Why Is My Cat Grinding Their Teeth? Causes, Symptoms, and What to Do

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If you’ve ever heard a strange crunching or grinding sound coming from your cat’s mouth, it can be pretty alarming.

Cats are experts at hiding pain, so when they start grinding their teeth, it’s often one of the few clues that something might be wrong. Some cats do it occasionally, while others develop the habit suddenly, sometimes while eating, purring, or even resting.

The tricky part is that teeth grinding in cats can mean several very different things. In some cases, it’s linked to minor irritation, but in others it can signal pain, illness, or a hidden dental problem.

Because cats rarely show obvious symptoms, this small behavior can sometimes be the first sign that something needs attention.

So why do cats grind their teeth, and when should you actually worry?

Let’s take a closer look at what might be happening.

What Does It Mean When a Cat Grinds Their Teeth?

Teeth grinding in cats, often called feline bruxism, occurs when a cat grinds, clenches, or rubs their teeth together, sometimes producing a faint crunching or scraping sound.

In some cats, the sound is subtle and easy to miss. Others may grind their teeth loudly enough for owners to notice, especially during quiet moments when the house is still. The behavior can happen while a cat is awake, resting, or even while eating.

Occasional teeth grinding may not always signal a serious issue. However, when it happens repeatedly or starts suddenly, it is often a sign that something is causing discomfort or irritation.

Unlike humans, cats don’t grind their teeth due to habits like stress alone. In many cases, bruxism in cats is linked to dental problems, pain, digestive issues, or other underlying health conditions.

Because cats tend to hide discomfort very well, teeth grinding can sometimes be one of the earliest clues that something isn’t quite right.

For that reason, it’s always a good idea to pay attention if your cat begins grinding their teeth more frequently.

Hear It for Yourself: What Cat Teeth Grinding Really Sounds Like

The video below shows an elderly cat grinding her teeth while she eats. Listen closely to the sound and watch how it lines up with chewing.

Next, we’ll walk through the most common reasons this happens and how to tell when it’s harmless… versus when it may need a vet visit.

Is It Normal for Cats to Grind Their Teeth?

Teeth grinding in cats is relatively common, but it should not be considered normal behavior.

Most healthy cats do not grind their teeth regularly. When it does happen, it’s often a sign that something is causing irritation, discomfort, or pain. Because cats are very good at hiding illness, small behavioral changes—like grinding their teeth—can sometimes be one of the first noticeable warning signs.

In some cases, a cat may grind their teeth briefly after eating or while adjusting something in their mouth. However, if the behavior happens repeatedly, becomes louder, or appears suddenly, it’s worth paying close attention.

Frequent teeth grinding can be linked to a variety of underlying issues, ranging from dental disease and jaw problems to digestive discomfort or stress.

For this reason, veterinarians usually recommend monitoring the behavior closely and scheduling a checkup if it continues.

Next, let’s look at some of the most common reasons cats grind their teeth and what each one might indicate.

What Your Cat’s Teeth Grinding Might Mean

If you’ve noticed your cat grinding their teeth, the timing and other symptoms can offer clues about what might be going on. Use the quick guide below to spot patterns—then read on for the full breakdown of causes.

If Your Cat Is Grinding Their Teeth…	It Could Be Related To
While eating	Dental disease, a fractured tooth, and jaw discomfort
After eating	Acid reflux, nausea, digestive irritation
Along with drooling	Mouth pain, gum inflammation, tooth resorption (FORLs)
With a crunching or cracking sound	Loose tooth, tooth damage, something stuck in the mouth
With appetite changes or slower eating	Oral pain, infection, sensitive teeth, and dental disease
With vomiting, lip-licking, or swallowing more than usual	Nausea, gastrointestinal upset
During stressful situations (visitors, moving, new pets)	Stress or anxiety
During or around seizure-like episodes	Neurological issues (needs urgent vet attention)

Note: This chart is a quick guide, not a diagnosis. If teeth grinding is new, frequent, or paired with symptoms like drooling, appetite loss, swelling, vomiting, or lethargy, it’s smart to contact your veterinarian.

