365VET explains why dental care is so important for your cat...
365VET know how much people cherish their feline friends, that’s why we’ve teamed up with them to bring you this blog all about cat oral hygiene. You probably have an excellent oral hygiene routine for yourself, but does your cat?
It’s easy to overlook dental care but it plays a crucial role in your cat's overall well-being. Help to eradicate the risk of your cat having any dental problems by following these useful tips.
Why cat dental care is so important
Untreated dental problems can cause severe health issues. Bacteria can spread to organs and cause potentially life-threatening infections. Dental problems can be prevalent in cats of all ages, from kittens to senior cats. Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gum inflammation, tooth decay, bad breath, and even tooth loss.
No one wants their cat to be in pain, and no one wants to smell bad cat breath first thing in the morning… or ever.
How to recognise dental issues in cats
It’s important to be vigilant and look for signs of dental problems in your cat. The common indicators are bad breath that won’t go after brushing. It can also be swollen or bleeding gums, a reluctance to eat, pawing at the mouth or appearing unhappy and excessive drooling. If you notice these signs it’s crucial you speak to your vet so your cat can be treated promptly.
365VET offer a wide range of dental care products, their top recommendations to help maintain your cat's oral hygiene are:
Cat Toothpaste and Toothbrush:
Brushing your cat's teeth a minimum of three times a week is recommended. 365VET offer a seafood-flavoured toothpaste and finger brush that are specifically designed with cat oral hygiene in mind.
If your cat likes the toothpaste and will allow you to brush their teeth without too much drama, try and incorporate it into your daily routine. Be sure you don’t use toothpaste formulated for humans as this can be harmful to pets. For cats who hate having their teeth brushed you may want to look out for cat dental wipes. A quick and easy alternative, whilst not as thorough as a toothbrush will help to eradicate some of the potential plaque buildup.
Oral Rinse:
Rinse your cat's mouth after every meal or as often as your veterinarian recommends. The rinse helps to combat harmful bacteria that can build up along your cat's gum line. Don’t use regular mouthwash designed for humans, this is dangerous for cats and they won’t thank you for it.
PlaqueOff Powder
You can add PlaqueOff powder to your cat's regular meals. It’s a natural feed supplement containing only specially selected seaweed. When used daily it is clinically proven to help reduce bad breath, plaque, and tartar. To ensure it doesn’t get in the way of your cat's usual appetite, brewers yeast has been added, this is an ingredient that cats love. Please be aware that this product is not recommended for cats undergoing treatment for hyperthyroidism.
You may also wish to add Detagen to your cat's water, this will help to maintain healthy teeth in both cats and dogs. Containing an anti-plaque compound to keep your cats breath fresh.
You can also try interactive dental toys, these will keep your cat entertained but also assist in keeping their teeth clean by reducing plaque and tartar buildup.
We know how important it is to care for your cat's dental health and now you do too. Incorporating regular dental care into your cat's routine, especially by using the high-quality products from 365VET will boost the overall health of your cat. Ensuring they live a long, happy, healthy, and pain-free life. A small change in routine can save your cat from having significant health issues in the future. So, give your cat the dental care they deserve.
For any further information on cat dental care, don’t hesitate to ask the 365VET friendly team members any questions you have. You can contact them at 01829 734980.