Is Dental Care for Cats Important?

The simple answer to this question is YES 

- Kathi Hoos

Reasons For Good Dental Care

There are many reasons why you should be concerned about providing the right dental care for your cat. Proper dental care can prevent the buildup of tartar and plaque. It reduces the likelihood of oral infections. Good oral care means no bad breath from kitty. A healthy mouth can also help reduce the incidence of kidney, heart and liver disease.1,4

How to Care For Kitty’s Teeth

The best way to accustom your cat to good oral hygiene is to start young. Teach your kitten to allow you to touch its mouth and teeth without any biting. Start gentle brushing with a cat toothbrush or finger brush without any toothpaste. There are many types of toothbrushes for cats; look online, at pet stores and even in your veterinarian’s office. You may need to try several types to see what feels best to you and what is most acceptable to your cat.

If you have an older cat, start slowly with touching and brushing. We all know that some cats just won’t tolerate their mouths being opened and teeth touched. Don’t give up on your dental care mission, we will discuss some other non-brushing options.

Always use toothpaste made especially for cats. Human toothpastes may contain fluoride or other ingredients that are not healthy or safe for your cat.

Ideally, your cat’s teeth should be brushed daily, but brushing several times a week is better than no care at all.

What About Those Cats Who Do Not Like Brushing?

It should be noted that nothing is better than brushing; however, for those cats who just won’t allow it to happen, there are some other options.4