11 Reasons Cats Grind Their Teeth

Cats grind their teeth for several different reasons, and the cause isn’t always obvious at first. In many cases, this behavior is linked to pain, irritation, or discomfort somewhere in the body.

While dental problems are one of the most common causes, teeth grinding can also occur when a cat is experiencing digestive issues, stress, jaw problems, or other underlying medical conditions.

Because cats are experts at hiding pain, behaviors like teeth grinding may be one of the few clues that something is wrong.

Below are some of the most common reasons cats grind their teeth.

1. Oral Disease

Dental disease is one of the most common reasons cats grind their teeth. Conditions affecting the gums, teeth, and surrounding tissues can cause significant discomfort, which may lead cats to clench or grind their teeth.

Dental disease is extremely common in cats. According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, periodontal disease affects a large percentage of adult cats and can cause significant pain if untreated.

Common dental problems in cats include gingivitis, periodontitis, infections, and tooth decay. These issues can make chewing painful and may cause symptoms such as:

• bad breath
• drooling
• swollen gums
• difficulty eating
• growling

Because dental disease is extremely common in cats, regular dental checkups and cleanings are important for preventing serious oral problems.

Other dental issues that cause tooth grinding include poor tooth alignment, a broken or chipped tooth, oral tumors, oral trauma, or items stuck in the mouth and gums. Cavities are also extremely painful and may impact your cat’s ability to eat. Infection is also a leading cause of feline bruxism.

Unfortunately, many felines develop oral tumors, which can also cause bruxism. Oral cancer has other symptoms, including a lowered appetite, excessive drooling, bad breath, facial swelling, weight loss, and swollen, painful gums.

2. Tooth Resorption (FORLs)

Tooth resorption—also known as feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORLs)—is a painful dental condition that affects a large percentage of cats.

With this condition, the structure of the tooth slowly breaks down and is reabsorbed by the body. This process can expose sensitive nerve endings, causing severe discomfort. The condition is incredibly painful and may impact a cat’s ability to eat, especially if their diet is made up of hard kibble.

Cats with tooth resorption may:

• grind their teeth
• avoid hard food
• drool more than usual
• paw at their mouth

Because this condition is extremely painful, treatment often involves removing the affected tooth.

3. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Problems

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw to the skull and allows cats to open and close their mouths while chewing.

If this joint becomes inflamed, injured, or misaligned, it can cause significant discomfort when a cat moves their jaw.

Cats with TMJ problems may:

• grind or clench their teeth
• have difficulty opening their mouth
• show reduced appetite
• make clicking sounds when chewing

Veterinary evaluation is usually needed to diagnose jaw joint issues. This condition requires extensive treatment from your veterinarian and may require surgery in some severe cases. In some cases, pets are treated with muscle relaxers and painkillers.

4. Foreign Objects in the Mouth

Cats explore the world with their mouths and may occasionally get small objects stuck between their teeth or gums.

Common culprits include:

• string or rubber bands
• hair
• small bones
• plant material

When something is lodged in the mouth, cats may grind their teeth or make scraping movements while trying to remove the object. If you suspect something is stuck, avoid reaching into your cat’s mouth and contact your veterinarian.

5. Teething (Kittens)

Young kittens may occasionally grind their teeth while they are teething. As their baby teeth fall out and adult teeth grow in, the gums can become sore and irritated, which may lead to chewing behaviors or mild teeth grinding.

Teething usually occurs between 3 and 6 months of age and is a normal part of development.

Other signs of teething in kittens may include:

• Chewing on toys or household objects
• Mild drooling
• Pawing at the mouth
• Small spots of blood on toys
• Temporary changes in appetite

In most cases, teething-related grinding is temporary and resolves once the adult teeth have fully emerged. If your kitten appears to be in significant pain or the grinding continues after teething should be complete, a veterinary exam is recommended.

