Cats are well-known for being self-groomers, and they're very meticulous in keeping themselves particularly clean from their whiskers to their tails. However, whenever it comes to their oral hygiene, they drop the ball. They aren't able to keep their mouths clean the way that they can keep their bodies clean, and they aren't exactly keen on prying fingers in their mouths. However, with a little bit of knowledge, planning, and practice, it is possible for cat owners to get their cats to open up and say "Ahhh" so that they can ensure their feline companions are free from bad breath, plaque build-up, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Here are a few tips to help get you started:
Tip #1: Regularly Check Your Feline's Mouth.
It is very important that you keep a close eye on your cat's mouth in between visits to the veterinarian for a dental check-up. This will ensure that you can catch plaque and tartar build-up as it is occurring so that the problem can be remedied before it causes a major oral health issue. Plus, this will also help you become familiar with any changes that occur in your feline's mouth, such as excessive drooling or licking, difficulty chewing, foul breath, red/bleeding gums, discolored teeth, lesions, etc. If you see anything out of the ordinary or that causes you concern, contact your veterinarian for an examination.
Tip #2: Brush Your Cat's Teeth Daily.
In order to maintain good oral hygiene, your cat's teeth will need to be brushed on a daily basis. Make sure not to shove the brush in your cat's mouth; instead, simply pull up your cat's lip and slide the toothbrush's head into the mouth a bit. If it's the first time, you may have to start out with your finger and/or simply brushing a couple of teeth at a time until your cat is accustomed to the tooth brushing routine.
Now, in order to brush your cat's teeth, you need to make sure that you have the right supplies. While you could essentially use any type of toothbrush, it is a good idea to use a rubber toothbrush that is soft and is designed specifically for felines. In addition, you need to make sure you're using a toothpaste that is made specially for cats. These can be found in a number of flavors that cats absolutely love, which can be helpful in getting them interested in having their teeth brushed. Make sure to never use human toothpaste, as it contains ingredients that could make your cat sick.
Tip #3: Offer Special Treats.
Brushing isn't the only thing that is good for your cat's oral hygiene. In fact, there are some dental treats that are specially-formulated to help with this. They can help freshen your feline's breath, control the build-up of tartar, remove plaque, and fight bacteria. These special dental treats also work as excellent alternatives when your cat simply won't work with you with the tooth brushing.
For more teeth-brushing tips, talk to a vet like those at Cat Care Clinic.
Share22 February 2017
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