Dental care for cats
Believe it or not, taking care of your cat's teeth is as
important as looking after your own. Proper
dental care
for cats is therefore critical for their overall
health.
Plaque and Tartar
Saliva, bacteria and food particles combine to form plaque
every day. Plaque is the film you feel on your teeth in the
morning when you wake up. Within 24 hours the plaque may begin
to turn into tartar, a hard yellowish deposit on the teeth.
Plaque also causes gingivitis - an infection of the gum - that
is the first stage of periodontal disease.
A problem at all ages
70% of cats have periodontal disease by the age of two, but
other types of gum disease can occur even earlier. The major
cause of gum disease is accumulation of plaque, which contains
a high number of bacteria. These bacteria can spread to the
lungs, liver, kidney and heart, causing infection there.
Periodontal disease is painful, even if your cat may not show
it.
Tell-tale signs
Your vet will be able to spot any problems during your cat's
annual check-up, but until then, here are some things to look
out for:
- Bad breath
- Yellow and brown tartar deposits on the teeth - normal
teeth should always be white
- A red line along the gum line (gingivitis)
- Difficulty eating
- Bleeding gums
A good brush
There are 3 parts to taking care of your cat's teeth:
1) Regular tooth brushing,
2) A special food that works like a toothbrush
3) Regular check-ups with your vet - every 6 months or AT
LEAST once a year
Brushing will be easier if you begin while your cat is still
young, although you may have success even if you start with an
older cat, provided she doesn't already have painful gum
disease.
Don't use toothpaste designed for people, there are pastes
specially designed for pets that are safer. Ask your vet or vet
nurse what he or she would recommend and get them to show you
what to do.
You should brush your cat's teeth at least once a week, but
once a day is best.
Special food
In addition to tooth brushing or instead of, you can use a
special food. Science
Plan Feline Oral Care is created with a unique structure
and size that helps reduce plaque and tartar from the first
bite. Regular dry food does not remove plaque.
This is the simplest way of making sure your cat gets some
form of 'brushing' each day.
Remember to see your vet regularly - keeping your cat's
teeth in good condition is essential for her overall
health.