Say Me-AH! Oral Health Care for Cats
Cat owners will generally think about grooming their cat and taking them in for regular check ups but no one usually thinks about oral health care for cats. Teeth are probably the most neglected part on a cat's body, yet one of the most important parts.
Almost eighty five percent of mature pets have some sort of dental disease. Dental related disease is one of the most common causes of health problems in cats. If left untreated those dental diseases can turn into elements like bacteria from cavities and they can spread through your cat's entire bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream there's no telling what could happen. Here are some tips to helping keep your cat's teeth clean and healthy.
Tip #1: Smell your cat's breath
It sounds pretty gross right, and a cat's breath is not going to be pleasant anyway, but it should not be offensive or foul smelling in any way. If you smell an unpleasant or foul odor it can indicate an infection of the gums or even the bone. Cat's need their gums cared for as much as we do and many suffer from gum disease when their teeth are neglected.
Your cat will benefit from regular dental care.
Tip #2: Brush your cat's teeth
If this is the first time you have ever owned a cat then this is going to sound ridiculous. Who ever heard of brushing a cat's teeth? Well, your cat's teeth require much of the same attention that your teeth require. So how long would you want to go without brushing your teeth? You can buy a special toothbrush and toothpaste from your local pet store, or ask your vet what their best choice is. Brushing your cat's teeth regularly can help prevent gum disease, broken teeth, and several other oral problems.
Tip #3: Add some oral cleaning care to your cat's water
Adding cleaning care product to your cat's water is sort of like giving your child a fluoride pill or fluoride drops to keep their teeth healthy and strong. There are oral cleaning care products you can buy at the local pet store that are made specifically to keep teeth cleaner in between brushings and will also help to freshen their breath. Always ask a vet which one (if any) to use on your cat as their may be special circumstances for your cat.
Tip #4: Reward your cat after you have cleaned and brushed
If you do decide to take on the task of brushing your cat's teeth and they manage to sit still and let you do it, don't let that good behavior go unnoticed. Make sure you remember to give them a kitty treat. There are some dental treats that you can give them that won't make you feel like you're undoing all that you just did; they are healthier for their teeth.
Tip #5: Get your cat used to a routine
Your cat's teeth should be cleaned and brushed on a weekly basis so naturally it's best to start when they're young kittens so they can get use to the routine. However it's not too late if you're starting later. It may take a little more patience and time, but it will be worth it in the end when your cat's teeth are healthy and strong.
So there is a little bit of oral health care for cats that may come in useful as you find yourself trying to clean or brush your cat's teeth. Good luck.
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