Dental Care For Cats

Most pet owners can spot the health problems of their pet immediately. One of the health problems that is not easy to notice is dental disease. Like humans, cats can have dental problems. As cats get older, most of them suffer from some form of gum disease. Only your veterinarian can tell you exactly, but there are things you can look for if you suspect a dental problem with your cat.

Most veterinarians agree that dental problems can cause other types of health problems and should not be overlooked. A proper health check-up with your veterinarian can detect dental problems before they get out of hand, and as a pet owner, you can take several steps to ensure your cat has healthy teeth and teeth in which dental chews for your cat will be the ideal choice for better cat teeth care.

There are several things you can do to help your cat's teeth stay in top condition. First, make sure your cat visits a veterinarian once a year for an examination, whether he is ill or not. Your veterinarian will be able to detect dental problems during your annual checkups. The veterinarian will look for bad breath, caries and missing teeth. All this may indicate more serious problems.

Another way to help your cat get healthy teeth is to brush your cat's teeth. Yes, there is a special toothpaste and brush to help your cat keep its teeth healthy. Daily cleaning is recommended, but twice a week is enough for most cats. Most pet stores have cat toothbrushes and soft rubber brushes that fit your finger. If your cat is hesitant, try to make only a small portion of the mouthful first and then add more each day. If you have a cat, start brushing your teeth early to get used to the routine. Custom-made toothpastes are available. Most cats taste good, and brushing their teeth is seen as a treat.

One of the products available to help keep your kitten's mouth healthy is a specially developed rinse aid. They are useful for older cats and kittens who already have dental problems. These special detergents are in the form of antiseptic gels, rinse aids and scented sprays. Using them instead of brushing your teeth is not recommended, but rinsing helps prevent tooth decay.

Just as dogs can benefit from chewing, so can cats. There are many products available for cats to chew on their teeth and gums. Some have a fish or poultry flavor that most cats like. The abrasive texture of your teeth helps remove food, debris and plaque that can build up on your cat's teeth. This requires special care when giving your cat a bone to chew. Poultry bones are very sharp and fragile. Small pieces of bone can get stuck in your cat's throat or digestive tract, causing serious problems. Most veterinarians recommend never giving cats chicken and turkey bones.

As with many other advances in technology, you can now find specialized veterinarians who deal with orthodontics. So maybe one day your tiger will wear braces while other cats laugh behind them.