Dental health for animals is critical to their overall health and well-being. Because of this, many vets and animal care specialists insist that everyone should be keen on their pets’ dental health, especially cats. Many people think pet dental care is only for dogs, but felines are also at risk of oral diseases.
Dental diseases can lead to other infections that impact overall health and cause severe conditions. Without proper intervention, most felines develop dental disease by the time they are over two years old.
Why Is Dental Care Important For Your Cat?
Taking care of your cat’s dental health comes with several benefits like the following:
- Reducing the buildup of plaque and tartar on their teeth
- Preventing systemic conditions that may develop due to dental disease
- Eliminating bad breath
- Reducing the chances of oral infections and disease
Regular wellness visits to the vet are the best way to ensure your cat’s dental health is in good shape. Vets are keener on the signs of dental disease. They can implement a care strategy to prevent the disease from becoming too advanced.
You may find it hard to spot your cat’s dental disease because cats instinctively hide their pain and eat normally even in pain. However, you can check for subtle signs indicating your feline friend is suffering from dental disease.
Signs And Symptoms Of Dental Disease
To tell that your feline friend is suffering from dental disease, you may have to examine their teeth, especially after noticing more visible symptoms. The most common symptoms, from the most noticeable to those that require closer inspection, include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Bad breath
- Disinterest in food and toys
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Swelling in the face and mouth
- Loose or chipped teeth
- Inflamed gums
How To Take Care Of Your Cat’s Dental Health
You can take several steps to prevent your feline friend from developing periodontal disease, oral cancer, or caudal stomatitis. Consider the following:
Water Additives
You can get specially designed liquid water additives to add to your feline friend’s water to minimize plaque buildup. These additives will be odorless, so your cat will barely notice the change in their water. Some brands may also help freshen up your cat’s breath.
Kibble
You can get specially formulated kibble to help scrape the plaque and tartar from your feline friend’s teeth. The best thing about this is that the kibble is a tasty treat, making it easy to make your cat eat it.
Brushing
While water additives and kibble are a great way to keep your cat’s teeth free of plaque, they should only be a complementing option. The top way to keep your cat’s teeth safe is by brushing them daily. You can find special feline toothpaste and brushes that are gentle on your cat’s oral structures. You must not use human toothpaste as it may be toxic to your furry friend.
For more on the importance of regular dental care for your feline friend, visit Country Veterinary Clinic, Inc., at our office in Live Oak, California. Call (530) 491-4500 to book an appointment today.
