How to keep a cat’s teeth clean
Maintaining your cat's dental health is crucial for their overall wellbeing. A combination of regular at-home care, natural products, and professional veterinary checkups can help to prevent dental diseases. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to keep a cat's teeth clean:
1. Brushing Their Teeth:
The most effective way to maintain your cat's dental health is to brush their teeth regularly. Here are some steps you can follow:
- Start with a toothbrush designed specifically for cats; these are smaller and softer. Use a toothpaste formulated for cats, available in flavors like poultry and fish, making it more appealing. Human toothpaste should not be used as it may contain ingredients like xylitol, which are toxic to cats.
- Start by letting your cat get used to the taste of the toothpaste and feeling of the brush. You can put some toothpaste on your finger or on the brush and let your cat taste it.
- Gradually work up to brushing their teeth. Lift their lips to expose the teeth and gently brush in a circular motion. Focus on the outer surfaces of the teeth; most cats won't allow you to brush the inside.
- Ideally, you should aim to brush your cat's teeth daily. However, if this isn't possible, a few times a week can still be beneficial.
2. Natural Chewing Products:
Chewing can help to clean your cat's teeth by naturally scraping off plaque and tartar. Here are some natural products to consider:
- Raw Meaty Bones: These can help scrape off plaque, stimulate the gums, and freshen breath. Make sure they're size-appropriate and always supervise your cat while they're chewing to prevent choking.
- Dental Chews: While there are few "natural" dental chews specifically designed for cats, some companies produce dental chews with natural ingredients that can help maintain dental health.
- Silver Vine Sticks: A cat-friendly alternative to pizzle sticks or tendons, these are safe and help with dental cleaning. They have an appeal similar to catnip, encouraging cats to chew on them and thus providing a natural cleaning action.
- Fish Skins: Dehydrated fish skins can be an excellent natural dental chew for cats. They're high in omega-3 fatty acids and provide a rough texture that can help scrape off plaque.
Remember, when introducing new products, monitor your cat to ensure they're not causing any digestive issues or potential choking hazards.
3. Professional Veterinary Care:
Despite your best efforts at home, professional cleanings and check-ups are essential. Schedule a yearly veterinary dental check-up. Your vet can perform a thorough cleaning and exam to check for signs of gum disease, cavities, and other issues. They can also perform dental x-rays to check the health of the roots and parts of the teeth you can't see.
In between vet visits, pay attention to signs of dental issues such as bad breath, changes in eating habits, visible tartar or plaque, or swollen or red gums. If you notice any of these, it's worth a visit to the vet.
Implementing a combination of these methods will greatly enhance your cat's dental health. Remember that every cat is different, so what works for one might not work for another. It's all about finding a routine that works best for your cat and sticking with it.