What is a FORL?
FORLs are lesions on teeth where the outer layer of enamel is resorbed and the underlying dentin and/or pulp is exposed, which is very painful. The letters FORL stand for Feline Oral Resorptive Lesion. Other names for this disease include Neck Lesions or just Resorptive Lesions. We also sometimes call them “kitty cavities,” although they are not really cavities like humans get. Human cavities are the result of bacterial enzymes and acids digesting the teeth. However, FORLs are the result of the cat’s own body resorbing the teeth. Why did my cat develop a FORL? Unfortunately no one knows why FORLs develop. It is an area of ongoing research and we certainly hope to have an answer one day! Are FORLs painful? My cat doesn’t seem to be in any pain! Yes! FORLs are extremely painful! They may cause your cat to eat less, use one side of the mouth more frequently, or may even cause jaw chattering (hitting a nerve). Cats are masters at hiding their pain, so you may not see any of these signs at
