What routine should I adopt to prevent cat dental disease?
Preventing cat dental disease is by far much better treatment than a solution to cat dental disease. It isn’t uncommon for cats to get dental disease. Senior cats are at higher risk due to a lifetime of plaque build-up. There are a number of prevention methods you can introduce to your cat’s routine which will stop them from getting dental disease. These include brushing, their diet, water supplements chews and treats, and regular scale and polish.
Brushing
You are now able to buy pet-friendly toothbrushes and toothpaste that are designed specifically for pets. Your cat may not be happy about this in the beginning but if you introduce this to your cat by placing a small amount of toothpaste on your finger and letting him/her lick the toothpaste so they can get used to the taste. This process isn’t an overnight fix you will slowly have to introduce elements to keep your pet comfortable. Once your pet is used to the taste, you can place your finger in his/her mouth and gently rub the toothpaste along their gums and teeth, repeat this action until you are satisfied your cat's teeth are clean. Once your pet it contents with your finger, you can introduce the toothbrush. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the brush and very gently brush against your cats’ teeth. The best way to brush your cats’ teeth is to keep the mouth closed but lift their lip up to make the teeth visible.
Diet
A lot of research has gone into perfecting a dental diet for your cat. There are a variety of options that you can try your cat with including Hills T/D and Royal Canin Dental. The way the food is structured is so that when your cat bites into the food, the kibble stays intact. This means the unbroken kibble can penetrate the biscuit which will then clean your cats’ teeth in the process.
Water supplements
Water supplements are another advancement in dental care that can help prevent your cat from getting dental disease. These solutions are designed to prevent plaque build-up and keep your cat’s breath fresher. There are other products available that are similar such as oral rinses.
Chews and treats
Many pet shops, supermarkets, and vets have dental chews and dental treats available. The difference between average treats and dental treats is the texture and taste. The dental chews are designed to make a lot of contact with your cats’ teeth. They will remove plaque and tartar and help cleanse your cats’ teeth. Some chews have a minty-over tone to tackle bad breath. Although dental chews are for a good purpose you need to consider the calories these chews add to your cat's diet and act accordingly.
Regular scale and polish
At Sandhole Vets, we offer a scale and polish service in which our trained staff will remove plaque build-up and tartar off your cats’ teeth. This service along with regular cat dental care check-ups will contribute in protecting the dental health of your cat and preventing cat dental disease.
Contact Sandhole Vets
Sandhole Vets offer unmatched cat dental care in Snodland. Our veterinary nurses are experts in diagnosing dental disease, creating a bespoke pet plan that works for you and your cat, and will know which medications and exercises to prescribe. Every check-up or appointment your cat has with us at Sandhole Vets they will get a dental examination to ensure we stay up to date with your cat’s dental health and will offer tips and advice to ensure they maintain a healthy teeth. To book your cat in for a dental care appointment or for more information please contact us via the online contact form | Telephone: 01634 242502 | Email:
