Everyone knows there’s nothing like a kitty with knockout halitosis. While your purrfect friend may not be aware that this impacts close-up cuddles, the more notable aspect is that this could indicate a serious health problem.
Just as with humans, good dental maintenance is vital for your cat’s ongoing health and happiness. That means regularly checking the state of their teeth and gums to ensure they’re in tip-top shape.
Most domestic cats eat differently from their ancestral diets, which included chewing on bones and grass in the wild. That’s why cat grass remains an all-time hit for felines looking to clean their pearly whites and remove unpleasant plaque from their teeth. These earthy fibrers basically scrub the teeth and act much like nature’s toothbrush.
Cats have two sets of teeth – as kittens they have 26 deciduous teeth, also known as primary or milk teeth; while adults have 30 permanent teeth. It’s quite a mouthful, so chomping on some fresh grass is a treat all cats deserve!
Surprisingly, teeth problems are said to occur in eight out of 10 cats over the age of three, making dental care an important part of being a cat owner.
Neglecting your cat's oral health can lead to periodontal diseases, gingivitis, and even fractured teeth. Dental disease causes various issues for our furry friends, and decay and inflammation compound the situation, triggering pain and immune system distress.
If left untreated this can result in severe health complications. So, it's best to prevent dental disease with proper at-home care and routine exams at the vet.
Warning signs to look out for:
- Bad breath
- Irritated or bleeding gums
- Oral pain
- Reduced appetite
- Inability to eat
- Loose teeth
- Tooth discolouration
- Drooling or difficulty swallowing
- Pawing at their face
- Weight changes
Your cat’s teeth should be clean, white, and free of chipping with healthy pink gums.
Some options to preserve your feline’s cherished choppers include brushing them regularly; feeding dental treats or a dental diet; using appropriate cat antiseptic and antibacterial water additives; or providing cat dental toys.
The overall aim being to reduce plaque and tartar build-up and freshen
their breath while scrubbing teeth clean with wholesome fibres.
Keep in mind that not all cats show signs of dental disease, so regular checks are vital - especially for older cats. If in doubt, seek professional advice. Another great way to take care of your cat or kittens' health is by providing them with cat grass. Cat grass has been shown to have many nutritious benefits for cats, especially indoor cats. Check out thecatladies.com for the leader in cat grass products!
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