV and FCV, which are part of the core feline vaccines.

• Wash your hands after handling the infected cat to reduce viral spread.

These small habits greatly reduce the risk of transmission of viruses that can lead to oral inflammation.

Treatment Options for Feline Stomatitis

Treating stomatitis often involves a combination of medical management and dental care. The goal is to reduce pain, control infection, and calm the immune response.

Treatment options include:

• Dental cleaning or tooth extraction: In severe cases, removing affected teeth reduces inflammation.

• Anti-inflammatory medications: Corticosteroids or newer immune-modulating drugs may help.

• Antibiotics: Used to control secondary bacterial infections.

• Pain relief medications: To make eating and grooming more comfortable.

• Good oral hygiene: Regular cleaning under your vet’s guidance helps prevent recurrence.

Early diagnosis and ongoing care can make a huge difference in your cat’s comfort and long-term health.

Can Humans Catch Stomatitis from Cats?

No, humans cannot catch stomatitis from cats. The condition and the viruses linked to it are species-specific. However, good hygiene—like washing hands after handling your cat or cleaning their bowls—always helps maintain a healthy household.

When to Visit the Veterinarian

You should contact your vet right away if your cat shows:

• Persistent drooling or bleeding from the mouth

• Refusal to eat or visible mouth ulcers

• Sudden weight loss or dehydration

• Signs of extreme pain when trying to eat

Your vet may perform blood tests, viral screening (for FIV or FeLV), and dental exams to find the cause.

Conclusion

Stomatitis itself isn’t contagious in cats, but some underlying viral infections that trigger it can be. If one of your cats is diagnosed, keep their environment clean, monitor other cats for signs of mouth pain or drooling, and maintain regular vet checkups.

With the right care and management, cats with stomatitis can still lead happy, comfortable lives.

FAQs

Can a healthy cat catch stomatitis from an infected cat?

No, a healthy cat cannot catch stomatitis directly. However, if the affected cat has a contagious virus like Feline Calicivirus, that virus can spread and potentially trigger oral inflammation later.

What viruses cause stomatitis in cats?

Common viruses linked to feline stomatitis include Feline Calicivirus (FCV), Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1), and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). These viruses can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of mouth inflammation.

Should I separate my cats if one has stomatitis?

Yes, if the affected cat has a viral infection confirmed by your vet, it’s best to separate them temporarily. Use separate food and water dishes to minimize viral spread until your vet says it’s safe.

Can stomatitis in cats go away on its own?

No, feline stomatitis doesn’t heal without treatment. It usually worsens over time, leading to severe pain and difficulty eating. Veterinary treatment is necessary to control inflammation and provide relief.

How do I help my cat eat with stomatitis?

Offer soft, wet food that doesn’t require chewing. Warm the food slightly to enhance the aroma, and avoid dry kibble until your cat’s mouth feels better. Pain medication prescribed by your vet can also help your cat eat comfortably.