We can always learn a thing or two from clever cats. But sometimes, our feline friends need our help making sure they keep crunching kibble and grooming like a pro! Many cat parents harbor certain misconceptions regarding feline teeth. Some of them are SURPRISED to learn that cat teeth are supposed to be brushed regularly. Cat dental care products help your cat retain their oral health, especially if you have an outdoor cat. Let’s break down 4 of these myths here.
Myth #1: Feline Fangs Only Need Self-Cleaning
Myth: Pet parents assume that a cat’s constant licking makes their teeth clean. As if your cat has a God-given toothbrush in their mouth!
Origins: Watching wild cats roaming on the streets thrive without brushes can fool some folks into complacency.
Reality: Pet cats do need extra dental care. Their tongues can scrape fur, not gumline tartar. Most adult pet cats are fighting gingivitis. That’s why you have to invest in cat dental care and get a toothbrush for your feline friend right away.
Myth #2: Human Toothpaste is a Cat Teeth Cleaner
Myth: Grabbing your Colgate for kitty breath is fine. Like bathing your dog using the men’s shampoo lying around somewhere.
Origins: In the pre-Internet days, human products were considered “close enough” for pets.
Reality: Xylitol can spike insulin and crash an animal’s liver in just a few hours. Your cat can’t tolerate fluoride overdoses as well. Abrasive brushing can ruin their enamel. That’s why you need cat dental care products, like feline toothpaste.
Myth #3: Cat Dental Treats Stop Tartar Buildup
Myth: One crunchy snake daily = perfect teeth forever (no brushing).
Origins: TV ads created this hype around “miracle” chews in the ’90s, plus vets suggested them as easy gateways before full product lines.
Reality: Surface scraping can boost your cat’s dental health. But this method ignores the hidden gum pockets. If you simply start relying on dental treats, your feline friend will end up resembling that tabby cat from Yahoo who had lost all their teeth.
Myth #4: Kitty Breath is Just Normal “Cat Smell”
Myth: We can shrug off stinky teeth as “normal adult cat funk.” There’s no action needed, since animals are supposed to stink.
Origins: Kittens’ fishy breath normalizes this misconception. Owners are adapted without gum checks.
Reality: When your kitty smells, it can signal abscesses or organ strain from invading bacteria. If your cat is pale or has bleeding gums, it means they need to see a vet right away. Cat dental care products with antiseptics are best here! You should look into your cat’s weight as well and make sure they are not losing weight due to their poor oral health.
Your Quick Guide to Cat Dental Care Products
If you’re worried about your feline’s dental health, consider using the right products to make them healthy again. We recommend getting these products for your pussycat today:
- Your cat will love enzymatic toothpaste with a dual-head brush. Tuna flavor wins the battle! 30-second daily swipes will dissolve plaque like acid. But you should start by finger-guaring to build trust with your feline.
- VOHC chews (Greenies, OraVet, etc.) have enzymes + crunch post-meal. You can also add toy stuff for hunters. Choose soft meals for senior cats.
- Water additives like Oxyfresh are amazing, tasteless germ killers.
- You can also use oral gels like Virbac C.E.T. as an overnight coat for haters.
We hope that you now understand how to get your cats keep chewing on bones even when they are old. We at Acoma have been serving pet parents in Tucson for the past 30 years. So, if you are having feline fatigue, get in touch with us right away and rehabilitate your pet!
