Cat Dental Care Services: Feline Dental Health

Feline Dental Health: What Cat Owners Should Know

Cats are often known to be independent, but they are still a part of your family. Their playful nature, their endearing purrs, and moments of genuine affection place them among the most beloved of companions.

While many cat owners offer their pets exemplary care when it comes to their dietary needs and general well-being, there is an unfortunate tendency to overlook their dental health, not giving it much attention until there is a noticeable change in their cat’s behaviour.

Just like humans, cats can experience a range of dental issues that can impact their health, sometimes leading to serious problems. Keep reading to learn more about cat dental care, maintaining oral hygiene at home, and the crucial role of regular veterinary checkups in keeping your companion’s teeth healthy.

The Importance of Regular Veterinary Checkups

Your vet plays a critical role in keeping your cat healthy, and part of that includes dental checkups.

  • Professional Dental Cleaning: Regular veterinary dental checkups are a critical part of maintaining your cat’s oral health. Plaque and tartar build-up between visits can be difficult to remove at home, but a professional cleaning will remove them. These regular cleanings at the vet are your cat’s best defence against more severe dental issues and help to promote their overall health. Learn more about our professional cleaning services.
  • Early Detection of Dental Problems: Veterinarians have the necessary training to spot the early warning signs of dental problems that would go unnoticed by the average pet owner. This early detection allows for prompt intervention, preventing the situation from worsening, while also minimizing potential discomfort.
  • Customized Dental Care Plan: Just as every person is unique, so are cats, with their own individual dental care needs. Veterinarians can create a dental care plan that is tailored to your cat’s age, breed, and overall health needs. This ensures that your cat receives the specific care that it requires, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach that may not be suitable.

Maintaining Your Cat’s Dental Care at Home

While regular visits to your cat’s vet are an essential part of your cat’s dental care routine, so is maintaining that care at home. There are several ways that a cat owner can help to maintain their furry friend’s oral health at home, including:

  • Regular Brushing: As your own dentist will tell you, brushing is the best means of protecting against dental issues between visits. Regular brushing may sound challenging, even intimidating, but by adopting a calm, patient approach, most cats can be taught to accept tooth brushing. It’s important to use a soft brush and specially formulated cat toothpaste; do not use human toothpaste, which can be harmful. Introduce brushing slowly, giving them time to become accustomed to the routine and remember to offer them plenty of healthy rewards to create a positive association with dental care.
  • Dental Treats and Toys: Treats and toys can be an excellent addition to your cat’s oral care routine, provided you choose the right ones. There are oral care treats and toys specifically designed to promote dental health by helping to reduce the buildup of plaque and tartar. Your cat also has a natural instinct to chew which can be satisfied by chew toys. This will promote healthy gums and protect against certain dental issues.
  • Specialized Diets: Pet owners do their best to provide their companions with a healthy diet, but not

all foods are made equal. Specialized dental diets incorporate foods with a texture and composition that can help to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Your veterinarian can offer you more information to help you choose the most suitable dental diet for your cat.

Warning Signs of Dental Problems

Observing your cat’s behaviour can help you spot dental problems. Any of these signs should prompt you to make a vet appointment to determine how to proceed with treatment:

  • Bad Breath: Persistent bad breath is typically an indicator of dental issues in cats. Their breath may normally have a slight odour, but if you notice a foul smell, it may indicate the presence of bacteria or infection.
  • Changes in Eating Habits: Many people are well acquainted with cats that are finicky eaters, but if their eating habits change significantly, they should be taken seriously. They may start chewing on only one side of their mouth, avoid certain foods, or show signs of discomfort when eating. When this occurs, it may indicate tooth decay or gum disease, so it should be taken as a sign that it’s time to see the vet.
  • Excessive Drooling: Your cat may drool from time to time and that is fine, but excessive drooling could indicate an emerging issue.
  • Red, Inflamed Gums: Healthy gums will be pink and firm but if your cat’s gums are red or swollen, it might be a sign of gingivitis or another dental issue. Part of your at-home routine should include inspecting your cat’s gums.

Caring for your cat’s oral health is as much a part of pet ownership as seeing to their other needs. With proper at-home care combined with regular professional checkups, you can help to ensure your cat’s oral health and overall well-being, leading to a happier, longer life.

To book an appointment for your cat’s dental checkup, contact us today.

For more information on our pet dental services, including tooth extractions, advanced treatments, and procedure pricing, visit our dental services page.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us.


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