Dental health issues can be just as painful for your cat as they are for us. Mouth and tooth pain could even cause your feline friend to resist eating. Today, our Smyrna vets explain how to clean your cat's teeth and keep their teeth healthy.
Your Cat's Dental Health
Cats are very good at hiding their discomfort. They could be suffering from a painful oral health issue without ever expressing their dissatisfaction. Owners must be aware of their feline companion's oral health and keep their feline companion's teeth clean as a result. You can detect any oral health issues early and help your cat avoid pain and expensive treatment by monitoring and cleaning your cat's teeth regularly.
At-Home Dental Care For Your Feline Friend
Keeping your cat's teeth and gums healthy with a daily oral hygiene routine could help them live a long and healthy life. Begin establishing a daily oral hygiene routine for your cat while they are still a kitten to make cleaning their teeth at home as easy and stress-free as possible. Your cat will become accustomed to having their teeth brushed and mouth touched from an early age in this manner.
Your goal is to make brushing your cat's teeth a stress-free and easy part of your kitty's daily routine. Begin by waiting until your cat is calm and relaxed, then follow these steps:
- Gently lift your cat's lips, then use your finger to massage their teeth and gums for just a few seconds.
- At first, don't expect too much from your cat. The first few times you try this, you might only be able to reach a couple of teeth. But that's all right. This is about gaining your cat's trust and preventing them from becoming agitated.
- Maintain your composure and follow up with lots of praise and a tasty treat after your teeth-and-gum massage. You're attempting to increase your cat's tolerance for the experience by gradually increasing the amount of time you spend on it each day.
- You'll be able to gradually introduce a soft-bristled toothbrush and special cat toothpaste after your feline friend has become accustomed to you massaging their gums every day. Toothpaste for cats is available in a variety of delicious flavors, including beef and chicken.
- Begin using the toothbrush as gradually as you did the teeth-and-gum massage; your cat may begin with licking just a small dab of toothpaste from your finger.
Be Patient & Adaptable While Your Cat Gets Used to the Process
The success with which you clean your cat's teeth is largely determined by the temperament of your feline companion. Make sure you're relaxed and flexible, and that you adjust your behavior to your cat's tolerance level. Some cat owners find that cleaning their pet's teeth with gauze is very easy, while others find that a finger brush works well, and still others apply a dental gel with their fingers and let it do the work for them.
When you've finally mastered brushing your cat's teeth, work your way along the gum line, stopping before your cat becomes irritated. It could take weeks for your cat to accept having all of its teeth cleaned in one sitting.
If your cat is bothered or stressed by the teeth cleaning procedure, he or she may scratch or bite. If brushing your cat's teeth is too difficult for you and your cat, try putting plaque remover additives in their drinking water, getting them specially designed chew toys, or giving them tasty dental treats.
Yearly Dental Checkups For Cats
Our veterinarians recommend making annual dental care visits to your vet's office a part of your cat's preventative healthcare routine to ensure that their mouth remains pain-free and healthy. Your veterinarian will assess your cat's oral health in conjunction with their overall physical health and inform you if professional dental cleaning or surgery is necessary to restore your cat's health.
To find out more about the veterinary dental care available here at our Smyrna animal hospital check out our dentistry page.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.