Cat Dental Health

February is National Pet Dental Health Month. You might be asking yourself, “What’s the big deal?” Well it is a big deal. The reason for that is because according to the American Veterinary Dental Society more than 70 percent of cats develop gum disease before they are three years old. Gum disease is the most common dental problem affecting cats so it is important to pay attention to your cat’s dental health.

Failure to do so can lead to serious and expensive health problems. The first question to ask yourself is “Are my pet’s teeth clean?” How do you know? - You look. Lift your cat’s lips and look at the teeth. Clean teeth will be white, shiny and healthy looking. Notice the gums – are they pink and healthy, not swollen, reddened or diseased looking. Are your cat’s gums free of sores or lesions? And how is your cat’s breath? Really bad breath is another sign of trouble in the mouth.

A diseased mouth will eventually cause your cat discomfort. When a cat experiences a high level of pain they will stop eating. This may be your first sign that something is wrong. Other signs to look for include: a noticeable change in chewing habits, pawing at the face and mouth, depression, and visible tartar or calculi build-up on the teeth.

The trouble your cat will have in its mouth as a result of poor dental hygiene is progressive if not stopped early. A mild case of plaque can progress to gingivitis, periodontal disease, loss of teeth and sores and ulcers. Bacteria can spread to other organs in the body and infect the heart, liver and kidney. So what started out as something totally preventable becomes very serious.

Your veterinarian will tell you preventing dental disease is not difficult. You must be observant, willing to employ teeth cleaning methods at home, and schedule regular professional preventative care as needed.

The buildup of tartar can be slowed by getting into a regular routine of caring for your cat’s teeth, much as you do your own. It is important to start this process as early in the life of your cat as possible. Beginning to take care of your cat’s teeth at the kitten stage has a higher rate of success because your cat becomes accustomed to it and it simply will be part of its routine. It is recommended by many veterinarians that you brush your cat’s teeth at least four times per week with specially formulated pet toothpaste. Do not use baking soda or human tooth paste as these could irritate your cat’s intestinal track.

Your cat may be one that decides to be totally uncooperative when you try to brush its teeth. Not everyone is going to meet with success. If you have this situation in your home it is suggested that you buy special treats that prevent tartar buildup or perhaps a product that will keep the plaque soft and easier to remove by your veterinarian when you take your cat in for its regular checkup. A company called C.E.T. Dental Care makes dental products for the pet industry including pet toothpaste and special dental treats. You may want to take a look at their website www.cetdental.com

There are many websites where you can find information about pet dental health and they basically all tell you the same thing. There were two however that I found and thought they would be worth your time – they are: www.petdental.com and www.vohc.org

Remember your pets’ dental health is extremely important. Look for early warning signs that your cat is experiencing dental distress and take the initiative to physically check the ‘pearly whites’. If you do see something not normal or healthy be responsible and have it checked out by the professional. Your cat will appreciate it, and return the “Love”.

Tom Kartes

Cat Tree Furniture