6. Broken or Fractured Teeth

A broken or fractured tooth can be very painful and may cause cats to grind their teeth in response to the discomfort. Tooth fractures can occur from chewing hard objects, falls, trauma, or advanced dental disease that weakens the tooth structure.

Signs your cat may have a damaged tooth include:

• Grinding or clenching the teeth
• Chewing on one side of the mouth
• Drooling or pawing at the face
• Reluctance to eat hard food
• Dropping food while eating

Because the inner part of the tooth contains sensitive nerves, even a small fracture can cause significant pain. A veterinarian may recommend dental X-rays and treatment, such as repairing or removing the damaged tooth.

7. Nausea

Surprisingly, teeth grinding in cats can sometimes be linked to nausea or digestive upset.

Cats experiencing nausea may grind their teeth as a response to discomfort in the stomach or digestive tract.

Other signs of nausea may include:

• drooling
• vomiting
• reduced appetite
• lethargy

Digestive conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, or stomach irritation can sometimes trigger this behavior.

8. Abdominal Pain

Pain originating in the abdomen can also lead to teeth grinding in some cats.

When cats experience internal discomfort, they may show subtle signs such as:

• teeth grinding
• hunched posture
• hiding
• decreased appetite
• crying out in pain

Abdominal pain can be caused by several conditions, including gastrointestinal problems, infections, or internal injuries.

9. Acid Reflux

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This can cause irritation and discomfort, which may lead some cats to grind their teeth. Acid reflux has other symptoms, including poor appetite, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, depression, and pain.

Signs of acid reflux in cats may include:

• excessive drooling
• swallowing repeatedly
• poor appetite
• regurgitation

Cats with chronic digestive issues may require dietary adjustments or veterinary treatment.

10. Anxiety or Stress

Stress and anxiety can sometimes lead to unusual behaviors in cats, including teeth grinding.

Major changes such as:

• moving homes
• new pets
• new people in the household
• changes to routine

can trigger stress-related behaviors.

Although stress alone is less commonly the cause, it can still contribute to teeth grinding in some cats.

11. Neurological Problems

Certain neurological conditions can also cause teeth grinding in cats.

For example, some cats may grind their teeth during or shortly before seizures. Brain inflammation, tumors, or other neurological disorders can sometimes affect muscle control in the jaw.

These conditions are less common but require prompt veterinary evaluation.

12. Dehydration

Cats that become dehydrated may develop digestive discomfort, which can sometimes lead to teeth grinding.

Dehydration can occur if a cat:

• is not drinking enough water
• is vomiting frequently
• has kidney disease

Ensuring access to fresh, clean water is important for maintaining overall health.

13. Hypokalemia (Low Potassium)

Hypokalemia occurs when potassium levels in the blood become too low. This condition is often associated with kidney disease or chronic illness in cats.

Low potassium levels can cause muscle weakness, discomfort, and other symptoms that may lead to teeth grinding.

With early diagnosis, hypokalemia can often be treated successfully with veterinary care.

14. Malocclusion (Misaligned Teeth)

Malocclusion occurs when a cat’s teeth do not align properly when the mouth closes. When the upper and lower teeth meet at unusual angles, it can create friction or pressure that sometimes leads to teeth grinding.

Cats with dental misalignment may also show:

• Difficulty chewing certain foods
• Excessive chewing motions
• Drooling
• Gum irritation or sores inside the mouth
• Food dropping from the mouth while eating

Some mild cases may not require treatment, but more severe malocclusions can cause ongoing discomfort and may require veterinary dental care to prevent injury to the teeth or gums.

Why Is My Cat Making a Crunching Noise With Their Mouth?

Some cat owners notice a strange crunching, cracking, or grinding sound coming from their cat’s mouth, especially while eating. This sound can be subtle at first but may become more noticeable over time.

In many cases, a crunching noise is related to the teeth or jaw. It may happen when a cat chews food, moves their jaw, or tries to relieve irritation in the mouth. While it may occasionally be harmless, persistent noises can sometimes indicate an underlying dental or medical issue.

