When you think of cat care, it’s likely that you are probably going to think of the basics: food, beds, a litterbox, and, of course, regular visits to our pet clinic. Cats may think of themselves as invincible, but they are vulnerable to many different forms of illness and disease. Just like people, they can also suffer from dental issues, which are both painful and dangerous. A local Saginaw, MI vet goes over some basics of kitty dental care in this article.

What Are The Most Common Dental Issues In Cats?

Cats can develop several different dental issues. Gum disease, or periodontitis, is quite common in them, just as it is with humans and dogs. Fluffy may also develop stomatitis, which is an extremely painful infection of the gums. Our feline pals may also have cracked, broken, or missing teeth; abscesses; and misalignments. Another common issue is tooth resorption.

These issues can be excruciating for cats. They can also be dangerous. There’s not only an option for infections, but your pet could develop internal injuries by swallowing a broken tooth. 

Do Cats Actually Need Dental Care?

Absolutely. This is unfortunately a very often overlooked element of good cat care. If you’ve ever had to deal with a toothache, you know how excruciatingly painful they can be. Infections in the oath are also quite dangerous, due to the proximity of the brain.

It’s also always best to prevent problems, when possible, rather than trying to treat them. Being proactive about your kitty’s oral health can not only protect her from dangerous and painful issues, it will be easier on both of you in the long run.  

What Happens If You Don’t Get Your Cat’s Teeth Cleaned?

Your feline pal could develop one or more of the dental problems we listed above. These can sometimes develop into dangerous infections, and can interfere with your cat’s ability to chew and digest her food. Needless to say, that can be a significant problem to your pet’s health.

Do They Put Cats Under For Teeth Cleaning?

As you can probably guess, trying to clean Fluffy’s teeth while she is awake is, well, pretty risky. Most cats will be put under anesthesia for deep cleanings or other dental procedures. However, your vet will be able to give you specific information after your cat has been diagnosed and evaluated.

What Are The Other Options, Aside From Brushing My Cat’s Teeth?

Kitties can be quite opinionated, and they are notoriously stubborn about avoiding things they don’t like, such as baths. Trying to get your feline pal to accept a toothbrush can be challenging, to say the least. If Fluffy just isn’t having it, you may be better off looking into other options.

• Dental treats are formulated to remove plaque and tartar from Fluffy’s teeth.
• Dental gels can also help keep your cat’s teeth clean and prevent painful dental issues.
• Dental prescription diets may also be an option. Some kitties may benefit from dental-formula food. This will typically be kibble. However, you should never put your pet on any sort of medical diet without talking to your vet.
• Dental flakes can help keep your pet’s teeth clean. These would be sprinkled over your pet’s food.  
• Water additives are another possibility. These are oral rinses for Fluffy’s water.

How Do Cats In The Wild Keep Their Teeth Clean?

Fluffy may be cute and personable, but she’s a predator at heart. In the wild, she would catch mice, birds, and other small animals for her dinner. Chewing on those bones will help keep kitties’ teeth clean in the wild. However, that doesn’t mean this is a good option for pets. Bones—particularly cooked ones—are always a choking risk. They also can transmit dangerous germs.

How Do I Care For My Cat’s Teeth?

Brushing is going to be your best bet here. This will work best if you start while your feline pal is still a kitten. Ideally, little Fluffy will grow up assuming that having her little choppers cleaned is just part of being a pampered pet. You can still teach an adult furball to accept the toothbrush. It just may take a bit longer. 

Start by just gently rubbing your cat’s teeth and gums while you are petting her. To sweeten the deal, offer a little treat after. Praise and ear scritches will also help. Wait until she’s comfortable with this before moving on. The next step is to incorporate a toothbrush. You may want to try finger toothbrushes. You can also just wrap your finger in gauze. Finally, incorporate some kitty toothpaste. You can also try letting Fluffy lick some her toothpaste off your finger. This will help her become familiar with the taste and process. 

Don’t try to force your pet to submit. That will backfire, and may end up making your kitty afraid of you.

Keep in mind that you wouldn’t have to brush Fluffy’s entire mouth at once. Just do one section at a time, and keep rotating. 

What Are Some Of The Signs Of Dental Issues In Cats? 

Our feline friends can’t tell us if they aren’t feeling well. You’ll need to keep a close eye out for signs of sickness. 

• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Drooling
• Reduced appetite  
• Weight loss
• Trouble eating
• Pawing at the mouth
• Visible tartar
• Bleeding, swollen, or red gums
• Loose or missing teeth
• Swelling around the face, jaw, or cheeks
• Not wanting to have face touched
• Behavioral changes
• Grumpiness
• Withdrawal
• Preferring softer food
• Reduced interest in play
• Poor grooming 

Keep in mind that many of these issues can be indicative of a whole slew of medical problems. Contact your Saginaw, MI vet to make an appointment right away if you notice any of these in your feline friend. 

Keep Up With Kitty’s Veterinary Care

One of the most important things that you can do is to keep up with your feline pal’s veterinary care. This isn’t just to monitor your cat’s oral health, but to keep tabs on her overall physical condition. And while your pet would probably rather take yet another nap than come into the veterinary hospital, she will feel much better with that proper care.

How often your pet needs to come in will depend on her age, weight, health, and history. If your feline pal is a kitten, she’ll need to come in a few times during that critical first year. Your pet will require her initial exams. Microchipping and spay/neuter surgery are also on the agenda. Little Fluffy will also need her initial vaccines. The AAHA recommends the following CORE vaccines for cats: FHV-1, FCV, FPV, rabies, and FeLV. Your vet may also recommend some additional, non-core vaccines. You’ll also need to get your kitten started on parasite control.

Once your pet has had all of those initial appointments, she may only need to come in once a year. Down the road, when your feline pal becomes a senior, your vet may advise more frequent appointments. As with people, cats become more vulnerable to certain illnesses and diseases in their senior years.

Of course, no matter how old your pet is or how long it’s been since she came in, you’ll need to keep an eye out for signs of sickness. Some of the common ones include hiding, unkempt fur, respiratory issues, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contact your Saginaw, MI vet immediately if you notice any of these.

Make An Appointment At Our Saginaw, MI Pet Clinic

Do you have questions about your cat’s health or care? Please feel free to contact us anytime. As your local Saginaw, MI pet hospital, we are dedicated to offering top-notch care.