How to look after your cat’s teeth

Did you know that looking after your cat’s teeth is just as important as looking after your own?

Most of us probably don’t often think about our cat’s dental health, but it is exceptionally important. Dental disease can cause a number of problems for our furry friends. And sadly, it’s all too common, with eight out of ten cats over the age of three having some kind of dental issue.

Thankfully, there are a few tricks that can help you look after your cat’s teeth and help them live long and happy lives.

Why is preventing dental disease in cats important?

While surprisingly common, dental disease in cats can have significant impacts on their health and well-being.

 When you don’t look after your cat’s teeth, plaque can build up. If left untreated, this can develop into tartar, which can cause gingivitis and tooth loss. It can also cause pain and inflammation, as well as kidney and heart damage.

 Like with most things, prevention is always best. And since cats can’t effectively communicate their health woes, it’s best to address dental issues before they arise.

What are the signs of dental disease in cats?

There can be many signs of dental disease in cats, with symptoms ranging from bad breath to yellow and brown build-up on their teeth. Your cat’s teeth should be clean, white, and free of chipping with healthy pink gums.

Other signs of dental disease in cats can include reddened or swelling gums, bleeding gums, drooling, difficulty swallowing, pawing at their faces, and changes to their eating patterns and weight.

It’s important to remember some cats don’t show signs of dental disease, so regular checks are vital—especially for older cats. If in doubt, seek professional advice and book in with your vet.

What are the best products to clean your cat’s teeth?

In the wild, cats clean their teeth by chewing on bone and grass. Thankfully, for domestic cats, there are a few products that can help keep their teeth in tip-top shape.

Finger toothbrushes

It might seem a little odd to brush your cat’s teeth, but with a finger toothbrush, the task becomes much easier. Finger toothbrushes simplify the process and allow you to gently remove plaque quickly and conveniently.

Similar to a thimble, the toothbrush slips right over your finger, offering more control than a handle toothbrush. With soft, silicone bristles, your cat’s pearly whites will be sparkling clean in no time.

Dental treats

Chewing promotes good oral health—which is great news for your cat’s teeth! When used twice a day as part of a dental care routine, dental treats can reduce tartar and plaque build-up in your beloved feline’s mouth.
Our personal favourites are FELINE GREENIES™ Dental Treats, which have natural oat fibres within the treat that scrub your cat’s teeth—like nature’s toothbrush.

Dental cat food

Giving your beloved feline dental cat food is one of the easier ways to look after their teeth—particularly if you’re not able to regularly brush them, or don’t have access to other kinds of cat dental care.

Like treats, dental cat food helps reduce plaque and tartar build-up, freshening breath while scrubbing teeth clean with fibres.

 We recommend Hills Science Diet Adult Oral Care or Royal Canin Dental cat food—and you can order it from us - simply give us a call!

Looking for a cat dentist in Doncaster or surrounds? Get in touch and book your cat dental appointment today!