Common causes of a crunching sound from a cat’s mouth include:

• Loose or damaged teeth
• Dental disease or gum inflammation
• Tooth resorption (FORLs)
• Food or debris stuck between the teeth
• Jaw joint problems
• Pain when chewing

If you notice this sound happening frequently, especially along with drooling, appetite changes, or difficulty chewing, it’s a good idea to have your cat examined by a veterinarian to rule out dental problems or other health concerns.

If the grinding sound seems to happen mostly during meals, the next section explains why that may occur.

Why Is My Cat Grinding Their Teeth While Eating?

If your cat only grinds their teeth during meals, it usually suggests that chewing is causing discomfort somewhere in the mouth or jaw. Cats do not normally grind their teeth when eating. Instead, they use their sharp teeth to tear and swallow food rather than chewing it the way humans do.

Because of this, grinding noises during meals often mean that something is interfering with normal chewing or causing pain.

Common reasons cats grind their teeth while eating include:

• Dental disease or inflamed gums
• Broken, loose, or damaged teeth
• Tooth resorption (FORLs)
• Jaw joint problems (TMJ)
• Food that is too hard or difficult to chew
• Objects or debris stuck in the mouth

You may also notice other signs that eating is uncomfortable for your cat.

Watch for symptoms such as:

• Eating more slowly than usual
• Dropping food from the mouth
• Chewing on only one side
• Avoiding dry food or hard treats
• Loss of appetite

If your cat consistently grinds their teeth while eating, a veterinary exam is recommended. Dental problems are extremely common in cats and often become painful if left untreated.

Cat Grinding Teeth When Happy: Is It Really a Sign of Contentment?

Some cat owners notice their cat grinding or clicking their teeth while purring or relaxing and assume it means their pet is happy. While cats often purr when they feel content, teeth grinding itself is usually not considered a normal sign of happiness.

In most cases, teeth grinding—also known as feline bruxism—is associated with discomfort or irritation rather than positive emotions.

However, it’s important not to confuse teeth grinding with other common mouth behaviors in cats, such as:

• Teeth chattering: a rapid clicking sound often triggered when a cat sees birds or prey outside a window
• Purring: a vibration cats make when relaxed or content
• Jaw clicking: sometimes heard when cats stretch or move their jaw

Teeth chattering is especially common when a cat is watching prey and may look similar to grinding at first, but it is a completely different behavior.

If your cat frequently grinds their teeth—even while purring or resting—it’s still worth paying attention. Persistent teeth grinding may indicate an underlying dental or medical issue that should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Now that we’ve covered the possible causes, let’s look at what you can do if your cat starts grinding their teeth.

Preventing and Treating Feline Bruxism

Treating teeth grinding in cats starts with identifying the underlying cause. Because feline bruxism is often linked to pain or discomfort, your veterinarian will typically perform an exam to determine what is triggering the behavior.

Once the cause is identified, treatment can focus on relieving pain, addressing dental problems, or managing other health conditions that may be contributing to the grinding.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Teeth Grinding in Cats

If your cat is grinding their teeth frequently, your veterinarian may perform several diagnostic tests to determine the cause.

These may include:

• A complete oral and dental exam
• Dental X-rays to detect hidden tooth damage
• Blood tests to check for illness or electrolyte imbalances
• A neurological exam if seizures or nerve issues are suspected

Dental disease is one of the most common findings during these exams, especially in adult and senior cats.

Possible Treatments

Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the teeth grinding. Once the source of discomfort is identified, your veterinarian may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

• Professional dental cleaning
• Removal of damaged or painful teeth
• Medications to relieve pain or inflammation
• Treatment for digestive disorders such as acid reflux
• Medication or behavior therapy for anxiety
• Treatment for underlying illnesses, such as kidney disease

In many cases, addressing the underlying issue will stop the grinding behavior.

Alternatives to traditional treatment may include natural remedies, such as calming herbs or supplements, or holistic methods, such as acupuncture or massage therapy. Owners who are trying to help a pet with stress or anxiety may consider CBD oil or CBD kitty treats or their calming effect.

