When you think of cat care, the first things that come to mind are probably food, beds, a litterbox, and, of course, regular visits to our pet clinic. Cats may believe they are invulnerable, yet they are susceptible to a wide range of illnesses and diseases. Like humans, they can have dental disorders that are both uncomfortable and hazardous. In this article, a local Aldergrove, BC Canada veterinarian discusses the fundamentals of cat dental care.
What Are the Most Common Cat Dental Issues?
Cats can experience a variety of dental problems. Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is very common in them, as it is in humans and dogs. Fluffy may also acquire stomatitis, a very painful gum infection. Our feline friends may also have cracked, broken, or missing teeth, abscesses, and/or misalignments. Teeth resorption is another typical concern.
Our feline pals can suffer greatly from these ailments. Dental issues can also pose a threat. In addition to infections, your pet may choke or sustain internal injuries if she swallows a broken tooth. Dental issues can also make it hard to chew, which can increase the risk of malnutrition.
Do Cats Actually Require Dental Treatment?
Absolutely. This is, sadly, a frequently disregarded aspect of proper cat care. If you’ve ever experienced a toothache, you know how painful it can be. Mouth infections are also very dangerous because of their proximity to the brain.
It’s also always better to prevent problems rather than try to treat them. Being proactive with your cat’s dental health can not only protect her from harmful and painful illnesses, but will also make things easier for both of you in the long run.
Do Cats Get Their Teeth Cleaned?
As you can probably assume, trying to clean Fluffy’s teeth while she is awake is, well, dangerous. Cats will receive anesthesia for extensive cleanings or other dental treatments. Once your cat has been diagnosed and evaluated by your veterinarian, he or she will be able to provide detailed information.
What Other Options Are There Besides Brushing My Cat’s Teeth?
Kitties can be pretty opinionated, and they are notoriously resistant to doing things they dislike, such as bathing. It can be difficult to get your kitty companion to accept a toothbrush. If Fluffy isn’t having it, you might be better off looking into other alternatives.
- Dental treats designed to eliminate plaque and tartar.
- Dental gels
- Diets prescribed by a dentist are another alternative. Some cats may benefit from dental food. Usually, this is kibble. You should never put your pet on a medicinal diet without first consulting with your veterinarian.
- Dental flakes can help boost your pet’s oral hygiene. These would be mixed into your pet’s diet.
- Oral rinses and additives
How Do Wild Cats Maintain Good Dental Health?
Fluffy may be sweet and friendly, not to mention lazy, but she’s a predator at heart. She will catch mice, birds, and other small creatures in the wild for meals. Chewing on those bones will keep cats’ teeth clean in the wild. However, this does not make it a good alternative for pets. Bones, particularly roasted ones, pose a constant choking hazard. They can also spread germs and parasites.
How Do I Look After My Cat’s Teeth?
Brushing will be your best bet. This will work best if you begin when your feline friend is still a kitten. Ideally, Fluffy will grow up to believe that having her teeth cleaned is just part of being a spoiled pet. An adult furball can still be taught to accept a toothbrush; it could just take a little longer. It’s also not something you want to force.
Begin by softly touching your cat’s teeth and gums while she is being petted. To sweeten the deal, offer a small treat. Praise and ear scritches will also help. Wait until Fluffy is comfortable before continuing. The next step is to add a toothbrush. You may try using a finger toothbrush. You can also wrap your finger in gauze. Finally, incorporate some cat toothpaste. You might also try letting Fluffy suck some toothpaste off your finger. This will help her get used to the flavor and process.
Do not try to compel your pet to submit. That will likely backfire and may make your cat terrified of you. It’s also a good way to get scratched.
Remember that you don’t need to brush Fluffy’s entire mouth at once. Just do one piece at a time, rotating constantly.
What Are Some Symptoms of Dental Problems in Cats?
Our feline companions are unable to communicate when they are not feeling well. You’ll need to keep an eye out for symptoms of illness.
- Bad Breath (Halitosis)
- Drooling
- A Decrease In Appetite
- Losing Weight
- Having Difficulty Eating
- Pawing The Mouth
- Tartar
- Red, Swollen, Or Bleeding GUms
- Loose Or Missing Teeth
- Swelling Of The Cheeks, Jaw, Or Face
- Not Wanting To Have Their Face Touched
- Behavioral Adjustments
- Grumpiness
- Withdrawal
- Preference For Soft Foods
- Loss Of Enthusiasm For Playing
- Poor Fur Condition
Keep in mind that many of these symptoms can be suggestive of a variety of medical concerns. If you observe any of these in your feline buddy, contact your veterinarian straight away to schedule an appointment.
Keep Track Of Kitty’s Veterinary Care
While your pet would probably rather take another snooze than visit the veterinary hospital, she will feel much better after receiving adequate care.
How often your pet should be seen will be determined by her age, weight, health, and history. If your feline companion is a kitten, she will need to come in a few times throughout her important first year. Kittens need their initial exams, microchipping, and spay/neuter surgeries. Fluffy will also need her initial vaccinations. FHV-1, FCV, FPV, rabies, and FeLV are the CORE vaccinations recommended by the AAHA for cats. Your vet may also recommend some other, non-core immunizations. Finally, you will also need to start your kitten on parasite prevention.
After those initial sessions, your pet may only need to come in once a year. Down the road, when Fluffy becomes a senior, your veterinarian may recommend more frequent visits. Cats, like people, become more susceptible to certain illnesses and disorders as they age.
Of course, no matter how old your pet is, you’ll want to keep an eye out for signs of illness. Some typical ones include hiding, untidy fur, respiratory problems, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your Aldergrove, BC Canada veterinarian right away.
Schedule An Appointment At Our Aldergrove, BC Canada Pet Clinic
Do you have any concerns about your cat’s health or care? You may contact us at any time. As your Aldergrove, BC Canada pet hospital, we are dedicated to providing excellent care.
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