Stimulate their gums: Tooth decay usually starts with irritated or inflamed gums, so however you’re able to maintain your cat’s oral health, don’t forget to massage his gums when you can. Not only will this accelerate healing, it will strengthen the gums so your cat will be less likely to suffer from gum problems further on.
Good eats: Diet is another important factor in maintaining your cat’s teeth for good health. Feed your cat a combination of wet and dry foods and vary the meats, too. Besides fish, you can also feed your cat beef and rabbit.
To treat or not to treat? Tartar control treats and chews are okay in moderation, but they’re not sufficient for effectively cleaning your cat’s teeth. If, however, you regularly clean your cat’s teeth, special food supplements can be a good addition to an already healthy diet. Try using these healthy chews and treats as a reward for good behaviour while getting your cat used to having his teeth cleaned.
Give them bones to chew on: Bones knock off tartar and help keep teeth and gums healthy. But, be careful not to give your cat pork, chicken or fish bones. These could splinter and cause severe internal injuries. Raw bones are also better than cooked ones, since they are less likely to splinter.
Don’t wait until it’s too late: Tooth decay and gum disease have been linked to heart, kidney, and other serious chronic illnesses. Don’t wait until your cat shows signs of distress to have his teeth checked out. Preventive care, yearly check-ups, and a good diet can ensure that your cat stays happy and healthy.
Source: www.petmd.com.