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Keep your cat’s teeth clean and healthy

Yawn Cat Cats Maul Tired Rest Mackerel Cats Teeth

As many as 85% of our cats aged at least three years have some degree of dental disease. Groomers who get up close to your animals can act as a first alert to a cat’s teeth having possible health issues.

Routine tooth brushing isn’t a feature of many cats’ lives. However, keeping your cat’s teeth clean and healthy is important to protect your cat from tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease.

Indeed, good oral hygiene is fundamental to the continued health of your pet. It is estimated that up to 85% of cats over the age of three have some degree of dental disease, which may or may not be diagnosed.

The signs that may indicate a dental problem include:

  • Bad breath
  • Redness and/or swollen gums
  • Excessive salivation and fur staining.
  • Reluctance to eat or difficulty when eating
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • General malaise
  • Disinterest in play
  • Indications of pain.

If you are aware of any of these symptoms, the advice is to visit your vet as soon as possible.

How to avoid a cat’s teeth suffering from dental disease

Your cat’s teeth should be examined at least every 12 months:  sooner if a problem is suspected. Prevention is a lot easier than treatment and can be achieved by a simple change of diet. Cats that are fed an exclusively wet diet are much more at risk of encountering bacterial build-up and tooth decay problems than those fed on dry biscuits.

Wet food adheres itself to the teeth and leaves soft deposits, while dry food helps erode tartar and plaque keeping these to a minimum.

How to brush a cat’s teeth

It sounds daunting but with a little expert guidance you can do it yourself. However, start by taking your cat to a grooming professional or vet and asking them to demonstrate how best to brush the cat’s teeth.

They may recommend a finger toothbrush to get your cat used to the feel of having something in its mouth. Use a tooth paste that has been specially developed for cats. These tend to have a palatable flavour like chicken or malt. Avoid human toothpastes, as the fluoride can make your cat seriously ill if it is ingested.

finger toothbrushGradually introduce your cat to the toothpaste. Begin with just a small amount on your fingertip and see if your cat will lick it off. Once in a comfortable and relaxed state and familiar with the taste, try inserting your finger along the cat’s gum line. Apply different pressures to gauge your cat’s reaction.

If you are successful, try using the finger toothbrush. They are generally double-sided and slip over the end of your finger like a rubber thimble. Be gentle and start with the teeth that are easiest to reach.

Over time you could move on to a proper toothbrush if a finger toothbrush is insufficient. It may be that trying to manoeuvre a toothbrush in the small, delicate space of your cat’s mouth is too difficult and uncomfortable.

It’s highly likely that your cat will resist or show signs that it’s distressed. If this is the case then break for a few minutes and try again later. All the time talk to your pet in a soothing voice.  When your cat is calm and not fidgeting, reward him or her with lots of praise, back scratches and strokes.

A specially formulated dental treat may also help during the brushing process, or as a daily treat to keep any potential dental disease at bay.

A benefit of having your cat groomed at the Otto & Alice Mobile Grooming Studio is that Louise will regularly look at a cat’s teeth, nails, ears, and eyes for anything out of the ordinary that may need a trip to see a vet.

7th July 2018 10:22 am roger@abstractassociates.co.uk Comments Off on Keep your cat’s teeth clean and healthy

  • Reviews

    Cats, Dogs & Peace of Mind
    Cats, Dogs & Peace of Mind
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    Andrew Young
    Andrew Young
    21:23 19 Feb 18
    CDPOM/ Celebrate Pets are a great bunch of people. They have been looking after our cat for just about every period away from home for the last five years, from single days to a couple of weeks. They are really great with him and no extra seems too large for them from watering the plants to putting the bins out. We always get a text from them so that we know visits have started and comprehensive reports on what he's been like when we're away. Cannot recommend highly enough, completely reliable and they love our cat. What more could you want?
    Helia Lotzfeldt
    Helia Lotzfeldt
    20:14 15 Feb 18
    As a customer for over 7 years and a regular traveller, I have been delighted with the service provided in looking after my home and pets. Easy and simple booking and payment process, prompt responses, and never a problem to arrange care for my cats even at very short notice. I have complete confidence in leaving my home and pets in their hands. They keep me updated while I'm away and even put a pint of milk in the fridge if I'm away for more than a few days.
    Barbara Bobrowicz
    Barbara Bobrowicz
    15:07 24 Feb 18
    We are so pleased we found CDPOM as our cat, Lucy, was so distressed in the cattery. We have been using their services for several years now and have always found them extremely reliable and we are always confident that Lucy is in safe hands. From their reports, she seems to enjoy their visits and always looks well and happy when we return home. In addition, they always ensure that the house is left secure and how we left it. We would highly recommend them.
    Chris Williams
    Chris Williams
    09:28 18 Mar 18
    Louise and all the team at CDPOM have been amazing. I have used them for many years to look after my dog and the team obviously love the animals. They have helped me out at short notice and also kept Molly for longer when I've been delayed. Louise also house sits which give me peace of mind that someone is around when I'm away and less stressful on Molly. Thanks again and cant recommend highly enough.
    Nicolas Grand
    Nicolas Grand
    16:43 03 Apr 18
    So reliable, I would highly recommend Louise and her Cat visiting service. Going away can be quite stressful with cats, as they don't like the disruption of being moved elsewhere, or having strangers in the house. After trying a few things, I realised home visits is really the best way. It was hard to find a reliable service at first, after a few issues in the past, so CDPOM was a godsend. Louise has been looking after my cats for over 10 years, and she has removed the stress out of travelling, as I know my cat will be in good hands with her. Thanks Louise!
    See All Reviews




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