How To Have Good Dental Care For Your Cat

February is National Pet Dental Health Month

It is time to talk dental care for your cat! As people, it is recommended that we see a dentist every six months. We are also told to brush our teeth twice daily and floss. So, what about your cat? Do you have to do anything for their dental health? Well, the month of February is dedicated to the awareness and importance of dental care for pets! There are lots of free resources provided by veterinarians and veterinary associations during this month. Dental care for your cat is very important, and we will touch on why, signs that your cat may need dental care, and ways to help prevent dental disease.

Importance Of Dental Care For Your Cat:

Did you know that by the age of 3 years old, up to 70-80% of cats have some form of periodontal disease? How does this happen? First, periodontal disease is a progressive disease that causes inflammation of the gums. This begins when the bacteria in your cat’s mouth forms plaque. The minerals in cat saliva can harden the plaque, which now forms tartar. Tartar spreads down below the gum line and disrupts the supporting structures of the tooth. This can lead to things such as gum recession, bone loss, loose teeth, tooth infections, or even a fractured jaws.

Proper health care is key for prevention of many health issues, and dental diseases are no different! Many dental related issues can be prevented by implementing good dental care for your cat early in their life. It is always best to work on preventing the problem than having to treat the problem.

What Other Health Issues Come From Bad Dental Hygiene?:

The bacteria in your cat’s mouth can actually enter their bloodstream and lead to other illnesses. This infection can spread to your cat’s kidneys, liver, and even heart. These secondary bacterial infections can cause serious damage to your cat’s internal organs and cause them to become very ill and need extensive veterinary care.

Signs Your Cat May Have Dental Issues:

• Bad Breath
• Red and inflamed gums
• Loose or broken teeth
• Discolored teeth
• Drooling excessively
• Bleeding from mouth
• Sensitive or painful when you touch their mouth or teeth
• Dropping their food or abnormal chewing
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss

What Happens If Your Cat Needs A Dental Cleaning?:

If your cat has a more advanced stage of periodontal disease, a dental cleaning by your veterinarian will most likely be recommended. This procedure is similar to routine dental checks with our own dentists. The veterinarian will do an oral exam, scale and polish the teeth, and possibly take dental x-rays. There is one difference though, and that is that our cats require anesthesia to have this done.

For people, we know what is being done and can communicate with our dentist any pain or issues we may have. Your pet cannot do this and does not understand the process. Anesthesia will help make the situation less stressful for them and allow the veterinarian to clean the teeth more effectively and get below the gum line. Also, if radiographs are needed, your cat will have to stay very still, which can be difficult for them, especially if stressed. 

Of course, there are risks with anesthesia, just as with people. Your veterinarian will address these with you beforehand, so be sure to ask them any questions. A routine dental cleaning is fairly quick and your pet will go home the same day. If there are any health related concerns to your cat from the procedure, your vet may recommend you to a broad certified veterinary dentist or to a place where there is a broad certified anesthesiologist.

Prevention Is Key:

• Routine health checks at your vet

  • Most dental diseases occur below the gum line, where we cannot see them. This is why your cat should be having a check up with a veterinarian at least once a year (just like us people). During this yearly exam, the vet will check your cat’s teeth. This is also a great time to ask them for any tips they have, as they are the professionals. We recommend discussing any concerns with your vet before making any changes to your pet’s health care.

• Brush your cat’s teeth

  • In order to start brushing your cat’s teeth, you need 3 things:
    • A pet toothbrush – the angled ones work best. We use this one.
    • Pet toothpaste – Do not use human toothpastes can cause upset stomachs in cats. We use this one for cats. 
    • Yummy treats
  • Next, you will want to set a routine, as by nature, cats love routines. This will help them understand that it is time to have their teeth brush, which can help relieve some stress associated with the process.
  • Brushing their teeth daily is ideal, but understandably not always feasible. Even brushing once a week can help improve your cat’s dental health. Doing something is better than nothing at all!
  • Positive reinforcement is the most effective way to train cats with any situation. Training them to enjoy getting their teeth can be done with clicker training. Check out our article on clicker training here to help get started if you are not familiar with it.
  • Always make sure your cat is comfortable. If they are stressed out, stop the session and try again a different day or use a different approach. You can even try a different flavor or toothpaste to see if that will help entice them.