How Can I Keep My Cats Mouth Healthy

Cats may be independent and fine doing things on their own, but how do they maintain their oral hygiene? You’ll learn the importance of doing things to keep your cat’s teeth and gums healthy and problem-free. Veterinarians will tell you the same thing — the tips in this article have helped many cat owners foster a healthy mouth for their precious kittens.

 

Brush Your Cat’s Teeth

Your dentist will often remind you to brush your teeth daily if you don’t want any cavities and mouth illnesses. Brushing your teeth removes the plaque and bacteria that will cause many problems for your oral health. For cats, it's the same and equally important to brush their teeth regularly.

 

You may be thinking how impossible it is to brush your cat’s teeth — most cats actually hate it and don’t get used to it unless they start when they’re still a kitten. Nevertheless, it’s a task that needs to be done at least three times a week. Luckily, there are many kinds of toothpaste and toothbrushes designed specifically for cats that will make it easier for you and more enjoyable for them!

Dry Food Diet

It’s no surprise that cats prefer their food wet and tasty. However, that actually may cause more problems for their oral hygiene than many cat owners expect. Wet and soft foods get caught in cats’ teeth easily and are breeding grounds for plaque and harmful bacteria. It’s fine if you brush them after meals, but that can be excessive, and overbrushing is a thing.

 

In fact, many dental experts recommend a dry food diet if maintaining good oral hygiene is the goal. Crunchy kibble does great to scrape the plaque off your cat’s teeth as they eat it. Many dry food kibbles available for consumers actually have a dental claim and veterinary seal of approval, making it a no-brainer. You can still give your feline companion wet food, just treat it like a treat and make sure to brush their teeth afterward.

 

Regular Dental Visits

No matter how much dental care you do on your own, it still may not be enough to keep your cat’s mouth healthy. As such, veterinarians recommend your cat comes in for yearly dental cleaning as the best way to maintain oral hygiene. 

 

Periodontal issues can’t be assessed just by looking at your cat’s teeth. These issues usually begin below the gum line deep inside your feline companion’s mouth. It’s highly recommended to have regularly scheduled dental visits to treat present and underlying problems and prevent any in the future. 

 

Protect Your Cat’s Mouth With Town & Country Veterinary Hospital

Town & Country Veterinary Hospital is the high-quality veterinary hospital your pet needs. We offer emergency, urgent, and preventative care — whatever the problem may be, we can help you! Our staff is well-trained, experienced, and compassionate about helping every pet that walks through our doors. Give us a call today and schedule an appointment for your feline friend!