by Alexander Thompson
May 23, 2022
4 minute read
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- The Importance of Your Cat’s Dental Care Routine
- Ways to Keep Your Cat’s Dental Health in Check
- Caring for Cat Teeth at Home
- How To Clean Your Cat’s Teeth at Home?
- What Should I Know When Checking My Cat’s Teeth?
- The Signs of Dental Disease
- Final Thoughts
Establishing good dental care routines is just as important for cats as it is for people. By starting to care
for your feline’s teeth early on you are poised to enjoy great success in the long run. Whether you have
considered experimenting with brushing your cat’s teeth, or haven’t ever thought of it, proper oral healthcare
is important for kitties for a number of reasons. From the prevention of a myriad of diseases, such as
gingivitis, to keeping an eye on other health concerns such as diabetes, keeping your four-legged friend’s teeth
in check should hit the top of your daily to-do list.
The Importance of Your Cat’s Dental Care Routine
Over 75% of all cats, including feral and domesticated, face gum or dental issues within their lifetime. From
calculus to receding gums, felines can experience a variety of complications once their pet-parents fail to
properly uphold a dental care routine. In fact, over time, food scraps begin to build upon your cat’s teeth
thereby creating plaque, and providing a breeding ground for bacteria.
Furthermore, the minerals found within cat saliva have the potential to turn moldy plaque into calculus, leading
to gum atrophy. This condition causes teeth to lose optimal function as well as their inherent position.
Additionally, cats produce a type of caries commonly known as FORL.
Ways to Keep Your Cat’s Dental Health in Check
It’s highly recommended for every owner to keep up with the dental maintenance routine of their pet. Whether
this is a combination of dental exams, cleaning, and other procedures, your veterinarian is a great place to
start. By creating a home-care routine, you may begin to notice an improvement in the overall health of your
cat, as well as their comfort. Plus, when you put more effort in at home, less will be required at your cat’s
next vet appointment.
Caring for Cat Teeth at Home
Naturally, cats spend a lot of time gnawing on bones and even grass when exploring nature – think of it as a
built-in method of caring for their teeth. However, considering most cats aren’t spending their life in the
great outdoors, pet parents are completely responsible for dental hygiene, as well as their general wellbeing.
What aspects of feline dental care should be observed?
Brushing a Cat’s Teeth
Brushing your cat’s teeth is a common, effective way to decrease tartar and plaque buildup. By brushing your
cat’s teeth regularly, they are poised to enjoy better health as a result. When you get started, remember to be
patient with yourself as well as your cat – this is just as foreign to them.
Improving a Cat’s Diet
Making positive changes to your cat’s diet is another great way to improve their overall dental health. By
providing a high-quality, nutritious diet, your cat is poised to maintain optimal health, benefiting from meat,
vegetables, and even fruit. For best results, try to avoid food high in empty calories, fake colors, and
synthetic flavoring.
Utilizing Toys or Dental Chews
When supplying your cat with dental chews or toys, consider opting for one with an abrasive texture. This
enables your cat to scrub away plaque through normal play or chewing. Ultimately, this movement will also
stimulate their gums, providing a method of avoiding infections, diseases, and more.
Be Careful About Letting Them Chew on Bones
While bones are similar to dental chews, in that they assist with the breakdown of tartar and plaque, you can’t
just toss your cat any old bone. When providing your feline with a bone to chew, only supply raw bones that
remain uncooked. The problem with cooked bones is that they could splinter off, and lead to further health
complications. This includes pork bones, chicken bones, and even fish bones.
How To Clean Your Cat’s Teeth at Home?
- Start brushing your cat’s teeth early – if possible. When you begin, keep your sessions short, and try to remain positive and patient. Massage her gums gently, using the tip of your finger or even a cotton swab.
- Purchase a toothbrush specifically designed for use on cats. This style will be smaller compared to your own human toothbrush, with softer bristles. You may also find toothbrushes designed to slide onto your finger.
- Purchase a toothpaste designed for use in cats, as your own toothpaste may lead to an upset stomach or other kinds of distress.
- Does your cat have inflamed gums? Start by brushing their teeth gently, or make an appointment for a quick check-up at the vet.
- Once you’re done, be sure to reward your feline for cooperating with a treat. This serves as a type of positive reinforcement, letting her know she did a good job and helping her learn brushing isn’t a punishment.
What Should I Know When Checking My Cat’s Teeth?
Typically, felines aren’t keen on having their teeth brushed. However, it is vitally important to their health
as a whole that you keep close tabs on their oral health. When they become distressed, or they refuse to allow
you to examine their mouth, you can always visit your vet instead for a quick checkup.
When it comes to the health of your cat’s teeth, they should appear white and clean in appearance, as well as
free from chips. Their gums should be free from sores or lesions, and have a pink, healthy appearance free from
bleeding, redness, or swelling. Ensure the back of their mouth is free from lesions, swelling, foreign bumps,
ulcers, and more. Abnormal findings should be reported to the vet as soon as possible.
Furthermore, your feline’s breath should be free from any foul odors, but it should be taken seriously if
discovered. Unpleasant odors coming from a cat’s mouth can serve as a sign of infection, regardless of whether
it stems from somewhere else in the body aside from the mouth. Make sure to speak with your vet and schedule a
prompt checkup if you notice any sudden changes. Additionally, if you notice signs pointing toward dental
disease, including pawing at the face, drooling, and difficulty swallowing, a trip to the vet is your safest
bet.
The Signs of Dental Disease
Because we can’t speak the same language, it’s impossible for your cat to verbally explain the pain it may be
experiencing. Oral pain can be especially difficult to identify, especially considering how cats will continue
on with life, even when it comes to normal eating habits. For this reason, it is crucial that you keep close
tabs on your cat’s weight, behavior, and more, and take note of any signs of feline dental disease, including:
Unpleasant breath
Tooth discoloration and visible tartar
Red, bleeding, or swollen gums
Less frequent grooming habits
Blood tainted drool
Weight loss
Difficulty eating
Tooth discoloration and visible tartar
Red, bleeding, or swollen gums
Less frequent grooming habits
Blood tainted drool
Weight loss
Difficulty eating
Check here to learn more about Why Is My Cat Not Eating.
Final Thoughts
Like many aspects of pet care, dental hygiene is one that requires heavy human intervention to complete
properly.
When it comes to cats specifically, there are a few simple ways to keep their teeth in check. Once they are used
to having their teeth cleaned and mouth checked, you will be well on your way to ensuring healthier habits from
here on out.
Plus, your veterinarian will be more than capable of recommending a variety of products that will maintain your
cat’s teeth and gums.
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