Why is cleaning my cat's teeth important?
Cats are known for hiding their pain, so they may suffer from oral health issues without showing any discomfort. Therefore, it's important for owners to keep their cat's teeth clean and to have them attend regular teeth cleanings and exams by qualified professionals. By monitoring and regularly cleaning your cat's teeth, you can detect oral health issues early and help your cat avoid pain and expensive treatment.How do I clean my cat's teeth at home?
Maintaining your cat's daily oral hygiene routine could help keep their teeth and gums healthy. We understand that brushing your cat's teeth daily may be a bit of a stretch, so try brushing them at least two or three times a week.
Establish an oral hygiene routine for your cat while it is a kitten to make cleaning its teeth at home as easy and stress-free as possible. This way, your cat will be accustomed to having its teeth brushed and mouth touched from a young age so that it won't bother it as it ages.
When going to brush your cat's teeth, start 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.
- Don't expect too much from your cat at first. You may only be able to reach a couple of teeth the first few times you try this process. That's okay, though. This is about building trust in your cat to help prevent them from becoming agitated.
- Remain calm and give lots of praise and a yummy treat after your teeth-and-gum massage. You're trying to build your cat’s tolerance to the experience, gradually increasing your time on the task each day.
- Once your feline friend is used to you massaging their gums each day, you can gradually introduce a soft-bristled toothbrush you can acquire from your vet and some special cat toothpaste. Toothpaste can come in various flavors for cats, like beef or chicken.
- Begin using the toothbrush as gradually as you did the teeth-and-gum massage; your cat may begin by licking just a small dab of toothpaste from your finger.
What happens during a professional teeth cleaning visit for my cat?
How successful you are at cleaning your cat's teeth will mainly depend on your kitty's temperament. Make sure you are relaxed and flexible to adapt your approach to your cat's tolerance level.
Some cat owners find cleaning their pet's teeth very easy with gauze, others see a finger brush works well, and others apply dental gel with their fingers.
When you finally begin brushing your cat's teeth successfully, move along the gum line, working quickly so you can get as much done as possible before your cat becomes irritated. It could be weeks before your kitty tolerates having all of its teeth cleaned in a single session, so don't worry if you can't get to them at first.
If your cat appears stressed or alarmed while you're cleaning its teeth, it may react by scratching or biting. So, if brushing your cat's teeth is too difficult for you and your kitty, consider adding plaque remover additives to their drinking water, getting them specially-designed chew toys, or providing your cat with tasty dental treats.
How can I prevent tartar accumulation after the procedure?
To keep your cat's mouth pain-free and healthy, it is recommended that you make annual dental care visits to your vet's office as part of their preventative healthcare routine. Your veterinarian will evaluate your pet's oral and overall physical health and let you know if any professional dental cleaning or surgery is required to restore your cat's oral health.
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.