Seeing your cat enthusiastically crunching through their food or playing with their favourite toy can bring you great joy, but as your cat gets older it’s important to look after their oral health so that they can continue to enjoy life with the same vigour.
Dental disease is one of the biggest problems that vets come across, and in many cats the start of dental issues is already present by the age of three. There are lots of things you can do to help keep your cat’s teeth healthy.
Why do cats get dental problems?
Your cat can’t brush their teeth so pieces of food can remain on their teeth after they’ve eaten a meal. When this debris isn’t removed properly, it can form plaque on your cat’s teeth. Over time, plaque can turn into a hard substance called tartar, which is more difficult to remove.
There are several ways that you can help your cat keep plaque and tartar under control. We like to call it the 3 D’s of dental hygiene:
- Daily brushing. Brushing your cat’s teeth can be tricky, but if you do it from a young age it’s a ritual they’ll soon get used to. If your cat eats wet food then brushing is particularly important. Use a small, special brush and, if you want to use toothpaste, only use one that’s been specially designed for cats. Make sure you reward your cat with plenty of attention after brushing.
- Dry diet. Feeding your cat dry food can help to keep their teeth clean as the motion of the kibble around the mouth will scrub against the teeth, helping to reduce tartar build up. Look out for added teeth-cleaning minerals in your cat’s food to help keep those teeth clean and healthy.
- Dental check-up. Your cat should see a vet once or twice a year for a regular check-up. Make sure that a thorough dental check is included to keep on top of any potential issues that might be building up.
How to tell if your cat has toothache
Your cat lets you know a lot about how they’re feeling through the way they behave. And where dental disease is concerned, it’s no different. So how does a cat tell you that they have toothache? There’s quite a few ways:
- Difficulty Eating or Chewing
- Excessive Chewing
- Pawing at the Mouth
- Irritability
- Depression
- Bad breath
Of course many these symptoms could mean any number of things, so it’s always important to take your pet to the vet if you’re concerned about their health.
By following these simple steps, you can help to keep your cat’s teeth healthy, so they can enjoy every tasty bite for years to come.