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As they age, nearly all cats develop bad breath and tartar followed
by gum disease and loose, infected teeth. Simple things you can do
now while your cat is young and healthy make a big difference later
on.
Plaque is that stuff that forms on teeth between brushings. A mixture
of bacteria, minerals from saliva, and gummy food particles, Plaque
is soft at first, but gradually hardens and turns brown. This hardened
material is called tartar. Tartar gets up under the gums, causing
periodontitis. In time teeth loosen, become painful, and eventually
fall out. If you can prevent plaque from forming or remove it while
still soft, you can prevent dental problems |
Brush your cat's teeth. |
Brushing your cat's teeth should not be a chore for you or
your cat. Instead, it should be an enjoyable time for both of
you. If you take things slowly at the beginning and give lots
of praise, you and your cat will start looking forward to your
brushing sessions. But first, we need to gather together what
we will need. |
Where to begin
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Number one , this should be fun for you and
your cat. Be upbeat and take things slowly. Do not overly restrain
your cat. Keep sessions short and positive. Be sure to praise
your cat throughout the process. Give yourself a pat on the
back, too! You are doing a great thing for your cat! |
First,
have your cat get used to you putting
things in her mouth. Dip your finger in tuna water, chicken
broth, or other liquid your cat may like. Call your cat with
a voice that means "treat" and let your cat lick the
liquid off your finger. Then rub your soaked finger gently over
your cat's gums and teeth. After a few sessions, your cat should
actually look forward to this and you can move on.
Now, place a gauze around your finger. (You can again dip it
in the tuna water or other liquid.) Gently rub the teeth in
a circular motion with your gauzed finger. Repeat this for the
number of sessions it takes your cat to feel comfortable with
this procedure. Remember to praise her and keep an upbeat attitude.
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After your cat is used to having the flavored gauze in her
mouth, you are ready to start with a toothbrush, dental sponge,
or pad. We need to get your cat used to the consistency of these
items, especially the bristles on a brush. So, let your cat
lick something tasty off of the brush or pad so she gets used
to the texture. |
Once your cat is used to the cleaning item you are going
to use, we can add the toothpaste (or rinse). Pet toothpastes
either have a poultry, malt, or other flavor so your cat will
like the taste. Get your cat used to the flavor and consistency
of the toothpaste. Let your cat lick some off your finger and
then apply some to your cat's gumline with your finger. Praise
your pet.
Now your cat is used to the toothbrush and toothpaste and you
are ready to start brushing. Talk to your cat in a happy voice
during the process and praise your cat at the end. At first,
you may just want to brush one or both upper canine teeth (the
large ones in the front of the mouth). These are the easiest
teeth for you to get at and will give you some easier practice.
As before, when your cat accepts having several teeth brushed,
slowly increase the number of teeth you are brushing. Again,
by making it appear to be a game, you both will have fun doing
it.
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Use an oral antibacterial. |
Next best is to treat you cat's mouth and teeth with
a chlorhexidine antibacterial gel. This quite effective
and a lot easier than brushing. Put a little get on a
Q Tip or on the end of your finger and put a little between
the cat's cheek and back teeth. Alternate sides each day. |
Use enzyme-treated dental chews |
An easier alternative is to give one or two enzyme-treated
dental chew biscuits every day. CET Chews for Cats are
available from veterinarians and are not the same as the
little dental biscuits you see in the grocery store. |
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