Tips On Cat Dental Care
Cat dental care raises an interesting question: Why should a pet be treated any differently to a human being? Cats have just as much chance of developing cavities, plaque, bad breath, gum disease and any and all of the problems humans associate with their teeth, so why should they not be cared for just as humans care for their teeth? Many of the problems that are common to humans are also prevalent in cats: problems such as bad breath, unwillingness to eat, weight loss and even teeth falling out can be indicators of serious dental care issues with a cat.
First step - the right food
A main component of cat dental care is choosing the right food for a feline to eat. Commercially available foods are often cheaply made from recycled and unwanted animal parts from abattoirs and it is often hard to tell exactly what they are putting in your cat's food. The best food for cats, especially if one has owned them since they were kittens, is the same food we humans eat. Cats will eat what's given to them, though of course they are predominantly carnivores and hunters. A small portion of the meat one cooks from breakfast and dinner is often enough for a cat. Cats also love fish. They also benefit greatly from vitamins, minerals and proteins and if fed on vegetable and meat pastes from a young age, they will greatly appreciate these. A further step in securing good dental care for a cat is providing them with enough calcium - this is most often done with a saucer of milk a day.
Second step - the right textures
Effective cat dental care also depends on them having strong and healthy teeth. This can be achieved mainly by providing them with hard food as well as soft food. There are commercially available biscuit type foods made from all natural ingredients which will help develop a cat's teeth to be strong and resilient. A further important step is to provide them with clean and fresh water. Cats prefer bottled or natural spring water, because they recognize the fluoride and chloride that is in our water. Giving them pure spring water will also prevent sediments from layering on their teeth.
Third step - brushing
Yes, a major part of cat dental care is brushing! There are toothpastes and brushes available from vets and pet shops. Using these regularly can help in the reduction of feline oral diseases and feline oral bone diseases. Another common problem that is tackled by medicinal toothpaste for cats is feline stomatitis - where the cat's body becomes allergic to the plaque around the teeth. Cats affected by these conditions will often be seen pawing at their mouths and will appear to be in pain.
Cat dental care should not be an issue - with the right combination of positive steps a cat's teeth can be shiny and beautiful to impress the vet!