Proper Dental Hygiene
Cats have 30 teeth once they reach adulthood, and taking care of all those teeth on their own isn’t easy.
Unlike us, cats can’t brush their teeth or find a suitable domestic replacement for chewing on – bones and grass, their way of keeping their teeth clean when they’re out in the wild. Here are some ways to establish good dental hygiene.
Be Vigilant
That mild fishy scent known as “kitty breath” is considered normal. But if your cat has foul breath, this is a strong indicator he’s having oral problems. If left untreated, your cat’s breath is only going to get worse. Like people, when an animal has bad breath and is drooling, the cause is often related to gum disease and/or tooth decay.
Give them a Yearly Check-up
Just like people, cats suffer from dental issues that, if unchecked, can lead to serious health problems. Ask your vet to thoroughly check your cat’s teeth, gums, breath, and whether the gums are prone to bleeding, swelling or redness.
Establish a Cleaning Routine and Learn How to Brush Cat Teeth
Toothpaste specially designed for cats is readily available in flavours they’ll enjoy. Do NOT try to brush your cat’s teeth with “people” toothpaste; if fluoride toothpaste is ingested it can make your cat severely ill.
Once your cat is used to the flavour of the “kitty toothpaste,” you can cradle your cat from behind, cup his chin, and lift up his lip to clean his teeth using either your gauze covered finger or a kitty toothbrush.
Watch this space for more tips!
Source: www.petmd.com.