Speak with a veterinarian before using alternative treatments to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your pet’s unique needs.

How to Help Prevent Teeth Grinding in Cats

Although not all cases of bruxism can be prevented, maintaining your cat’s overall health can reduce the risk of dental and medical problems that may cause teeth grinding.

Helpful prevention steps include:

• Scheduling regular veterinary checkups
• Maintaining good dental hygiene
• Providing dental treats or chew toys designed for cats
• Feeding a balanced, age-appropriate diet
• Reducing stress and environmental changes when possible

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends routine veterinary dental exams to identify oral disease early before it causes significant pain.

When to Contact Your Veterinarian

Occasional jaw movements may not always be a concern, but frequent teeth grinding should never be ignored.

Contact your veterinarian if your cat shows:

• Persistent teeth grinding
• Drooling or bad breath
• Difficulty eating or chewing
• Swollen or bleeding gums
• Sudden changes in appetite or behavior

Because cats tend to hide pain, teeth grinding can sometimes be one of the only signs that something is wrong.

Key Takeaway: If your cat is grinding their teeth regularly, it’s often a sign of pain or discomfort. Dental disease is the most common cause, but digestive or neurological issues may also be involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cat teeth grinding can raise a lot of questions for pet owners, especially when the behavior appears suddenly or happens during meals. Below are answers to some of the most common questions people ask about feline bruxism.

If you don’t see your question here, feel free to leave it in the comments section below. We’re always happy to help clarify confusing behaviors and may even add your question to this guide to help other cat owners.

How can I stop my cat from grinding their teeth?

The best way to stop teeth grinding is to identify and treat the underlying cause. In many cases, grinding is related to dental disease, mouth pain, or digestive discomfort. Your veterinarian can examine your cat and recommend treatment such as dental care, medication, or dietary adjustments.

Once you have sought medical advice, you can provide your feline friends with alternative chewing options like toys, catnip treats, and puzzle feeders to discourage this behavior. Be careful never to reach your hand into your cat’s mouth, as this may lead to you getting bitten.

Should I be concerned if my cat grinds their teeth?

Yes, it’s generally something worth paying attention to. While occasional jaw movements may not always indicate a serious issue, persistent teeth grinding is often linked to pain or discomfort. Because cats tend to hide illness well, this behavior can sometimes be an early sign that something is wrong.

Are teeth chattering or clicking the same as grinding?

No. Teeth chattering is a different behavior that usually occurs when cats see prey, such as birds outside a window. It produces a rapid clicking sound and is believed to be related to hunting instincts. Teeth grinding, on the other hand, typically involves a slower crunching or scraping sound and is more often associated with discomfort.

Why does my cat grind their teeth while eating?

Grinding during meals often suggests that chewing is uncomfortable. Dental disease, damaged teeth, jaw problems, or food that is too hard to chew may all contribute to this behavior. If the grinding happens frequently during meals, a veterinary exam is recommended.

Can stress cause cats to grind their teeth?

Stress or anxiety can sometimes contribute to teeth grinding, although it is less common than dental or medical causes. Environmental changes, new pets, or disruptions to routine may trigger unusual behaviors in sensitive cats.

Do kittens grind their teeth?

Some kittens may grind their teeth while teething as their baby teeth fall out and adult teeth emerge. This typically occurs between three and six months of age and is usually temporary. However, if the behavior seems painful or continues after teething is complete, it’s best to consult your veterinarian.

Could Vomiting and Teeth Grinding Be Connected?

In some cases, teeth grinding in cats can be related to nausea or digestive discomfort. Cats experiencing stomach upset may show subtle behaviors such as lip licking, drooling, frequent swallowing, or grinding their teeth. While dental disease is the most common cause of bruxism, digestive issues can also trigger similar signs, especially if your cat seems uneasy around mealtimes.

Share Your Experience

Have you noticed your cat grinding their teeth or making unusual mouth noises? If so, tell us what you observed and when it tends to happen.

Sharing your experience in the comments may help other cat owners recognize similar behaviors and understand what might be going on with their own cats.