Feline Dental Care
Most cat owners will spot their cat’s health problems right away. One feline health problem which may not be easily found is feline dental disease. Cats are like humans when it comes to having issues with their teeth. It’s little known, but as most cats age, they do have some type of periodontal disease, however only a veterinarian can tell for sure. There are things you can keep an eye out for, so if you suspect your cat may have dental problems you can catch it early.
The majority of veterinarians agree that feline dental problems may be caused by other types of health problems which must not be overlooked or ignored. Proper health exams by the veterinarian may spot dental issues before they become a problem. There are also things that you as an owner can do to help your beloved pet to keep a healthy mouth.
To keep your cat’s teeth and gums remain in top condition, there are a couple of things you can do to help. One of the best things you can do for your cat is to make certain it sees the vet at least once a year for a full check up. The veterinarian will check your cat’s teeth and if there are any problems they can be dealt with early. The veterinarian will check for missing teeth, tooth decay and bad breath, all which may point to other illnesses that are in the background.
Another way you can help your cat have healthy teeth and gums is to actually brush your beloved cat’s teeth. You can find special toothbrushes and tooth paste made just for the sole purpose to keep your cat’s teeth and gums clean and healthy. Of course daily brushing is best; however for most cats, brushing twice weekly will be just fine.
If at first your cat is not very keen on having his teeth brushed, you can start off just doing a little at a time and not try to brush his entire mouth on the onset. By gradually working your way to brushing more, your cat will be more accustomed to this new attention and quite possibly learn to enjoy the experience. Since the toothpaste is specially made for cats, your cat may take to its taste immediately and will consider it a special treat. If you start off brushing your cat’s teeth while he is a kitten you will have a much easier time with the task.
If you have an older cat that already may have dental problems, you can purchase a mouth rinse which is specifically made for felines. This type of rinse comes in gels as well as a liquid, and they are flavored to be especially yummy to your cat. These are not meant to replace the actual brushing of your cat’s teeth, but as a supplement for when your cat has dental issues.
Giving your cat the proper dental care is your responsibility as a pet owner. By implementing the above mentioned tips you can insure that your beloved pet has a happy and healthy mouth.
