When you bring a new feline friend into your home, that’s a great and exciting milestone. You’ll find yourself buying scratching posts, picking out the right toys, finding their favorite cozy spots, etc. Welcoming a cat brings endless joy as long as you don’t overlook a major aspect of feline health, i.e., cat dental care. Cats also need regular oral hygiene like us to maintain their dental well-being. Oral care keeps their gums healthy and teeth germ-free.
If you’ve already brought a new cat home and the feline is acting weird, you shouldn’t panic. A survey shows us that 7 out of 10 cats show signs of periodontal disease by the age of three. So, this blog will share 5 important dental care tips for your furry friend.
Introduce a Cat Toothbrush Early
A basic cat dental care tip is brushing your feline’s teeth. Brushing removes plaque before it hardens into stubborn tartar. But don’t use human toothpaste; it contains xylitol and fluoride, a set of ingredients lethal to animals. You can, instead, find a specially designed cat toothbrush (or a soft brush finger paired with fish-flavored pet toothpaste) that works well for cats. Let your cat taste the toothpaste off your finger so they become comfortable with their brushing routine.
Recognize Early Warning Signs like Feline Gingivitis
Did you know that gingivitis affects around 70% of young cats? Older cats are even more prone to developing this dental health issue. But cats are masters at hiding their pain. That’s why it is often difficult to catch early signs of dental illness. Feline gingivitis is basically an inflammation of the gums that happens because of plaque accumulation. Its early symptoms include:
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Reluctance to eat or dropping dry kibble
- Excessive drooling or pawing at the mouth
If you see red margins along your cat’s gumline, you should schedule a visit with your vet right away. Catching gingivitis early can actually allow vets to reverse this condition before it evolves into irreversible periodontitis. You should also be mindful of risk factors for gingivitis among cats, such as orange coats, dribbling, not hunting prey, and cats forced to eat a wet food diet.
Choose VOHC-Approved Cat Dental Care Products
Not every product available in a pet store delivers on its promises. When you’re looking for cat dental care products, you must ensure they bear the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance. These products retard plaque and tartar accumulation. You should also add water additives to your feline’s diet, such as easy-to-use liquids added to drinking water.
Specialized dental diets come in the shape of kibble designed with a fibrous matrix that scrubs your cat’s teeth as they chew. Dental wipes are a great alternative to traditional toothbrushes.
Incorporate Crunchy Dental Treats and Chews
Veterinary-approved dental treats can supplement daily brushing. These treats feature texture profiles that encourage deep chewing. The treat scrapes against the surface of the cat’s tooth to scrub off buildup. But keep in mind that these treats should never replace brushing. They offer a simple and practical daily boost for feline oral health. If your pet has bad dental health, you can put them on a wet diet to ensure they have no problems getting the nutrition they need.
Schedule Cat Dental Care Exams
Never disregard the value of professional veterinary care. Even with the best home routine, your cat needs annual wellness checks that let a vet closely examine your feline’s mouth to check for hidden root problems under their gumline. They’ll easily notice signs of early-stage tooth decay or resorption. Vets can also perform professional dental cleanings under anesthesia to properly clean beneath the gums, polish the enamel, and treat lingering infections.
Building good oral habits early sets your kitten up for a happy & pain-free life. If you’re in Tucson and have questions about cat dental care, we’re here to help. Our team at Acoma Animal Clinic is here for you every step of the way. You can schedule a routine oral checkup with us simply by calling us today. Visit our clinic to book your cat’s next wellness exam!
