Taking care of animals for the first time is an exciting point for everyone who wants a pet for their family. If you are a fan of felines, you may adopt a kitten or an adult cat from a shelter to love. But, what should you do as a first time owner of cats? Cat owners must be responsible for their dental health, like visiting a dentist for pets and home owned animals. It is more dangerous to have a pet without rabies vaccination due to the different bacteria composition for animals.
Many pets need to keep their teeth and mouth clean from any bacteria. We have recommendations, tips, and expert’s advice on how to brush cat teeth for beginner owners. Also to us pet owners, we need to maintain our oral health by following instructions from a dentist in Pyrmont at Sydney Laser Dental Care.
Do Cats Need Regular Dental Hygiene?
Cats love to lick their bodies to clean their fur with natural enzymes. These are involuntary actions that animals do to protect their health. But, debunking the myth that cats don’t need dental hygiene is necessary to prevent periodontal (gum) diseases. According to expert studies, 50% to 90% of cats suffer from gingivitis, periodontitis, and even tooth loss. Cats need regular dental care to provide a high quality of life and keep them happy.
Symptoms When To Brush Your Cat’s Teeth
How should you know if your cat needs dental assistance? Many beginner owners may not have an idea of how to brush teeth. But, consider comparing the dental hygiene of humans and pets. Even if you don’t see any of these symptoms, you may start brushing your cat’s teeth as early as a kitten. However, protect your hands by using gloves or train them earlier.
- Sticky Yellow Substance In Their Gum Line
- Bleeding Or Swelling Gums
- Redness In Gum Line
- Tartar Build-Up (Brown Spots On Teeth)
- Food Debris Stuck In Between Teeth And Gums
How To Brush Cat Teeth: A Beginner’s Guide
Are you ready to become a cat mom or cat dad? If you want your furry feline to appreciate your loving gesture, make sure you follow these simple guidelines. Also, don’t forget to call your veterinary specialist for any problems or symptoms of bleeding or swelling of their teeth.
Steps For Brushing Cat Teeth
Decide where to brush your cat’s teeth. It is ideal for brushing their teeth and gums in a quiet place that is sealed off to prevent escape. - Use a counter, table, or the floor with a towel or blanket underneath to prevent scratching these surfaces.
- Dip a cotton Q-tip (cotton swab) in water with fish-flavored food (tuna, salmon, mackerel), and position your cat’s head in a 45 – degree angle.
- Afterward, gently rub the Q-tip on the gums, touching the teeth, also called the gingival margin. Don’t force to rub the swab on the whole mouth.
- Finally, if your cat is familiar with these early training habits, start introducing cleaning with a toothbrush.
Questions About Cat’s Dental Health:
Dental health doesn’t stop on preventative dentistry. It would be best if you considered all aspects of owning a pet before having one. Want to know more about the cat’s oral care? You can visit dental websites for pets especially cats to have the knowledge on how to maintain their oral health. Besides that, here are a few common questions from cat owners like you!
- Do Cats Need A Special Toothpaste?
Yes. Most kinds of toothpaste designed for the oral care of humans may have materials that wouldn’t be healthy for animals. Several products for cats, dogs, and other animals that need to brush their teeth may contain friendly ingredients to avoid harming their tongue and mouth. Also, don’t use home remedies for pets, particularly baking soda or salt water. Ensure that you are prolonging your cat’s life by following a feline-friendly oral care solution.
- Can Dental Sticks Prevent Cavities?
Are dental sticks effective in reducing cavities and plaque? Vets mention that dental chews don’t prevent dental diseases per se, but it can also help produce saliva, which washes food debris. Just like a dog that enjoys a dental stick, you can also purchase this item soon.
- Do Cats Need Regular Professional Dental Treatment?
Visiting your vet apart from a regular checkup may include dental health concerns. If you are an owner that wants to prevent periodontitis or other gum diseases for your pet cat or dog, schedule an appointment for any symptoms.
Tips For Easier Brushing And Mouth Cleaning
Since you’re already aware of how to brush cat teeth, you may also benefit from tips to help their overall health condition.
If you have a kitten, train them earlier
Cats that are familiar with training and positive reinforcement can also reward you with a behaved cat. Contrary to what most people think, cats are also playful and want some quality time with you. Many cats just need a longer time to rest due to their crepuscular behavior. Animals that belong in the cat family tend to hunt at twilight or at night time.
Hence, a feline may sleep from four to seven hours if they are more active when humans are asleep. Energy conservation is essential for your pet, so don’t work them up and have the constant exercise to release their energy. Releasing these energies can help them become calmer when brushing or cleaning their tooth or gum lines.
Watch their body language
Cats tend to have weird behavior and can express stress through scratching, biting, or clawing. If you see your cat standing upright or want to escape your grip, let them go. It may even cause more injuries for you and your cat when you struggle together. Also, if you show nervousness or stress when handling your pet, you can expect them to reflect this behavior as well.
If you don’t know how to handle your pet, you can ask a professional trainer or watch videos online for professional instructions. However, don’t forget to ask questions from your veterinarian for the best advice.
Always visit your veterinarian for dental advice
The best way to brush cat teeth for new pet owners is to visit a vet clinic simply. It is not suitable to do DIY treatments at home, particularly for pets with cuts or accidents from eating food. If you see any dental problems from an injury, visit your local vet clinic right away.
