Oral Care For Cats
How many times has your cat tried to give you little kisses, and you just had to turn away because the smell in their mouth wasn’t, let’s say, pleasant? Many pet owners can probably relate to this situation!
A cat’s oral health is one of the pillars of preventive medicine, and regular check-ups make it possible to prevent future problems in our kitty’s general health. Unhealthy teeth and gums can lead to tooth decay & gum disease and even cause issues with their kidneys, liver, heart tissue, and lungs.
We want your cat to be healthy and able to kiss you as much as he or she wants, so here are some tips to improve your purry friend’s oral health:
Brushing
Just like it is for us, brushing your cat’s teeth daily can help keep their teeth and gums, clean and healthy.
Start brushing early on when they are kittens to help get them used to the daily routine. Soon they will become accustom to the brushing. If your cat shows show an initial reluctance to their teeth being brushed, there are a few steps you can follow to get him or her used to it.
- The first thing to remember is to be patient, talk to your cat during the procedure, and show as much affection as possible to help keep them calm. This is going to make the process more comfortable not only for your cat, but also for you.
- In the first attempts, to get your pet used to you manipulating his mouth, try to use only your finger with some pate or puree that your cat likes. Gently, rub your finger around her gums and teeth with circular movements.
- Once your cat is used to the previous step, start doing the same thing, but this time, instead of using your finger, use some gauze or cloth to get him used to different textures.
- The next step is introducing the toothbrush to your cat. At first, just leave the brush around, try to play with them using the brush, you can even coat the brush with some pate or puree to get them to lick and bite the brush. Then start gently brushing the teeth without toothpaste.
- Once your cat is used to the toothbrush and doesn’t see it as a threat anymore, it’s time to add the toothpaste to the routine. Make sure to use toothpaste that specially designed for pets.
Diet
A healthy diet is essential for healthy gums and teeth. You can feed your cat, food and treats that are specially made to improve and promote oral health. The kibble or treat stimulates the friction between your cat’s teeth when they chew to help reduce the formation of plaque and tartar.
There are lots of options for this type of food and treat! One is the Greenies Smartbites which have a texture that cats love and can reach the small parts between their teeth, promoting a cleaner mouth.
Regular Check-ups
Besides the improved diet and hygiene routine, taking your cat for regular veterinary check-ups will help to ensure your cat’s teeth and gums are healthy as well as their general health.
If you suspect a problem, arrange to see your veterinarian sooner rather than later. Preventing dental disease, unhealthy teeth and gums is a lot easier than trying to treat it.
