Do You Really Need To Brush Your Cat’s Teeth?
We share more in common with our cats than you’d like to think. And while some may laugh at the notion of incorporating routine brushing into our felines’ everyday life, did you know our house cats are just as vulnerable to dental problems as the rest of us?
Here are some feline dental facts that might prove more persuasive:
- Dental disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem in cats.
- Eight out of ten cats over the age of 3 suffer from some form of dental disease.
- Severe dental disease in cats can lead to further complications such as heart and kidney issues.
- Gingivitis, periodontitis and tooth resorption are three of the most common dental diseases in cats.
- Most dental diseases occur where we can’t see it - under the gum line.
So if you’re still wondering if it’s necessary to brush your cat’s teeth, the answer’s a big, definite YES.
Cats in the wild maintain their pearly whites by chewing on the meat and bones of prey, while indoor kitties depend on us to uphold their dental hygiene and ensure they have strong teeth that last a lifetime. And we should never undermine their oral health - because bacteria that causes dental pain and infection can easily spread to other organs and cause severe complications.
Learn The Warning Signs
Bad breath is a sign of advanced dental disease and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as reddened gums, yellowish-brown teeth and drooling. If your cat’s constantly dropping food from his mouth or favoring one side when it comes to chewing, he probably has a nasty case of gingivitis.
Other signs of dental disease include the following:
- Loose and/or discolored teeth
- Swelling around the mouth area
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Loss of appetite & weight
As cats generally keep to themselves even when they’re hurting, it’s crucial that you pay special attention to these telltale signs. Early detection can prevent dental problems from progressing to an irreversible state whereby tooth extraction becomes the only alternative.
A Pawsitive Dental Routine For Cats
Ideally, your cat’s teeth should be brushed daily to maintain his dental health and prevent the onset of gum diseases or other related problems. But as fellow cat paw-rents, we know this can be a notoriously difficult task to accomplish with our little ones constantly acting out like miniature, clawing tigers.
Some cats just have a natural aversion to the toothbrush (or fingertip brush) and will do anything to escape a tooth-brushing routine. To help you out, here are some handy tips you can adopt to make the overall brushing experience more pleasant:
- Use oral care products that are made specifically for cats.
- Give your kitty a small taste (and sniff) of the toothpaste to increase its appeal to him.
- Get him used to having your fingers near or inside his mouth.
- Never force your cat through any part of the process.
- Dole out treats after each step of the brushing process.
It’s recommended that you introduce your kitty to tooth-brushing as early as possible so he becomes accustomed to the process - but bear in mind that some cats naturally have zero tolerance for the toothbrush. Fortunately for them (and us), the cat industry is brimming with innovative dental products to cater to these finicky lil’ ones.
From tasty dental water additives to easy-to-use plaque sprays, head over to Discover Now for a short tour on four of the most paw-some dental care products you can consider for a dazzling white kitty smile. Looking after your cat’s dental health is essential to their overall well-being and happiness; and you can always make the experience tasty through the combination of oral care products with dental diets and crunchy dental treats. All in all, we urge you to never undermine the importance of feline dental care - and happy brushing!