Many people look forward to having a cat for a pet. In fact, it is one of the cleanest pets that one can ever have. However, many people always have an issue with their dental health, especially teeth cleaning.
For some pet owners, cleaning their cat’s teeth has never been an issue of their concern. Note that, if you do not ensure good oral hygiene, don’t be surprised if you are hit by a bad breath emanating from your feline’s mouth. This might be a sign of periodontal, stomatitis, gingivitis disease or poor general dental health.
If a feline’s bad breath is a problem you are experiencing, then it’s possible that you have been overlooking its dental health. Regular teeth cleaning may eliminate this problem. While some people assume it is a delicate process, you will be surprised how simple and naturally you can clean your cat’s teeth.
Did you know that cat dental cleaning can be done at home without even involving a veterinary? In most cases, veterinarians are quite expensive when it comes to a pet’s teeth cleaning. To help save on the cost is advisable to clean your feline’s teeth regularly.
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Reasons why feline teeth cleaning is important
Pet teeth’ cleaning is, in most cases, taken for granted. It is wrong to assume that they will naturally clean their teeth. Just like human beings maintain oral hygiene, your feline friend needs this service too.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. According to catster.com, healthy cat teeth require regular cleaning. Failing to do this regularly may create other dental problems that might be very expensive to handle.
Below are common reasons why you should clean their teeth regularly:
To keep off the bad odor
Don’t assume that it’s normal for your cat to have bad breath. Bad breath for any animal, including felines, signifies poor dental hygiene. Yes, your feline eats all sorts of foods, but it should have fresh breath. This is something that can be ensured.
Therefore, that pathetic breath indicates that all is not well. It might be a primary symptom of a major dental complication. You will never enjoy your pet’s company due to this smell. You should, therefore, make sure that pet teeth’ cleaning is done regularly.
To avoid dental diseases
Just as in the case of human beings, these pets can develop dental complications. According to Animalplanet.com, teeth cleaning can prevent certain conditions such as gum disease and an abscessed tooth. These are some of the most painful conditions that a feline can ever have.
With this kind of pain, eating becomes a real issue for most cats. Yes, they will eat but will do it out of hunger. Their gum becomes sore and inflamed. You will notice your feline becoming unusually withdrawn from people. Its overall health will also be affected.
To prevent other illnesses
The mouth means almost everything for any pet. When the mouth is not functioning properly, its overall health will be affected. According to catster.com, certain health conditions such as diabetes deteriorate when the cat is having oral infections.
Furthermore, if it is not feeding well, it will be prone to diabetes, kidney, heart and lung complications due to a weak immunity. In extreme cases, such felines may get lose weight or suffer heart failure.
Mouth infections spread to other areas
Research has shown that many infections targeting the cats emanate from the mouth. These infections then spread to the lungs, bones, and heart. Infections affecting its bloodstream may also emanate from the mouth. What does this tell you? Keeping its mouth clean keeps it off many health complications.
Essential tips on cat mouth cleaning
How do you keep your feline’s mouth clean? Do you have to use a toothbrush and toothpaste? Do you do it yourself or do you seek help from a veterinary? How simple or hard is it to clean your cat?
These are some of the major concerns that touch on every cat owner. As earlier noted, its dental care is very important. Did you know that you can clean your feline’s teeth at home without even calling a dentist?
If you do not prefer brushing your pet’s teeth, here are some of the best ways through which you can clean your cat’s teeth at home:
Use dental dry cat food
There are some companies that manufacture food designed to help your pet’s oral health and teeth. In fact, eating this food enhances your cat’s overall dental health. By giving them this food, you will prevent cavity, tartar and other debris from building up in its mouth.
Try cat’s dental wipes
This method is quite tricky but workable. However, the method requires a cat that is willing to cooperate. To many people, dental wipes work in the same way as brushing. They are convenient and easy to use. They fight bad odor by effectively cleaning the gums and teeth.
Chew toys
In the modern world, chew toys have become very popular. These ones allow your pet brush its teeth on its own. Cat chew toys are specifically designed to ensure good oral health. There are numerous such chew toys available in the market today.
Cat’s dental sticks and treats
Just like dental chews, dental treats and sticks are effective in preventing tartar from building up. As the feline chews them, the treats help in scrubbing any food matter on the cat’s mouth. You can get some of the dental checks and treats available in the market.
Use dental gels
These are fluid like gels that contain enzymes that work against tartars and other bacteria in the mouth. If you find it hard to brush, then try dental gels. When you use them, your cat will be free from decay, cavity, bad breath, gum diseases and promote overall oral hygiene.
Some of the best dental gels in the market include:
- Tropical fresh breath plague remover pet
- Virbac C.E.T. enzymes toothpaste
- Oxyfresh pet oral hygiene solution-Dog and Cat
- Pet dog soft toothbrush food-grade material pet
Use raw food and bone
This is one of the best methods of cleaning your feline’s teeth. Research has shown that animals that feed on raw foods rarely have dental issues. For example, all predators that feed on raw meat. This magic can also work on your pet. Instead of giving it cooked food; just give it raw food and bones.
However, not that some raw foods may be harmful to your cat. Let your vet help you on deciding the best foods to give your feline.
Use coconut oil
Lauric acid contained in coconut is a perfect antimicrobial agent. When used for oral hygiene purposes, it helps to fight gingivitis and plaque. Just apply coconut oil on its teeth a few times a day.
If not so, always mix coconut oil with your cat’s food. This routine will enhance its overall dental health.
With all the above options, you have a solution on how to keep the cat’s teeth clean without brushing. They are the best methods of cat teeth cleaning at home.
Other cat teeth cleaning options
Some people just like the easy way out. When it comes to cleaning your feline’s teeth, there are only two easy ways. These are easy but require you to spend some money.
Using toothpaste for cats
Just buy a cat’s toothbrush and toothpaste. This is the surest to ensure their teeth are clean. You literary brush their teeth the same way you do to yours. However, don’t use human toothbrushes or toothpaste.
You can find kinds of toothpaste in the vet store near you. Moreover, there are small toothbrushes designed for felines. Brushing your cat’s teeth isn’t an easy task. In some cases, your pet will resist the brushing.
Visit a vet to do the cleaning
This should be the last resort. It is quite expensive. Cat’s teeth cleaning costs are a bit escalated. However, visiting a vet is the best option, especially if your pet’s teeth are already infected. The vets will have to sedate it so that they can thoroughly work on the teeth.
References
- Petmd.com Top Ten Tips on How to Keep Your Cat’s Teeth Clean
- Pet-happy.com 6 ways to keep your cat’s teeth clean without brushing
- Wildernesscat.com Clean Your Cat’s Teeth Naturally
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