According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by the young age of 3. While certainly troublesome, there’s good news, because dental disease is entirely preventable. The key is to start right away (like today). Here are 4 tips for keeping your kitty’s teeth clean.
Dental Treats and oral rinses. Interestingly, there are more antiseptic rinses, pads, sprays and treats targeted to help oral disease for cats than in dogs – maybe because brushing is generally more difficult when it comes to felines. Take advantage! We like this list of products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council.
Brush. We know quite a few cat owners that insist their furry felines wouldn’t let them go near their mouth, let alone brush their teeth. While it can be a bit of a battle, with a little practice, you’ll find the task complete in five or ten minutes. If you have a kitty, start practicing now. If you have a squirmy cat, enlist the help of your family member. We like this step-by-step tutorial. And always remember: human toothpaste can be toxic for cats!
Visit the vet for teeth cleaning. Don’t skip this one – it’s important! Your veterinarian should keep a close eye on your furry friend’s gums and teeth during every appointment. In addition, an annual cleaning can remove the plaque and tartar build up that often results in disease.
Consider different food. While at the vet, talk to your veterinarian about a diet change for your cat. They may recommend a grain free or raw diet. We like Hills Prescription or Royal Canin.
Lastly, always keep an eye out for signs of dental disease, like inflamed gums, bad breath, tooth loss, and pawing at the mouth. Happy brushing!
