Dental Care For Kittens And Cats...

by Susan Nelson Hopkins

Cats can develop many of the same tooth ailments that we humans experience. And the remedies are also similar...

Dental checkups for your cat...

Annual visits to your cat's vet will uncover dental problems and other health issues. One is often the cause of the other.

• Bad breath
• Bleeding gums
• Missing teeth
• Excessive plaque
• Misaligned teeth

Preventative hygiene for your cat's teeth...

• Brush his teeth:
  • Start with a small portion of the mouth, and then increase each day.
  • Use a special toothbrush and toothpaste. A toothbrush that fits on your finger may be easier for your cat to accept (especially kittens). Also, cats often enjoy the toothpaste... so brushing becomes a treat.
  • Brush daily if possible... but at least twice a week. Introducing brushing to a kitten is the optimum scenario. To these little guys, every day is a new experience... so brushing is just one of many things to learn about. For an adult cat, try to develop the experience into a special, bonding time for the two of you.
  • (Go here for Tips for Brushing Your Cat's Teeth)
• Use a rinse:
  • They're available as flavored sprays and rinses, and antiseptic gels.
  • Older cats and those with dental problems will especially benefit from rinses.
  • They are helpful with tooth decay, but don't stop brushing your cat's teeth.
• Dental chews:
  • They have an abrasive texture that helps remove plaque and food debris.
  • Cats seem to really enjoy the different cat chew flavors.
• Do NOT give your cat chicken or turkey bones.
  • They are brittle and can become lodged in your cat's gums or throat.
  • Actually, don't give them any bones... it's too risky.

Your buddy depends on you for a healthy life. Two simple steps is all it takes for your cat to enjoy healthy teeth... annual visits to the vet, and preventative hygiene.

This started as a blog for our family cat, Venus... but she quickly became bored with the whole thing. So now, we're writing it from our point of view... as family cat owners. (Of course, Venus firmly believes that SHE rules the roost... but, don't all cats?)

Everyone in most every family has a million things to do - every day.

Does anyone have a secret for making sure the family cat gets fed on a regular schedule? And, by whom?

Click here to check out viewers' solutions...

or here to see a complete list
 

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