Wild cats keep their teeth and gums healthy by chewing on bones and grass, but our domesticated felines need our help to keep their teeth pearly white.
Aside from fresher breath, proper dental care will keep your cat happy and healthy.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 70% of cats show some sign of periodontal disease by the age of three. It is the most common condition affecting pets, but it is 100% preventable.
Photo: Pixabay/Alexey_Marcov
February is National Pet Dental Health Month and a good time to get into a regular dental routine with your pets.
Learn how you can properly care for your cat’s teeth by following a few simple steps.
Brush
Just like dogs, cats need to have their teeth brushed every day to prevent plaque buildup and gingivitis.
Veterinarians recommend you use a pet-approved toothpaste and toothbrush and don’t forget to brush and examine the gums.
Adobe Stock: Natasha
The signs of periodontal disease are stinky breath, bleeding gums, and tooth decay. Fluffy should have her teeth examined by a veterinarian during her annual exam or if Fluffy has bad breath.
Dr. Cindy Charlier, Veterinary Dentist, shares that periodontal disease often goes undiagnosed and can lead to loss of teeth and damage internal organs. However, by brushing and having your pet’s teeth examined by a veterinarian you can help prevent this common disease.
Getting Your Cat Used To A Toothbrush
Brushing your cat’s teeth doesn’t have to be a fight. While the process is much easier if it is started when the cat is still a kitten, there is still a way to help your adult cat adjust and accept the new routine.
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AVMA recommends starting by rubbing something tasty (canned tuna, or wet cat food) on your cat’s gums with a cotton swab. Once they have accepted that move to using a gauze with pet-approved toothpaste. Then you can slowly introduce a bristle toothbrush.
How Much Time Should You Spend Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth?
VCA Animal Hospitals recommends spending approximately 30 seconds per side. A simple way to measure is to sing (out loud or in your head) the Alphabet Song for each side.
Healthy Diet & Fresh Water
A balanced diet is essential to dental and overall health of your cat. There are endless options from wet to dry food and it all depends on your cat’s preference. Canned food has a higher moisture content while dry food provides a crunch. If you have concerns be sure to talk to your vet about which food is best for your kitty.
Photo: Pixabay/rihaij
Another simple way to help wash away harmful plaque and bacteria is by making sure there is always fresh water available.
Dental Chews & Toys
Dental chews and toys are not meant to replace daily brushing but can be a great tool to help remove plague from your feline’s teeth.
Make sure the toys and chews are made for cats and not too hard.
Photo: Pixabay
4 Fascinating Facts About Cat Teeth
The razor-sharp teeth are designed to eat meat.
Cats shed 26 baby teeth and have 30 permanent teeth as an adult.
They use their front incisors to groom themselves.
Cats don’t get cavities due to the shape of their teeth and their diet, according to PetMD.
Conclusion
The best way to prevent dental disease is by brushing your cat’s teeth every day. Get into a routine and stick with it. Don’t wait until there is a problem – start today!
Additional Resources
Why Do Cats Weave Between Our Legs?
Slow Blinking Builds Rapport With Cats
Why Do Cats Purr?
How To Remove Pet Stains And Odors From Carpet
Cat Sleeping Positions And What They Mean
The post How To Take Care Of Your Cat’s Teeth appeared first on The Animal Rescue Site News.
By: The Animal Rescue Site
Title: How To Take Care Of Your Cat’s Teeth
Sourced From: blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/how-to-care-for-your-cats-teeth/
Published Date: February 15, 2022
