Being a cat owner is a fun and fulfilling experience. They don’t require an awful lot of work. More so, just a lot of cuddles and some cleaning up after.
One of the health issues that arise, more so in older cats, are problems with their teeth. If a problem does arise, it can be painful for your kitty, and cause difficulty eating.
Checking on your cat’s teeth on a regular basis is easier said than done. I’m sure you can imagine the reaction you will get if you try looking into your cat’s mouth.
Unless a cat has been handled and taught to allow their owners to look in their mouths from an early age, it’s going to be very difficult.
if you want to give your cat some oral hygiene to help the longevity of their teeth, you can try to implement this. But due to the likeness of your cat resisting, there are some other options.
How Can I Keep My Cats Teeth Clean?
Cat Dental Gel
There are a few dental gels on the market that are designed for cats. They are safe, and designed to be as easy to use as possible.
The gels contain enzymes and other safe chemicals that kill those germs that can cause harmful damage to teeth and gums over time.
Gel’s are for cats that will not let you spend time using a brush on their teeth. Or resist allowing you to have a good look in their mouth.
All you have to do is apply some gel to the cat’s teeth. This is usually fairly easy to do if you disguise some head fussing in there.
Always read the instructions carefully, and if you have any concerns have a word with your vet. The cat’s safety and comfort needs to be your first priority.
Cat Dental Chews and Treats
I don’t know about you, but I have never met a cat that didn’t like a kitty treat. Next time you’re buying treats, look for the dental formula ones.
By eating these specially formulated treats, or chewing on the chews, your cat is giving their teeth a clean. Chipping away at plaque and any other build-up of harmful bacteria.
Don’t just buy any old dental treats though. Take a look around online for a good recommendation, or buy some from your vet’s office.
Cheaper treats and chews are sometimes loaded with sugars and preservatives. Which although are very tasty for the cat, they can do just as much damage as good.
Cat Dental Wipes
Dental wipes are fairly easy to use, and most owners get on ok with them. You have to wrap them around your fingers and wipe them on your cat’s teeth.
It’s certainly a lot easier than trying to brush them. I have heard a lot of people say that it was easy to do with their cat. Even with some fidgety ones.
The easiest way it probably late in the evening when your cat is settling down on your lap. Work the head fussing, then as you stroke their chin try wiping a couple of times and see how it goes down.
Have Chew Toys That Your Cat Enjoys
Chewing toys is probably the most basic and useful way to keep a cat’s teeth in good working order. This is usually enough for most people, and has been used for some time.
Again, buying a quality product is recommended. They last a lot longer than cheaper toys, make less mess, and do a better job with your cat’s teeth.
If you’re finding it difficult to get your cat to chew on a toy, maybe try one laced with catnip. Or find a good interactive toy that encourages them to hunt and play.
This way you cover more than one purpose. You clean their teeth, they have fun, you have some entertainment, and it’s all done with little or no effort from you.
Cat Dental Water Additives
This is a lesser known way to add some dental care into your cat’s diet. It’s very easy, and your cat may never even know you’re doing it.
Basically, you add some of the supplement additive into their water bowl. It works much like the dental gel product, but obviously is a lot easier as you don’t need to use your fingers.
There are some drawbacks to using this method. You will need to actually see you cat drinking the water to know they have drank it.
Cats can drink irregularly, and often find a water source outside. They are also very good at detecting anything suspicious.
It’s not unheard of for a cat to know their water has an additive. Then avoid drinking it, which is, of course, a disaster.
Cat Dental Food Formulas
There are a lot of cat foods designed to have extra dental protection and formulas. Manufactures have come a long way in recent years, and there are some great products on the market.
Look for food that states it targets tartar and plaque build-up. There are specially formulated additives and ingredients that do a good job, and makes your job a lot easier.
If you are unsure of which food is the best for you cat, vet’s practices should always be happy to recommend a brand.
If you’re making a change with your cat’s diet so this very carefully. Make small and slow changes, and keep an eye on your cat. Make sure they do not stop eating because they have a problem with the food.
In Summary
Although cleaning your cat’s teeth on a regular basis isn’t always going to be necessary. Checking your cat’s teeth periodically is.
You should keep an eye out for any problems. Either visible, or by the way your cat is acting. It’s more important the older your cat gets.
If you find it difficult getting access to see your cat’s teeth, hopefully some of these recommendations in this article will help.
There are several ways to administer treatments. I’m sure you will find one that works.