How To Keep Your Cat's Teeth Healthy
Cats rely on their teeth to eat, play, and defend themselves. Over time, your cat's teeth can succumb to damage due to decay. Bacteria can even cause gum disease. As an owner, there are things you can do to prevent this. Here are four tips you can use to take care of your cat's teeth.
1. Train your cat to accept having their mouth handled.
Pets need their teeth brushed just like humans do. Unfortunately, you can't explain toothbrushing to a pet in a way they will understand. Many pets don't enjoy having their mouths handled, but you can train your cat to get used to having their teeth brushed. Start as soon as you can. Cats are most adaptable when they're kittens, but older cats can be taught with enough patience. When you first start out, simply allow your cat to lick the toothbrush in order to familiarize themselves with it. You can try coating the tip with wet food to make it more appetizing.
2. Brush your cat's teeth daily.
Once your cat is comfortable having their mouth handled and they're familiar with their toothbrush, you should start brushing their teeth every day. You can find toothpaste made especially for cats made in flavors that cats enjoy, like fish and chicken. Carefully brush every surface of your cat's teeth. Some owners find this task is easier when they hold their cat still between their legs.
3. Incorporate crunchy foods into your cat's diet.
You can further care for your cat's teeth by adjusting their diet. Wet food is good for cats because it helps them stay hydrated. However, a diet of all wet food isn't good for your cat's teeth. In the wild, big cats keep their teeth clean by biting through bones. You can replicate this natural cleaning action by incorporating crunchy foods into your cat's diet. You can accomplish this by mixing kibble into your cat's wet food or by replacing one daily meal with exclusively dry food. If your cat doesn't like eating kibble, you can supplement their diet with crunchy cat treats.
4. Take your cat to the dentist.
Your cat should have their teeth examined regularly in order to catch potential problems. Your veterinarian can perform a basic examination of your cat's teeth in order to check for obvious signs of decay, but most problems must be diagnosed by x-ray. A cat dentist can x-ray your cat's teeth and thoroughly examine their mouth. Your cat will need to be put under general anesthesia during the appointment to keep them safe and comfortable. Finding dental problems before they start to hurt your cat is the ideal course of action.
For more information, contact a cat dentist in your area.
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