Did you know proper dental hygiene is just as important in your cat’s life as it is in yours? It’s true, good dental health can add years on to your kitty’s life, and dental disease in cats is more common than you might think. Keeping up on the care of your cat is important. And by doing so, you can also know what signs to watch for if something is amiss. Keep reading so that you can learn some expert tips when it comes to dental care for cats.
We Assure You, Dental Care For Cats is Simple if You Follow Our Advice!
Teeth Brushing
Brushing your cat’s teeth is the best way to keep plaque and tartar to a minimum. You may be thinking, “how am I supposed to brush my cat’s teeth?” However, it’s not as hard as it may seem.
Introduce your cat to tooth brushing slowing using positive reinforcement. Start with using your finger or a washcloth to help your cat get used to having something in their mouth and work your way up to your cat being comfortable to a pet toothbrush. Do not use human toothpaste as it can be harmful to your cat. Use a pet enzymatic toothpaste to help with plaque. It is more likely for plaque and tartar to build up around the outside of the mouth, so pay more attention to that area.
Dental Treats and Wipes
Giving your cat treats that are approved by your veterinarian to help with tartar buildup such as Greenies. Certain toys can help reduce tartar and plaque buildup as well. Try veterinary grade dental wipes too to keep your cat’s teeth looking nice.
Annual Wellness Exams
Taking your cat in to see their veterinarian annually is pertinent for their dental and overall health. Your veterinarian can examine your cat’s mouth and point out any infection, gingivitis, or problem teeth. Scheduling a dental procedure for your cat is like when you go to the dentist for a cleaning. Tarter is scaled off from the surface to under the gum line and your veterinarian can check the health of the teeth more in-depth including taking radiographs to check the health of the roots. Keeping up with routine dental cleanings for your cat can help ensure that your cat will have all their teeth for years.
Pay Attention
It’s a no brainer that cats are great at hiding things, from toys to pain. Keeping a close eye on your cat’s behavior and mouth can tell you how they are feeling. A sudden decrease in appetite can be their way of signaling to you that their mouth hurts. Jaw chattering and drooling are more signs of mouth pain. If your cat has bad breath, it may indicate an infected tooth. If you feel that something is wrong and your cat’s mouth might be painful, call your veterinarian. Think about how you feel when you have tooth pain. It’s pure agony and you want it to end as soon as possible.
Dental health is important to keep your cat happy and healthy! Routines like teeth brushing, dental treats, and dental cleanings are all easy ways to keep tartar buildup to a minimum. Don’t let your cat fall into the statistic of feline dental disease.
Did you learn anything new and interesting about our feline friends? Share this article with other cat lovers that you know so that they can learn something, too.
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