Oral Health
Good dental hygene is very important in cats and dogs to prevent uncomfortable and expensive surgery. Here are some things you can do to help keep kitty's teeth healthy and clean.
Cat Teeth
Cats do not have flat teeth for grinding food. Cats teeth are sharp to tear meat or often times they will bite their kibble into a smaller piece to swallow it.
Dental Care
1. Yearly check ups
2. Regular cleaning. There are toothpastes that are specifically designed for cats and if you start young they will get used to the process.
(See below for tips on brushing teeth)
3. Meaty, raw bones to chew, try to avoid bones that splinter like fish or chicken. Deboned raw meat pieces is a great chew as well.
4. Stimulate gums by gently rubbing them with gause or or a finger brush. Just like people gums should be pink and healthy, not red.
5. Healthy diet and supplements
Brushing Kitty's Teeth
A finger brush or gause is a good place to start with a small amount of toothpaste that is designed for cats (never use people toothbaste),a bit of salt water or tuna juice can also be used. Cradle them from behind and tilt head back. Gently brush teeth and gums in a circular motion while lightly massaging the sides of their face. Do just a few teeth to begin with. Cats love a routine so once they are used to the brush try brushing at least 2-3 times a week.
At Maddie Mae's Pet Pantry we are knowlegeable and happy to help but we are not veternarians. We do extensive research and carefully choose our products but neither our advise nor or our lists of tips and helpful hints should be substitued by a visit to your veterenarian.