Good dental hygiene for cats

We know that we need to clean our teeth twice a day, but if you have a feline fur baby you may be curious about how to clean cats’ teeth. Understanding how to maintain good dental hygiene for cats is an extremely important aspect of caring for our feline friends but, sadly, most cats will develop dental problems at some point in their lives. As owners, we need to take proactive steps to help reduce the risks. 

Poor dental hygiene can lead our cats to the same problems that we would face as humans: bad breath, tartar and plaque, gum disease and, ultimately, infection and tooth loss. 

Cats are carnivores and therefore rely on having good, strong, sharp teeth to maintain a healthy diet. So, what can we do to help?

Look Out for Signs of Dental Health Issues in Cats

Firstly, we need to keep an eye on our furry friends. Are they eating properly, are their gums a healthy colour, or are there signs of bleeding? You should also watch out for irritable behaviour, pawing at their mouths or excessive drooling. 

Seek Professional Help

If your cat is displaying any signs of discomfort, seek professional advice from your vet. They will be able to recommend the best way of helping your cat to return to a healthier and more comfortable mouth.

At Garden Vets we will ensure that your cat’s teeth are inspected regularly and monitor for any signs of problems. Our team of staff is committed to helping to educate you on the best ways of caring for your pets so that everyone can enjoy the highest quality of life.

Good Dental Hygiene for Cats Should Focus on Prevention 

Establishing a good routine early on will help you to maintain good practice. Ask your vet to recommend a suitable toothbrush and toothpaste. Do not be tempted to use a human toothbrush; the head will be far too big. Your cat is also unlikely to enjoy the mint flavour of your toothpaste!

How to Start Cleaning Your Cat’s Teeth

• You should start introducing tooth cleaning from around 6 months onwards, once your cat has finished teething. 
• Carefully introduce them to the brush and to having their mouths touched. 
• After a few weeks, and once they have become comfortable with the brush, slowly introduce toothpaste. 
• Apply the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, brushing gently across the surface of the teeth up to the edge of the gums. 

Establishing Routines

Routine is the key to successful dental hygiene. Try to find a time each day when you and your pet are both calm and relaxed. If at any point your fur baby becomes stressed or tries to run away, let them go and return to it later. 

Good Diet is Key

Beyond establishing a good tooth brushing pattern, there are also special dietary plans available to help support good dental health. If your cat is prone to dental issues, speak to your vet about moving onto a diet that can help support and maintain dental health. They can also offer you further advice on good dental hygiene for cats. 

If you’re looking for more help and advice, the Garden Vets at Keele are available 24/7/365 days of the year. Sign up for our exclusive PetCare™ Plan today and give your feline fur babies the best all-round care possible.