Dental Care for Cats
Most pet owners know when something is wrong with their pet. However, something which may not be so easy to spot is dental disease. Cats, just like people, can develop problems with their teeth. As a cat ages, most of them develop some kind of gum disease. If you suspect that your cat has dental problems, there are certain things that you can watch out for.
Most veterinarians would say that if a cat has dental problems that it can stem from having other kinds of health issues. You should make sure that your cat gets proper check ups with you vet. There are also several steps you can take to make sure that your cat has healthy teeth and gums.
First, whether your cat is sick or not, make sure it has a yearly health examination with your vet. In this way, the vet will be able to spot whether the cat is having any dental issues. Your vet will look for things such as bad breath, missing teeth, and tooth decay. All of these problems can point to other serious health issues.
Another way to ensure that your feline’s teeth remain healthy is to brush them. Yes, there are special toothbrushes and toothpaste especially made for cats to help them keep their teeth healthy. Although it is recommended that you brush your cat’s teeth on a daily basis, usually twice a week is sufficient. If your cat does not take a liking to this, try just a little portion of the mouth at first and then gradually add more. If you have a little kitten, make brushing part of its daily routine so it will get used to it. There are special toothpastes made for the cat in mind, and you cats will not only like the taste but will think that the brushing is a treat! There are also dental rinses available to help keep your cat’s mouth remain healthy. It will help fight the battle of tooth decay, but it is not recommended you use the rinse rather than brushing.
Dogs are not the only pets that benefit from chewing. Cats do as well. There are many products available for your kitty to chew on to help maintain healthy teeth and gums. Some treats are flavored with poultry or fish which most cats like. These dental chews can help get rid of unwanted food, plaque and debris that tend to build up on your cat’s teeth. You should use extra caution if you attempt to give your cat a bone to chew. Chicken bones are very brittle and sharp and small pieces can get stuck in you kitty’s throat or digestive tract which can cause some very serious problems.
Peridontal disease in cats just as in humans is caused by a buildup of tartar and plaque. This can usually be treated by having your cat’s teeth cleaned and put on a course of antibiotics. No matter what the dental problem may be, regular brushing of your kitty’s teeth may go a long way to good dental hygiene!