Just like humans, cats begin their lives with a set of baby teeth, also known as ‘kitten teeth’. When they eventually fall out, they are replaced with a permanent set of 30 teeth as the cat reaches adulthood. And just like us, their teeth can accumulate plaque, so today we’re explaining four well-known myths about cat teeth care in Idaho Falls.
While most of us are careful about keeping our teeth clean, cat teeth care in Idaho Falls doesn’t always receive the attention it deserves. Keeping your cat’s teeth and gums healthy is an important part of caring for them, so here we examine the truth behind four common myths about your cat’s oral health.
Myth #1: Dental issues are not common in cats.
Some cat owners may be surprised to learn that dental disease is extremely common in both young and older cats. In fact, experts report that roughly 70% of cats experience signs of oral disease by the age of three. Watch your cat for drooling and bad breath, as these are obvious signs of tooth decay and gum disease.
Myth #2: You’ll automatically know if your cat has a dental problem.
Bad breath is a fairly dependable indicator that your cat is suffering from dental disease. But it can be challenging to tell if your pet has a problem, because they are notoriously good at hiding pain.
Drooling, chewing only on one side of the mouth and dropping food are other things to be on the lookout for, but your pet may not show any outward signs of dental disease.
That’s why cat teeth care in Idaho Falls is so important – don’t expect your cat to let you know there’s a problem – take them for dental check-ups at your vet, particularly as they get older. Your yearly check-up will help to identity any dental issues.
Myth #3: It’s very difficult to brush your cat’s teeth.
Brushing your cat’s teeth is the most effective way of preventing dental disease in your pet. You might think your cat won’t like this activity, but it’s possible to brush their teeth without too much trouble. It’s easier to introduce a brushing regime with younger cats, so you’ll probably need a bit of patience and persistence if your pet is older.
Putting some toothpaste on your finger – which is especially designed for cats – and offering it to your cat to lick is a good way to ease them into it as they get used to the flavor. After a few days, you should be able to progress to brushing with a specialized toothbrush and some cat-friendly toothpaste. Get the right teeth brushing equipment for your cat and take the time to establish a dental care routine.
Myth #4: Dry food helps to keep your cat’s teeth clean.
This is a common misconception that probably originates from the fact that wild cats would keep their teeth free from plaque by chewing bones. However, domestic cats usually don’t chew their dry food long enough for it to have an effect on their oral health.
As a treat that will help to keep their teeth and gums healthy, you can occasionally give your cat a bone to chew on. Always give them raw rather than cooked bones, as cooked ones can splinter and cause an injury. But don’t rely on dry food to keep dental disease at bay – if you’re comfortable giving AOL desktop gold support to your cat a bone to chew on can be good for their teeth.
Do you have any tips for good cat teeth care in Idaho Falls? We’d love to hear them! If you have questions or concerns about your cat’s dental health – don’t hesitate – please call our office today to schedule a consultation.
